Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

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If you love the warm, comforting flavor of classic cinnamon rolls but want something easier and faster to prepare, Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the perfect solution. These soft-baked dessert bars deliver everything people crave in a cinnamon roll—rich cinnamon flavor, tender texture, and a sweet vanilla glaze—without the need for yeast, rising time, or rolling dough.

Perfect for breakfast treats, holiday baking, potlucks, or everyday dessert cravings, this recipe combines pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing baked good that tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery. With a moist interior, balanced sweetness, and a smooth frosting layer, these bars are ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No yeast or dough rolling required
• Soft, moist texture similar to classic cinnamon rolls
• Made with simple, affordable pantry ingredients
• Perfect for brunch, dessert, or coffee breaks
• Easy to slice and serve for parties and gatherings
• Excellent make-ahead dessert option

These bars are especially popular for families, bake sales, and holidays because they are quick to prepare and universally loved.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Flour – All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the bars soft and tender. It balances the moisture from the sour cream and eggs.
• Sugars – Brown sugar adds moisture and rich, caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar contributes sweetness and a lighter crumb. Together, they create depth and a bakery-style texture.
• Butter – Softened unsalted butter delivers rich flavor and ensures a smooth, creamy batter. Using unsalted butter allows better control of salt levels.
• Sour Cream – Adds moisture, softness, and a subtle tang that balances sweetness while preventing the bars from drying out.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide gentle lift while keeping the interior soft.
• Cinnamon – The star of the recipe, cinnamon brings warmth, aroma, and that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Leavening Agents – Baking powder adds lift, while baking soda reacts with the sour cream to enhance softness.
• Frosting Ingredients – Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract combine to create a smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the bars perfectly.

Tips and Tricks

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth mixing
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars soft
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal
• Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
• For clean slices, chill briefly before cutting

Variations and Customizations

1. Cream Cheese Frosting
   Replace the glaze with cream cheese frosting for a richer, cinnamon-roll-style topping.
2. Nutty Cinnamon Bars
   Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
3. Apple Cinnamon Version
   Fold in finely diced apples for a fall-inspired twist.
4. Gluten-Free Option
   Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
5. Extra Cinnamon Swirl
   Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl using a knife before baking for visual appeal.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with hot coffee or cappuccino
• Pair with chai tea or warm milk
• Enjoy alongside fresh fruit for breakfast
• Perfect with vanilla ice cream for dessert

These bars work equally well as a sweet breakfast treat or an after-dinner dessert.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months

To serve frozen bars, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.

Popular Questions

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes. These bars taste even better the next day and are perfect for make-ahead baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Why are my bars dry?

Overbaking or overmixing can cause dryness. Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it may affect moisture and flavor balance.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Soft, cinnamon-packed dessert bars with the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls, finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or an easy crowd-pleasing dessert.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 2 tbsp milk (for frosting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow bars to cool completely. Whisk frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over cooled bars.
8. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

• Bars firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking
• Frost only when fully cooled to maintain texture
• Can be served warm or chilled depending on preference
• Ideal for holidays, brunch tables, and dessert trays

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