Name: Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490880H32M57S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the bars:; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup milk; For the cinnamon swirl:; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp melted butter; For the glaze:; 2 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the ultimate fusion of a gooey cinnamon roll and a soft, chewy dessert bar—all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Every bite is full of buttery cinnamon swirls and comforting vanilla flavor, making this a treat I love baking for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They taste like cinnamon rolls but take half the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these bars give me all the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls without having to deal with yeast, rising, or rolling out dough. They’re easy to throw together, make the kitchen smell amazing while baking, and slice perfectly for sharing. That cinnamon sugar swirl and creamy glaze make them irresistible whether I serve them warm or chilled.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bars:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Milk

For the cinnamon swirl:

Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Melted butter

For the cream cheese glaze:

Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
In a small bowl, I mix the cinnamon swirl ingredients: melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then set it aside.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, I cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
I add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth, then stir in the milk.
I fold in the dry ingredients just until combined to form a thick batter.
I pour half the batter into the baking pan, then drizzle half the cinnamon swirl over it. I add the rest of the batter and swirl in the remaining cinnamon mixture using a knife.
I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the edges are golden.
While the bars cool, I whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth.
Once the bars are slightly cooled, I drizzle the glaze over the top before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9–12 bars and takes around 45 minutes total: 15 minutes prep and 25–30 minutes to bake. They’re great warm, at room temperature, or chilled from the fridge.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl for extra texture. For a fall twist, I stir a pinch of nutmeg or cloves into the batter. If I’m in the mood for chocolate, I mix in white chocolate chips. And if I want a bolder flavor, I use maple extract in the glaze instead of vanilla.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste great cold, but if I want them warm, I microwave a slice for about 10–15 seconds. These also freeze well—I wrap them individually and thaw before serving.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. I add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time and check with a toothpick for doneness.

Do I have to use cream cheese in the glaze?

Not necessarily. I can make a simple icing with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla if I want something lighter.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. I often make them a day in advance and store them covered. The flavors settle even more overnight.

How do I swirl the cinnamon properly?

I spoon the cinnamon filling in thin lines across the batter and drag a butter knife through in a zigzag motion. I avoid overmixing to keep visible swirls.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the texture stays soft and chewy with the same great flavor.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are one of my favorite treats to bake when I want something comforting, sweet, and easy to share. They capture everything I love about cinnamon rolls—without the wait or the mess. Whether I’m baking for family, friends, or just myself, these bars are always a cozy, crowd-pleasing hit.