Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a cozy and irresistible dessert that combines the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with a quick, easy-to-make bar form. Soft, sweet, and topped with creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee.

The image shows a stack of three square dessert bars on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three distinct layers: a dense, golden-brown crumbly base at the bottom, a thick middle layer filled with a dark, sticky, and chunky mixture that appears to contain nuts, and a smooth creamy white icing layer on top with a light drip effect and delicate white icing lines crossing over the top. The textures vary from crumbly at the base to gooey in the middle and smooth on the surface, making the bars look rich and moist. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

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 your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract, then pour into the flour mixture. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, forming a smooth layer.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Drizzle the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Step 8: While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
Step 9: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use chilled butter when cutting into the dry ingredients to achieve a tender, flaky texture.
For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cinnamon sugar before baking.
Substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth and spice.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel. These bars can also be frozen, well-wrapped, for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

A stack of three square dessert bars is placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust, the middle layer is a dark brown filling with a rough texture that looks rich and gooey, and the top layer is a thick, glossy white icing with slight drizzle lines running diagonally across. The top bar is aligned neatly on the two below, showing off the layers clearly with some icing dripping slightly down the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for the frosting.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.