Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make bar dessert. With a tender base, cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee.

A stack of three square dessert bars sits on a white plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: a bottom layer of crumbly golden-brown crust, a thick middle layer of sticky dark brown filling with bits of nuts, and a top creamy white layer with a smooth texture decorated with thin, wavy lines of white icing drizzled across. The bars are stacked unevenly, showing the rich, gooey filling and crumbly crust clearly with some crumbs scattered around the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Mix the buttermilk and vanilla extract together, then pour into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth base.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 8: For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
Step 9: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use cold butter for the base to achieve a tender, crumbly texture.
For extra cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough mixture.
Swap buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for added texture.
Make this recipe dairy-free by substituting butter with vegan butter and using dairy-free cream cheese.

Storage

Store the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture, or microwave briefly if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three stacked square bars on a white round plate. Each bar has three layers: a crumbly golden-brown base, a middle layer of dark brown filling with a rough texture, and a top layer covered with a smooth, creamy white icing that is drizzled in thick lines across the surface. The bars show some crumbs and slight melting of the icing along the edges, sitting on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars keep well for several days refrigerated and can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 148 reviews

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars offer the irresistible taste of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a tender, buttery base layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy, rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for the bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter.
Add Wet Ingredients: Combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract in a separate container, then pour into the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Form Base Layer: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using your hands or the back of a spoon to create an even base.
Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the base dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and spreadable.
Frost Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars using a spatula or knife.
Serve: Cut the bliss bars into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

For best results, use cold butter when cutting into the dry ingredients to create a flaky, tender base.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and becoming runny.
Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan and quick clean-up.
The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For a dairy-free variation, substitute buttermilk with a dairy-free milk plus lemon juice, and use non-dairy cream cheese and butter alternatives.

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