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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Emily
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 bars
Calories 310 kcal

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).