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 9x13-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.
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.
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!