If you’re looking for a sweet, indulgent treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a bar, Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the perfect solution. These bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon, topped with a rich cream cheese glaze that melts in your mouth. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are inspired by classic cinnamon rolls but with a twist. Instead of waiting for dough to rise and carefully rolling it out, these bars give you all the same flavors and textures in a simplified, easy-to-make form. The base is a soft and chewy cinnamon-flavored blondie, swirled with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze. The result is a treat that’s sweet, rich, and bursting with the comforting taste of cinnamon.
Cinnamon-flavored desserts are always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon creates a deep, warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re serving these bars at a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or just as a treat for yourself, they are guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the Perfect Treat
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars offer all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with none of the hassle. Traditional cinnamon rolls require time for the dough to rise, careful rolling and cutting, and precise baking. These bars, on the other hand, come together quickly and bake in a single pan, making them much more convenient to prepare.
The rich, buttery blondie base is packed with brown sugar and cinnamon, giving it a deep caramel-like flavor. The cinnamon sugar swirl creates a gooey, spiced center that mimics the filling of a cinnamon roll. Finally, the cream cheese glaze adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the bars.
These bars are also incredibly versatile. You can make them ahead of time and store them for a quick snack or dessert throughout the week. They travel well, making them perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings. Plus, they are easy to customize with additional flavors and toppings.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
To make these delicious and indulgent bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Make the Blondie Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Drizzle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the blondie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
4. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars will continue to set as they cool.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
6. Glaze the Bars:
Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Slice and Serve:
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are delicious at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Why This Recipe Works
The rich, buttery blondie base provides a chewy, soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cinnamon swirl. The cream cheese glaze adds a creamy sweetness that balances the spiced flavors of the cinnamon. By using melted butter, the bars have a soft and dense texture that stays moist for days.
The swirl technique ensures that every bite has a burst of cinnamon flavor, similar to the center of a cinnamon roll. The glaze ties everything together with its rich, tangy sweetness, making these bars completely irresistible.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing the butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smooth batter and even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Swirl Gently: When creating the cinnamon swirl, avoid overmixing. You want visible streaks of cinnamon throughout the bars.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting into the bars.
- Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Use Different Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter variation, fold in white or dark chocolate chips.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter, the eggs with flax eggs, and the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple additions:
- With Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or spiced chai tea.
- With Ice Cream: Warm the bars slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bars up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a bar. The rich, buttery blondie base, gooey cinnamon swirl, and tangy cream cheese glaze create a dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try them today and experience the blissful taste of cinnamon roll heaven!