Indulge in Pure Deliciousness

These cinnamon roll bliss bars transform the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make, easy-to-serve treat that satisfies those sweet breakfast cravings without the fuss of yeast dough. I created these when I needed a quick alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls for a holiday brunch.

I originally developed these bars when my sister requested cinnamon rolls for breakfast but I was short on time. They've now become our family's go-to for weekend mornings when we want something special without the lengthy preparation.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides structure while keeping the bars tender
• Brown sugar: creates a deep molasses flavor that enhances the cinnamon
• Sour cream: adds moisture and tanginess to balance the sweetness
• Ground cinnamon: use high quality Ceylon cinnamon for the best flavor profile
• Vanilla extract: splurge on real extract for the most authentic flavor
• Powdered sugar: creates a smooth frosting that sets beautifully on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan making sure to get into the corners to prevent sticking.

Create the Base:

In a large bowl cream together the softened butter and both sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy usually about 3 minutes of mixing. This creates air pockets that help the bars rise.

Add the Wet Ingredients:

Mix in eggs one at a time followed by sour cream and vanilla extract until completely incorporated. The mixture might look slightly curdled but this is normal.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda cinnamon and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture just until combined avoiding overmixing which can make the bars tough.

Prepare for Baking:

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan using a spatula to smooth the top. The batter will be thick similar to a coffee cake batter.

Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

Combine additional cinnamon and sugar then sprinkle generously over the batter creating that classic cinnamon roll swirl flavor in every bite.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake as this can dry out your bars.

Frost and Finish:

Allow the bars to cool completely before mixing and applying the simple vanilla frosting which will set slightly to create that authentic cinnamon roll experience.

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The cinnamon is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered that freshly ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in flavor intensity. My daughter once declared these bars better than actual cinnamon rolls because every bite has the perfect ratio of cinnamon to sweetness without any doughy parts.

Make Ahead Options

These bars actually taste even better the day after baking as the flavors have time to meld together. You can prepare the entire recipe up to two days before serving and store covered at room temperature. For longer storage freeze unfrosted bars tightly wrapped for up to two months then thaw overnight and add fresh frosting before serving. This makes them perfect for holiday planning when oven space and time are limited.

Flavor Variations

While the classic cinnamon version is delightful you can easily customize these bars to create different flavor profiles. Add 1 cup of diced apples tossed with extra cinnamon for an apple pie version. Orange zest in both the batter and frosting creates bright citrus cinnamon rolls reminiscent of those famous mall treats. For a decadent twist swirl 1/2 cup of cream cheese into the batter before baking for cheesecake cinnamon roll bars that will disappear in minutes at any gathering.

Serving Suggestions

These bars shine as the centerpiece of a breakfast or brunch spread paired with fresh fruit and hot coffee. For an elevated dessert warm a bar slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. I often cut these into smaller pieces for holiday cookie trays where they offer a welcome change from traditional cookies. They also make thoughtful homemade gifts wrapped in parchment paper and tied with baker's twine.

Recipe FAQs

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

Yes! You can prepare these bars up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months, then thaw and add frosting before serving.

→ How do I know when the bars are properly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars - it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges will be slightly golden, and the top should spring back when lightly touched.

→ Can I add other ingredients to customize these bars?

Absolutely! Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the batter. You could also incorporate 1/4 cup of maple syrup (reducing granulated sugar slightly) for a maple-cinnamon flavor.

→ How thick should the frosting be?

The frosting should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar. Wait until the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent it from melting.

→ Can I make these bars with a cream cheese frosting instead?

Yes! For a cream cheese frosting, beat 4oz softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons butter until smooth, then add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. This creates a tangier topping that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

→ Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Make sure all other ingredients like baking powder are certified gluten-free.