Experience the comforting, sweet aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls in a simple, sliceable bar form with these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. Soft, buttery layers of cinnamon-infused dough are topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, creating a decadent breakfast treat or dessert that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or easy party desserts, these bars combine the indulgent flavor of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of bars. Each bite delivers a warm cinnamon swirl, a hint of brown sugar sweetness, and creamy frosting that makes them utterly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Easy to make – All the flavor of a cinnamon roll without the hassle of rolling dough.
-
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike adore the sweet, soft texture.
-
Perfect for brunch or dessert – Works for morning or evening indulgence.
-
Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepped in advance and stored.
-
Swirl of cinnamon goodness – Brown sugar and cinnamon topping creates irresistible layers.
-
Creamy frosting – Smooth cream cheese glaze elevates the bars to bakery-level indulgence.
Ingredient Breakdown
-
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, buttery base.
-
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes slightly in the oven for a golden top.
-
Egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for soft bars.
-
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving warmth and depth.
-
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure for a soft yet sturdy bar.
-
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise lightly, keeping the texture airy.
-
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
-
Ground Cinnamon: Creates the signature warm, spicy swirl.
-
Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy glaze that complements the cinnamon topping.
-
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting.
Pro Tips
-
Room Temperature Ingredients – Use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing and easy spreading.
-
Even Swirling – Gently swirl the cinnamon topping with a knife; avoid overmixing to keep distinct streaks.
-
Cooling Matters – Let bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
-
Use Parchment Paper – Lining the pan makes slicing easier and keeps edges neat.
-
Check Doneness – Bars are ready when lightly golden on top and edges slightly pull away from the pan.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
-
Flour Options: Substitute ½ cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier texture.
-
Sweetener Variations: Use coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different flavor profile.
-
Spice Twist: Add cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon for a holiday-inspired twist.
-
Frosting Flavors: Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract into the cream cheese glaze.
-
Add-ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or sugar-free chocolate chips into the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
-
Slice into squares and serve on a decorative platter for brunch or tea time.
-
Pair with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate for a cozy morning treat.
-
Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert-worthy presentation.
-
Serve warm for soft, gooey bites, or chilled for firmer bars with a creamy frosting layer.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
-
Refrigeration – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Slice before storing to maintain cream cheese frosting texture.
-
Freezing – Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
-
Prep Ahead – Assemble the base and cinnamon swirl ahead of time; bake and frost the next day.
-
Quick Serving – Bars can be served straight from the fridge or slightly warmed in the oven for a soft, melty experience.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Cinnamon rolls have been beloved across cultures for centuries, particularly in Scandinavian and American traditions. By transforming them into bars, this recipe makes the classic pastry easier to share, bake, and enjoy at home. The cream cheese glaze is a nod to the modern American-style cinnamon roll, elevating the flavor and texture for indulgent enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.
2. Can I use light cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese creates a creamier, richer frosting. Light versions may be slightly less smooth.
3. How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?
Drizzle the swirl over thick dough and gently swirl without overmixing. Ensure dough is spread evenly in the pan.
4. Can these bars be made vegan?
Use vegan butter, a plant-based cream cheese, and a flax egg in place of the regular egg. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.
5. How do I store leftover bars without frosting getting sticky?
Store unfrosted bars separately from the glaze, then frost before serving. Alternatively, chill fully before covering to keep frosting firm.
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper or grease lightly with non-stick spray.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until dough forms.
- Spread dough evenly into prepared pan with spatula or hands.
- In a small bowl, stir brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Drizzle over dough and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake 22–25 minutes until golden and set. Cool completely in the pan.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars. Chill 30 minutes before slicing into squares.