Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a soft, buttery cake base swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With a quick preparation and baking time, they deliver all the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll without the fuss of rolling dough.
Ingredients
Scale
Bar Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined for a smooth batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Spread half batter: Evenly spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, creating a base layer for your bars.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to create the signature cinnamon swirl topping.
- Layer cinnamon mixture: Spoon the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter layer in the pan.
- Top with remaining batter and swirl: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer, then use a knife to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.
- Bake bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool bars: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting, ensuring the frosting doesn’t melt.
- Prepare frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then add milk a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter for frosting are softened for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the bars tender.
- For deeper cinnamon flavor, you can sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top before swirling.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bars can be warmed slightly in the microwave before serving for a freshly-baked taste.
