Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

This hearty Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars recipe transforms classic cinnamon roll flavors into an easy-to-make bar format that's perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick dessert that still feels special and indulgent.

I first created these bars when hosting a last-minute brunch gathering and needed something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma of cinnamon filled my home and my friends begged for the recipe before they even took their first bite.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: Creates a perfectly soft base that mimics the tender texture of cinnamon rolls without all the work of making yeast dough
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and that distinctive buttery flavor that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible
• Cinnamon: Is the star ingredient providing warmth and that classic spicy aroma use Ceylon cinnamon if possible for a more complex flavor
• Brown sugar: Creates those caramelized sweet pockets that make every bite exciting look for dark brown sugar for more depth
• Powdered sugar: Gives the glaze that smooth consistency and perfect sweetness that drips into every nook and cranny

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking dish with either a light coating of cooking spray or parchment paper. The parchment creates handles that make removing the entire dessert effortless once cooled. In a large bowl combine the cake mix butter eggs and vanilla using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until you achieve a thick yet spreadable consistency. The batter will be much thicker than typical cake batter which is exactly what you want for the perfect bar texture.

Create the Cinnamon Swirl:

In a separate small bowl stir together your brown sugar and cinnamon until completely combined with no lumps remaining. This mixture creates the signature cinnamon roll flavor that will swirl throughout your bars. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across your batter making sure to reach all corners. Using a butter knife draw figure eight patterns throughout the batter to create beautiful swirls without fully incorporating the cinnamon mixture.

Bake to Perfection:

Place your baking dish in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know they're done when the edges pull slightly away from the pan and the center springs back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Apply the Glaze:

While the bars are cooling prepare your glaze by whisking together powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle. When the bars are still slightly warm but not hot drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern across the entire surface allowing it to seep slightly into the warm bars for that authentic cinnamon roll experience.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the gorgeous swirl pattern that forms when you cut into the bars. It reminds me of Sunday mornings when my grandmother would make cinnamon rolls from scratch. The smell is identical but honestly these bars require about a quarter of the effort.

Make Ahead Options

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are perfect for busy schedules. You can prepare the batter and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bring it back to room temperature for about 20 minutes before spreading it in your baking pan. The baked bars also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. I often make a double batch and freeze half for unexpected company or school bake sales.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet treats pair wonderfully with both hot and cold beverages. For breakfast serve with a strong cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the cinnamon flavors. As a dessert they work beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For an extra special touch serve them slightly warmed with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top.

Variations to Try

While these bars are perfect as written there are several delicious variations you can explore. Apple lovers can add half a cup of finely diced apples to the batter before baking for an apple cinnamon roll experience. For a cream cheese version swirl small dollops of sweetened cream cheese throughout the batter along with the cinnamon sugar mixture. During the holidays add a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves to the cinnamon mixture for a festive spice blend that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of cake mix for these bars?

Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with white, vanilla, or even spice cake mix for different flavor variations. Just ensure you're using a standard-sized box mix (15-18oz) to maintain the correct consistency.

→ How should I store these cinnamon bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the unglazed bars for up to 3 months - just add the glaze after thawing.

→ Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in both the batter and glaze. Also check that your cake mix is dairy-free (many are) for completely dairy-free bars with the same delicious taste.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the pan, while the top should feel set but still slightly soft when gently pressed.

→ Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to these bars?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make excellent additions - sprinkle them over the cinnamon-sugar layer before swirling. You could also add raisins, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

→ What's the best way to cut these bars neatly?

For the cleanest cuts, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. For extra precision, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.