If you have a soft spot for the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, fuss-free treat, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe. It captures everything that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible—warm cinnamon, tender buttery dough, and a sweet glaze—but in a simple bar form that’s perfect for sharing or grabbing on the go. These bars bake up beautifully golden and soft with just the right hint of cinnamon spice, finishing with a luscious glaze that ties the whole experience together in pure bliss. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a dessert that feels like a warm hug, this recipe will quickly become a new favorite in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe comes from using simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. From the comforting warmth of cinnamon to the rich, buttery notes and the sweet, creamy glaze, every component works harmoniously to create a bar that’s soft, flavorful, and utterly inviting.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of your bars, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a nice crust on top.
- Baking Powder: Gives a gentle lift for a light, fluffy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add a tender lift.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the batter.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for the glaze, giving a smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your bars bake evenly and release easily when ready. Having your pan prepped early sets you up for smooth sailing throughout the rest of the process.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until everything is well combined. This blend is where the enticing warm cinnamon flavor begins to build, and evenly distributing the baking powder and salt helps the bars rise beautifully with the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Melt the butter gently and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when added. Stir in the melted butter to the dry mix before beating in the eggs one at a time. Finish by adding the vanilla extract. Mixing carefully at this stage ensures a smooth batter that will bake up tender and soft, just like a cinnamon roll should.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then, mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon to create that irresistible cinnamon swirl topping. Sprinkle this crumbly mixture over the batter — it will caramelize as it bakes, giving you that perfect cinnamon roll vibe in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll see the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown while the center stays delightfully soft. Let the bars cool completely before moving to the next step to ensure the glaze goes on smoothly.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Spread this luscious glaze over the cooled bars—it adds a gorgeous sheen and that quintessential sweet finish that makes this Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe so irresistible. The glaze melts slightly into the bars, enhancing every bite with a creamy sugary touch.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are fantastic on their own, you can elevate them by adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch, or a light dusting of extra cinnamon on top just before serving for an aromatic boost. A few freshly shredded coconut flakes can also add a fun texture contrast if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these for breakfast or brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a simple bowl of mixed berries. The bright, juicy fruit cuts through the sweetness of the bars and adds a refreshing counterpoint. A cup of rich coffee or spiced chai complements the cinnamon notes perfectly, making your meal utterly comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation at gatherings, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter with wooden toothpicks, turning them into easy-to-grab finger foods. Alternatively, layer the bars in a trifle dish with whipped cream and sliced apples or pears for a stunning cinnamon roll-inspired dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave to enjoy fresh-baked bliss anytime you want.
Reheating
To refresh the bars after storage or freezing, heat them in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive the soft texture and enhance the cinnamon aroma. Avoid overheating as that can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your bars a nuttier flavor and denser texture. You might want to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for the best balance of softness and healthfulness.
What if I don’t have ground cinnamon on hand?
Cinnamon is key to this recipe’s signature flavor, but if you’re out, you can try a mix of ground nutmeg and allspice as a substitute. It won’t be quite the same, but will still add a lovely warm spice note.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the ingredients to fill two 9×13 pans works great. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it might take a few extra minutes, and always test with a toothpick.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that bonds well in baking. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the bars?
Definitely! Stir in a half cup of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor. It’s a delightful way to customize your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe to your liking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do to try this Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe in your kitchen. It’s a wonderfully easy way to enjoy all those heartwarming cinnamon roll flavors without the fuss of rolling dough or waiting hours to rise. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself any day of the week, these bars bring a little slice of sweet comfort straight from the oven. I can’t wait for you to taste this blissful combination and make it a regular in your baking rotation—it’s sure to brighten your mornings and sweeten your afternoons.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars offer the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make bar form. These bars combine a soft, cinnamon-spiced batter with a crumbly cinnamon topping and a sweet vanilla glaze, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl Topping:
- Unsalted Butter, melted (amount estimated about ¼ cup)
- Sugar (estimated ¼ cup)
- Cinnamon (estimated 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs later.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients, then mix in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared greased baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Topping: Mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon together until it forms a crumbly texture, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before adding the glaze.
- Make Glaze: Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Frost Bars: Once the bars are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the vanilla glaze evenly over the top.
Notes
- The cinnamon swirl topping ingredients were estimated based on typical ratios as they were not explicitly given.
- Ensure the butter used for the batter is cooled before adding eggs to prevent curdling.
- For a richer glaze, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter to the powdered sugar mixture if desired.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Warm slightly before serving to soften glaze and enhance flavor.
