There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon drifting from the oven — and these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars capture that feeling perfectly. Combining the cozy sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a dessert bar, this recipe gives you bakery-quality flavor right from your home kitchen. These soft, buttery bars are swirled with warm cinnamon sugar and topped with a silky glaze that melts beautifully over every bite.
Whether you’re baking for brunch, a family get-together, or simply treating yourself on a weekend morning, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- All the flavor, none of the fuss: Skip the yeast, kneading, and rolling — these bars deliver cinnamon roll bliss in half the time.
- Perfect texture: Soft and moist with a golden top and sweet glaze that seeps into every swirl.
- Crowd-pleasing treat: Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, and cozy breakfasts.
- Make-ahead friendly: They taste just as good the next day (if they last that long!).
- Warm, nostalgic flavor: Every bite is packed with that classic cinnamon-butter goodness.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
For the Cake Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk (any type — dairy or plant-based)
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
For the Creamy Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Butter: For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or margarine.
- Milk: Oat milk or almond milk works perfectly here — it keeps the texture moist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Add-ins: Try chopped pecans, raisins, or even small apple chunks for a cozy fall twist.
- No cream cheese? No worries — this version focuses on a buttery cake with a simple glaze that’s just as delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2 – Make the Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until you have a smooth batter.
Step 3 – Layer and Swirl
Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the swirl, then spoon dollops over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and gently swirl the mixture with a knife for that beautiful cinnamon ribbon effect.
Step 4 – Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before glazing.
Step 5 – Glaze and Slice
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars, allow it to set for a few minutes, then cut into squares or rectangles.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room-temperature ingredients ensure a smooth, fluffy batter.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour — it keeps the bars tender.
- For perfect swirls, drag a butter knife gently through the batter in “S” shapes.
- Cool before glazing to prevent the icing from melting off.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them soft for days.
- Warm slightly before serving for that “fresh-from-the-oven” feel.
Flavor Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Bliss Bars: Add ½ cup of finely diced apples to the batter.
- Maple Glaze: Swap the vanilla in the glaze for a teaspoon of maple syrup.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Add ¼ cup pumpkin purée and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix a little cocoa into part of the batter for a marbled effect.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slightly warm with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- For brunch, pair with scrambled eggs and fruit salad.
- Wrap individual bars for sweet lunchbox treats or bake-sale goodies.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 1 week — just bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
(Approximate values per bar; may vary depending on ingredients.)
FAQ About Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
How do Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars differ from regular cinnamon rolls?
They capture all the flavor of cinnamon rolls but skip the yeast and dough-rolling steps. The texture is more like a soft blondie or cake bar — tender, buttery, and easy to cut and serve.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! A gluten-free 1:1 flour blend works beautifully here. Just make sure to check your baking powder for gluten-free certification.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — simply double all the ingredients and bake in two pans. These bars are perfect for parties and family gatherings.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Definitely. Bake and cool the bars, then glaze them right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Microwave each bar for about 10 seconds — it’ll soften the glaze slightly and make the cinnamon flavor even more aromatic.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience — soft, cinnamon-sweet, and ready in under an hour. They bring that nostalgic homemade bakery smell to your kitchen and make every morning or afternoon feel a little more special.
Whether you’re baking for your family or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cozy favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars — Easy Bakery-Style Dessert
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery bars with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and creamy glaze — like cinnamon rolls made easy!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup milk
⅓ cup brown sugar
1½ tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp melted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Whisk dry ingredients; alternate with milk to form batter.
4. Spread half batter in pan. Mix cinnamon swirl; layer and swirl.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
6. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled bars.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture.
Substitute plant-based milk for dairy-free version.
Store airtight up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
