Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

If you love the warm, irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls but want a simpler, less fussy treat, the Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are here to steal your heart. With their soft, tender crumb layered generously with cinnamon sugar and topped by a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars capture all the cozy goodness of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make, snackable form. They’re perfect for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or whenever you need a comforting bite of sweet bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars right depends on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From tenderizing the crumb to creating that signature cinnamon swirl and dreamy frosting, every item has a starring role in crafting this delicious treat.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups/250g): The foundation that gives these bars structure and softness.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup/100g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the batter.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and keeps them light and fluffy.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to achieve perfect texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• Cold unsalted butter (1/2 cup/113g, cubed): Creates a tender, crumbly base when cut into the dry ingredients.
• Buttermilk (1/2 cup/120ml): Adds subtle tanginess and moisture for a soft bite.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth into the batter.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup/100g, packed): Brings caramel notes to the cinnamon swirl topping.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The soul of this dessert – that unmistakable fragrant spice.
• Melted unsalted butter (1/4 cup/57g): Keeps the cinnamon sugar topping moist and gooey.
• Softened cream cheese (4 ounces/113g): The base for the rich, tangy frosting that finishes these bars perfectly.
• Softened unsalted butter (1/4 cup/57g): Adds creaminess and balance to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups/240g): Sweetens the frosting with a smooth texture.
• Milk (1/4 cup/60ml): Thins the frosting so it spreads evenly.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting’s flavor wonderfully.

How to Make Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step sets you up for success with effortless cleanup and ensures the bars pop right out once baked.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining these ingredients helps the flavors spread evenly and the texture come out just right.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique creates delicate pockets of butter that contribute to a tender, flaky base.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry mixture, then gently mix until just combined. Overmixing here could make the bars tough, so keep it light and easy.

Step 5: Press the Dough

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a nice flat surface to build your cinnamon swirl layer on. This forms the heart of what will become your bliss bars.

Step 6: Combine Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This spice-and-sugar combo is the magic that gives these bars their classic cinnamon roll vibe.

Step 7: Add Butter and Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar

Drizzle the melted butter over the dough base, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. This step ensures the cinnamon swirl has that wonderful caramelized texture and flavor when baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. This timing creates bars that are perfectly set but still tender in the center. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 9: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is silky and spreadable.

Step 10: Frost and Slice

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Once frosted, cut into squares or rectangles and get ready to enjoy every delicious bite.

How to Serve Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Garnishes

A simple dusting of ground cinnamon or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a lovely finishing touch to your Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts also complement the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with comforting beverages like a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or creamy hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, they shine alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars the centerpiece by arranging them on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with cinnamon powder. For parties, serve them cut into bite-sized squares on skewers or stack them with layers of fresh fruit for an eye-catching cinnamon roll-inspired dessert trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover delightfully luscious bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness and the creamy texture of the frosting, storing them safely for up to a week.

Freezing

These bars freeze brilliantly! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep their flavor and texture for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days.

Reheating

To enjoy your Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars warm, thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then heat gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warmed through. This revives that soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes them so special.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade buttermilk substitute will provide the same tang and tenderness.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Just keep an eye on the texture as gluten-free doughs can sometimes need a tad more moisture.

Can I make the cinnamon sugar topping spicier?

Definitely! Feel free to add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom for added warmth, or even a dash of ground cloves to intensify the cinnamon roll flavor in your bars.

How thick should I spread the cream cheese frosting?

Spread it evenly but generously – about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. This balance ensures every bar is coated in luscious creaminess without overwhelming the tender cinnamon layers beneath.

Are these bars suitable for breakfast or just dessert?

They make an excellent breakfast or brunch option! Their comforting cinnamon flavor and soft texture fit perfectly with a morning coffee or weekend brunch, although they are sweet enough to serve as a dessert too.

Final Thoughts

There really is nothing quite like savoring a slice of these Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars fresh from the oven. They are effortless to make, wonderfully cozy, and always a hit with anyone lucky enough to try them. If you’re craving that comforting cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss, bake up a batch and treat yourself to a little slice of bliss today!

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