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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

4.9 from 96 reviews

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, featuring a tender, buttery base layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. These bars are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which creates a tender texture in the base.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract in a separate container, then pour into the dry mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, creating a flat, uniform base for the bars.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dough and then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top to create a sweet, spicy layer.
  7. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set.
  8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  9. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, cinnamon-infused bliss in every bite!

Notes

  • Ensure the butter for the base is cold for the best crumbly texture.
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as an acid alternative.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Bars, Cinnamon Bliss Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting Bars, Easy Cinnamon Dessert, Breakfast Bars