Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

This cinnamon roll bliss bar recipe transforms the beloved cinnamon roll flavor into convenient, portable bars that deliver all that warm, spiced goodness without the fuss of traditional yeast dough. I discovered this recipe during holiday baking season and it's become my go-to when I crave those cinnamon roll flavors but don't have time for the real thing.

I first made these bars for a weekend brunch with friends and they disappeared before anything else on the table. The aroma filling my kitchen brought everyone to the kitchen asking what was in the oven before I even announced they were ready.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: provides the rich foundation and tender crumb
• Granulated sugar: creates the perfect sweetness level with a slight crispness on top
• Brown sugar: adds depth and moisture to the bars with its molasses notes
• Large egg: binds everything together while adding structure
• Vanilla extract: enhances all flavors especially complementing the cinnamon
• All purpose flour: gives the perfect structure select unbleached for best flavor
• Ground cinnamon: is the star ingredient choose high quality Ceylon cinnamon for best results
• Powdered sugar: creates that classic cinnamon roll glaze look and sweetness
• Milk: thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease your baking pan. I recommend an 8x8 inch pan for thicker bars or 9x9 inch for slightly thinner bars. The greasing is crucial because the caramelized cinnamon sugar can stick otherwise.

Create the Base:

Cream together the softened butter with both sugars until truly light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture. This step incorporates air into the batter for a tender result.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything mixes evenly. The vanilla adds that subtle background note that makes these bars irresistible.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Add the flour gradually mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing at this stage will develop gluten and make your bars tough instead of tender. The batter will be thick and a bit sticky.

Prepare Cinnamon Mixture:

In a small bowl combine the ground cinnamon with two tablespoons of additional sugar. This creates that classic cinnamon roll filling flavor. The sugar helps distribute the cinnamon evenly and creates those gorgeous swirls.

Assemble and Swirl:

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the top. Use a butter knife to create beautiful swirls by dragging it through the batter in figure eight patterns. Go deep enough to incorporate the cinnamon throughout.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes watching carefully toward the end. The bars are done when the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry them out.

Finish with Glaze:

Allow the bars to cool for at least 15 minutes before mixing the powdered sugar and milk for the glaze. Drizzle this over the top in a zigzag pattern for that classic cinnamon roll look. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before cutting.

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My absolute favorite part of making these bars is creating the cinnamon swirl. It reminds me of baking with my grandmother who would always let me be in charge of the cinnamon sugar part of any recipe. The warm scent that fills the kitchen brings back memories of Sunday mornings in her kitchen waiting impatiently for treats to come out of the oven.

Storage Solutions

These cinnamon roll bliss bars maintain their moisture beautifully for several days when properly stored. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. The flavor actually deepens after the first day as the cinnamon has time to fully permeate the bars. If you notice them starting to dry out slightly warming them for 10 seconds in the microwave brings back that fresh baked texture.

Clever Substitutions

The basic recipe is wonderfully adaptable to dietary needs and flavor preferences. For gluten free versions a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend works perfectly with no other adjustments needed. Vegan bakers can substitute plant based butter and use a flax egg instead of regular egg with excellent results. For flavor variations try adding orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist or mixing mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon sugar layer. White chocolate chips are particularly delicious with the cinnamon flavors. For a more complex flavor profile consider adding a quarter teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture.

Seasonal Variations

These versatile bars can be adapted throughout the year to match seasonal flavors. In fall add finely diced apples to the batter for apple cinnamon bliss bars. Winter holidays call for adding crushed peppermint to the glaze for a festive touch. Spring inspires me to add lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile. Summer is perfect for topping with fresh berries just before serving. The base recipe provides an excellent canvas for creativity while maintaining that comforting cinnamon roll character that everyone loves.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?

Absolutely! You can customize these bars with chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or even chocolate chips. Simply sprinkle about 1/4 cup of your preferred addition over the batter before adding the cinnamon swirl mixture.

→ How do I know when the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges turn slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the bars.

→ Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can bake them 1-2 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

→ What size baking pan should I use for these bars?

An 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch square baking pan works best for these bars. If you prefer thinner bars, you could use a 9x13-inch pan but reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes.

→ How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To adjust the glaze consistency, simply add more powdered sugar to make it thicker or more milk to make it thinner. Start with small amounts (1 teaspoon at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter. If you do, omit any additional salt called for in the recipe. The bars will have a slightly more savory flavor profile which some people prefer with sweet baked goods.