Description

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a delightful dessert combining the soft, sweet flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into a convenient bar form. These bars feature a tender, buttery base swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla glaze that perfectly mimics the taste of traditional cinnamon roll frosting. Perfect for a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar (divided)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (or dairy-free alternative)

For the Swirl

Additional brown sugar and cinnamon (quantity not specified, approx. 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon recommended)

For the Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar
Softened butter (approx. 2 tablespoons for frosting)
Vanilla extract (approx. 1/2 teaspoon for frosting)
A splash of milk (to achieve desired frosting consistency)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could cause toughness.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor throughout the batter.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix additional brown sugar and cinnamon to create the cinnamon swirl mixture that adds a classic cinnamon roll flavor to the bars.
Layer Batter and Swirl: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over this layer evenly, then dollop and spread the remaining batter on top to create a swirled effect once baked.
Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
Make the Frosting: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy to form a luscious frosting.
Frost and Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled to room temperature, spread the frosting generously on top. Cut into squares and serve for a delicious cinnamon roll-inspired treat.

Notes

Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bars tender and soft.
Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the glaze from melting.
Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
Adjust the amount of cinnamon in the swirl mixture to your preference for spice intensity.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Bars, Cinnamon Bars, Sweet Bars, Dessert Bars, Cinnamon Roll Inspired, Easy Baking Recipe