Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a mouthwatering dessert that combines the warm, spiced flavors of a cinnamon roll with the decadent texture of a cheesecake-like filling. These bars have a soft, buttery crust, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a creamy topping that’s sure to transport you to cinnamon roll heaven in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat for any occasion, these bars are simple to make and even easier to devour. Whether served warm out of the oven or chilled, they offer the irresistible flavor and comfort of cinnamon rolls without the effort of making individual rolls. It’s the ideal way to satisfy your cinnamon roll cravings in bar form, combining the best of both worlds in one easy-to-serve dessert.

The History of Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Cinnamon rolls have been a beloved comfort food for centuries, with origins dating back to Sweden, where they were known as “kanelbullar.” These sticky, sweet pastries made their way across Europe and later to America, where they became a staple of breakfast and brunch menus. The idea of turning cinnamon rolls into bars is a modern twist that has gained popularity in the last few decades, especially as people look for ways to simplify beloved recipes. Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, in particular, offer a more approachable, less time-consuming alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls. By using a simple bar format, bakers can achieve the same rich, cinnamon-sugar goodness with less prep work, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or as a convenient dessert option.

Ingredients Breakdown
For the crust: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – forms the base of the bars, giving them structure. ½ cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness to the crust. 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the crust rise slightly for a soft, tender texture. ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances the flavors in the crust. ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – gives the crust its richness and buttery flavor. 1 large egg – binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
For the cinnamon swirl: ¼ cup granulated sugar – provides the sweetness for the cinnamon mixture. 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – the main flavor of the bars, adding warmth and spice.
For the cream cheese filling: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – creates a rich, creamy layer in the bars. ¼ cup granulated sugar – sweetens the cream cheese filling. 1 large egg – helps set the filling. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth to the cream cheese filling.
For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar – sweetens and thickens the glaze. 1-2 tablespoons milk – helps thin the glaze to the right consistency. ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the flavor of the glaze.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and egg, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the crust.
4. For the cream cheese filling, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cinnamon-sugar layer in the pan.
5. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon-sugar and cream cheese layers together, creating a marbled effect.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges. The center should not jiggle when gently tapped.
7. While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
8. Once the bars are done, allow them to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.
9. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
10. Serve and enjoy the delightful blend of cinnamon roll flavors in every bite!

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Ensure that your cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling. Don’t overmix the dough for the crust, as this can make it tough—just mix until it comes together. If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the swirl mixture. Be sure to swirl the cinnamon-sugar and cream cheese layers gently so that you get a beautiful marbled effect rather than fully mixing them. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can add more powdered sugar, but be sure to adjust the milk to keep it smooth. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for the cleanest slices.

Variations and Customizations
Nutty Twist: Add 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for added texture and flavor. Cream Cheese Filling Variations: Mix in a tablespoon of lemon zest or a dash of almond extract for a unique flavor twist. Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use brown butter in place of regular butter, or add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these bars gluten-free. Vegan Option: Substitute non-dairy butter and cream cheese, and use a flax egg to replace the regular egg. Add-ins: For extra sweetness, mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle caramel sauce over the top.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are undeniably delicious, they are also indulgent, with a rich crust, creamy filling, and sugary glaze. Each bar is likely to contain around 250–350 calories, depending on the size of the slices and the glaze used. For those on a calorie-conscious diet, these bars should be enjoyed in moderation. They are high in fat and sugar, primarily from the butter, cream cheese, and glaze. If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can adjust the glaze or use a sugar substitute. For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat cream cheese or a lower-sugar glaze, though these substitutions will alter the taste and texture slightly. These bars are not suitable for those following a low-carb, low-sugar, or keto diet, but they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

FAQ
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! These bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the glaze right before serving for the best presentation.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars? Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I substitute the cream cheese? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchatel cheese, which has less fat than regular cream cheese. For dairy-free alternatives, there are non-dairy cream cheese options available.
How do I prevent the bars from getting too dry? Make sure to monitor the bars carefully while baking. They should be set in the center but not overbaked. Allow them to cool in the pan to retain moisture.
Can I make these bars in a larger pan? Yes, if you want to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time, so keep an eye on the edges to prevent overbaking.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the sweet, spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls with a creamy, cheesecake-like filling and a buttery, crumbly crust for the ultimate dessert treat. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for sharing at gatherings, or simply indulging in on a cozy day at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Servings 16

Ingredients

  

Cinnamon Bars

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste see note
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups powdered sugar sifted

Instructions

 

For the Bars

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8″x 8″ baking pan with foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to create handles for easy removal. Lightly grease both the foil and the pan, then set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
• In a separate large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Transfer the batter to your prepared pan.
• Using damp fingertips, press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for about 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Frosting

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and well blended.
• Add the vanilla bean paste and ground cinnamon, mixing until evenly distributed.
• Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, a bit at a time, beating continuously until the frosting is silky and smooth.
• Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled bars, and if desired, decorate with sprinkles.
• Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to one week.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Pan Note: I used an 8-inch square pan for this recipe. If you’d like to make a larger batch, you can easily double the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time remained the same for me—22 minutes—even with the doubled quantity, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on it in case it needs a couple of extra minutes in your oven.

Vanilla Bean Paste Note: I can never resist using vanilla bean paste—it brings a rich, deep flavor and adds those beautiful little flecks of vanilla throughout the frosting. However, if you don’t have it on hand or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with vanilla extract instead.