There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, especially when the weather starts to cool. That’s exactly why I created these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars — they bring all the nostalgic flavor of a gooey cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make dessert bar format.
These bars have quickly become a family favorite. Whether we’re watching a holiday movie, sipping coffee on a Sunday morning, or hosting friends for brunch, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are always the perfect cozy companion.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- All the flavor of a cinnamon roll with none of the hassle — no yeast or rising time needed!
- Perfectly portable for potlucks, parties, or lunchbox treats.
- Cream cheese frosting on top makes every bite feel extra indulgent.
- Ready in under an hour, start to finish.
- Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking.
- A delicious fall favorite with warm spices and a soft, chewy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
Tip: Room temp butter blends better and keeps the base tender. - ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar, packed
Adds depth and that classic cinnamon roll sweetness. - 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
This makes that iconic cinnamon roll swirl layer.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the dry ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick — that’s what you want!
- Press the dough into the pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula or your hands.
- Prepare the swirl: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Drizzle and swirl it over the top of the dough using a butter knife. Don’t overdo it — gentle swirls will give you that beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake for 22–26 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The center should still be soft — it’ll set more as it cools.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until fluffy and spreadable.
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
These bars are lovely served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with hot coffee, chai, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're feeling fancy!
Storage:
- Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze them (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag.
- To serve from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight or let sit at room temperature for about an hour.
Helpful Notes
- Gluten-Free? Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free? Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. They still turn out delicious!
- Add a crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled into the swirl add great texture.
- More spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the base dough for extra warmth.
- Drizzle it up: A light caramel drizzle on top takes these over the edge (in the best way).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?
Yes! They freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can make a simple glaze instead: mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a dash of vanilla.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just bake it in a 9x13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to about 30–35 minutes.
4. How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I make these ahead?
Yes, you can bake and frost them up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug — simple, sweet, and irresistibly cozy. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Leave a comment below, or tag me on Instagram if you snap a photo — nothing makes me happier than seeing your homemade magic. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Ingredients
For the Base:
- ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup 100g granulated sugar
- ¼ cup 55g brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup 70g brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz 113g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons 28g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 120g powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the dry ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick — that’s what you want!
- Press the dough into the pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula or your hands.
- Prepare the swirl: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Drizzle and swirl it over the top of the dough using a butter knife. Don’t overdo it — gentle swirls will give you that beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake for 22–26 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The center should still be soft — it’ll set more as it cools.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until fluffy and spreadable.
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free? Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free? Use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. They still turn out delicious!
- Add a crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled into the swirl add great texture.
- More spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the base dough for extra warmth.
- Drizzle it up: A light caramel drizzle on top takes these over the edge (in the best way).
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