Description
Easy Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars deliver the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls in a convenient bar form, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Bars:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g)
- For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted (57g)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4g)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (113g)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened (57g)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (180g)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5ml)
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (30-45ml)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press half of the dough into the prepared baking pan in an even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl. Mix well. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the dough layer in the pan. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the dough.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the cinnamon swirl layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- For the frosting, in a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
- Add chopped nuts or a maple glaze for a twist.
- For a richer flavor, lightly toast cinnamon in a dry pan.
- Fresh cream cheese will give the best frosting texture.
- Overmixing the dough leads to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Ensure both butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a lump-free frosting.
- Mix powdered sugar on low speed to prevent a powdered sugar cloud.
- Wait until the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Freeze the bars without frosting for longer storage. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
- Ensure you measure the flour accurately and don’t overmix the dough.
- Make sure the oven is at the correct temperature.
- Coconut sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar, but it may alter the texture slightly.
- To make vegan, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative, use an egg replacement, and use a vegan cream cheese frosting.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture for a more intense swirl.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon swirl layer for a chocolatey twist.
- Add milk one teaspoon at a time if frosting is too thick.
- Overbaking can cause bars to become dry. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
- Ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg