I love a dessert that smells like warmth and feels like a hug. Indulge in Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Today! is that kind of treat. I test this recipe until it feels easy and sure for busy days and small parties.
My dad James always asked for a larger pan when I made sweets. I still think of him when I pull these from the oven and hear the soft cinnamon sigh.
Your Ingredients List
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounce cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
My Go-To Equipment
I use simple tools that I trust. A 9×13 baking pan gives these bars the right size and bake time. I use a hand mixer to make the batter light and a rubber spatula to get every bit of batter into the pan. A sharp knife helps me swirl and cut neat squares. For more notes on the original method I often check my own write up of the full Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars recipe to compare bake times and tips.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Beat the soft butter and granulated sugar until light.
- Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk.
- Stir until the batter is just combined.
- Spread half the batter in the pan.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Stir in the melted butter until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mix over the base batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top.
- Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon through the batter.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick is clean.
- Cool the bars completely on a wire rack.
- Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix well.
- Add milk one tablespoon at a time until spreadable.
- Spread frosting on the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I like small swaps that keep the soul of this treat but add a touch of health. Try half whole wheat flour with all-purpose for more fiber. You can use a bit less granulated sugar in the batter and add a touch more brown sugar in the swirl so the flavor stays rich. Swap half the butter in the swirl for applesauce to cut fat but keep moisture. For the frosting, I sometimes cut the powdered sugar by a quarter and add more cream cheese for tang and fewer empty calories. These small changes keep the bars cozy and a bit kinder to a hungry afternoon.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I like to warm a square for 10 seconds in the microwave to soften the frosting and wake the spices. A scoop of plain vanilla ice cream makes these feel like a special treat for guests. For brunch, I serve a plate with fresh berries and a strong cup of coffee. For kids, I cut the bars small and wrap them for lunch boxes. If you like a fruity twist, serve the bars with a simple apple compote. I also pair these with my other morning treats like my banana bread cinnamon roll idea for a warm brunch table.
Getting It Just Right
I watch a few small points to get a perfect bar every time. Do not overmix the batter or the bars will be dense. Spread the batter gently so the swirl stays neat. Use room temperature eggs and butter so the batter whips light. If your oven runs hot, check the bars five minutes early so they do not dry out. Let the bars cool fully before you frost them so the frosting does not melt into the cake. I test the center with a toothpick and I also press lightly on the top; it should spring back a little.
How to Store Leftovers
I store the bars in a shallow airtight box at room temperature for up to two days. If you live in a warm place, keep them in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving. Freeze squares in a single layer on a tray until firm, then wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm for a few seconds in the microwave before serving. When you frost only what you plan to eat in a day, the frosting stays fresh and bright.
Enjoy Every Moment
I like to make a pan the evening before a small get together. The house smells warm and simple, and the next morning the bars taste even better. I watch people smile when they take the first bite. That is my best reward.
A Few Common Questions
Can I make Indulge in Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Today! ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the bars a day ahead and keep them unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost them the day you serve for the best look. If you need to make them further ahead, freeze the unfrosted bars and thaw before frosting.
Can I change the frosting for Indulge in Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Today!?
Yes. I sometimes swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk. That keeps the flavor but cuts the richness. You can also add a little lemon zest to the frosting for a bright note.
How do I keep the swirl in the bars for Indulge in Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Today!?
Work gently when you add the cinnamon mix and the top batter. Drop the cinnamon mix in spoonfuls and add the top batter with a spatula. Use a knife to make a few slow swirls. Do not over swirl or the batter will even out and the contrast will fade.
Print
Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm and cozy cinnamon roll bliss bars that are perfect for busy days and small gatherings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Beat the soft butter and granulated sugar until light.
- Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk.
- Stir until the batter is just combined.
- Spread half the batter in the pan.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Stir in the melted butter until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mix over the base batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top.
- Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon through the batter.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the bars completely on a wire rack.
- Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix well.
- Add milk one tablespoon at a time until spreadable.
- Spread frosting on the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For a healthier twist, consider using half whole wheat flour and substituting some butter with applesauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, dessert, baking, bliss bars