That first crisp autumn morning, the kind where a gentle chill dances in the air, I remember waking up to the most incredible aroma. It wasn’t just coffee; it was a symphony of warm cinnamon, sweet butter, and a hint of vanilla – the scent of my grandmother’s kitchen on a special Saturday. That feeling of cozy comfort, of pure, unadulterated bliss, is exactly what these easy cinnamon roll bars capture.
This recipe for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars isn’t just about dessert; it’s about recreating those cherished memories. It’s about taking the joy of a homemade cinnamon roll and transforming it into a convenient, irresistible bar that’s perfect for sharing. Every bite takes me back to those cherished moments, a sweet reminder of home.
They are truly a game-changer for anyone who loves that classic flavor but wants a simpler baking experience. Baking these always fills my kitchen with a comforting warmth, making any day feel a little more special. It’s a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
I’ve even found these bars pair wonderfully with a savory breakfast, much like how a perfectly crafted condiment can elevate a meal. If you’re looking to elevate another kitchen staple, you might love this recipe for ultimate smash burger sauce.
Why you’ll love this Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Easy Cinnamon Roll Bars
- These bars deliver all the incredible taste of a classic cinnamon roll without the fuss of yeast dough or individual rolling. It’s truly an easy cinnamon roll bars recipe.
- With a prep time of just 20 minutes, these are perfect for when you need a show-stopping dessert in a hurry. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together.
- The tender, buttery crust provides the perfect foundation for that luscious cinnamon swirl. It’s a texture dream.
- A generous layer of tangy, sweet cream cheese glaze crowns each bar, adding that essential cinnamon roll magic. This glaze truly makes the easy cinnamon roll bars irresistible.
- They are wonderfully portable and slice easily into 16 servings, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or gifting. Sharing these treats is always a joy.
- The aroma alone will make your home feel incredibly inviting and cozy. Prepare for compliments from everyone who tries these easy cinnamon roll bars.
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUST:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
FOR THE CINNAMON FILLING:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE GLAZE:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Directions
Step 1
Easy cinnamon roll bars makes every moment feel lush. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2
Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 3
Press the crust dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the cinnamon filling.
Step 4
Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. The mixture will be thick and paste-like.
Step 5
Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately and carefully spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the warm crust. You can use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cinnamon topping is bubbly and slightly set. The cinnamon roll bars will look gorgeously golden brown.
Step 6
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. This is crucial for the glaze to set properly and not melt entirely.
Step 7
Prepare the cream cheese glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. The glaze should be smooth and pourable, but not too thin.
Step 8
Once the bars are completely cooled, evenly spread or generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature before slicing. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your easy cinnamon roll bars!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your easy cinnamon roll bars! For a touch of autumn, you could add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon filling. This gives them a wonderful seasonal depth.
A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before the second bake adds a delightful crunch. Make sure to toast the nuts first for enhanced flavor.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, consider drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over the glaze after it has set. This creates a decadent turtle cinnamon roll bar experience that is truly divine.
Pairings
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are practically begging for a steaming mug of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. The sweetness of the bars perfectly complements the bitterness of coffee. It’s a classic combination for good reason.
For a brunch spread, serve these alongside some fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges. The bright, fresh flavors provide a lovely contrast to the rich, comforting bars. It helps balance the meal beautifully.
You could also pair them with a light and fluffy scramble or a simple fruit salad for a complete breakfast or brunch. The versatility of these easy cinnamon roll bars is truly endless. If you enjoy simple, satisfying desserts, you might also like this easy Oreo dump cake recipe from Fork Haven.
Serving ideas
For a beautiful presentation, dust a tiny bit more cinnamon on top of the glaze right before it sets. This adds a professional touch and enhances the visual appeal. It really makes the easy cinnamon roll bars pop.
Cut the bars into smaller squares for a party tray, making them easy to pick up and enjoy. Arrange them on a nice platter for an inviting display. They are always a crowd-pleaser.
Serve them slightly warm for an extra gooey, comforting experience. A quick zap in the microwave can achieve this, but be careful not to melt the glaze completely. Enjoying warm easy cinnamon roll bars is a true treat.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust tender and the glaze perfectly set. They stay wonderfully fresh.
If you need to store them longer, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture. Cold bars can be a bit firm.
To prevent the glaze from sticking, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers of bars if stacking them. This simple trick keeps them looking neat and tidy. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for your easy cinnamon roll bars.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the crust and bake it a day in advance. Store the cooled crust wrapped tightly at room temperature until you’re ready to add the filling and glaze. This can save you a bit of time.
The unglazed bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them at room temperature and then apply the glaze when ready to serve. This is a fantastic option for future cravings.
The cream cheese glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk to restore its smooth consistency before spreading. This makes preparing your easy cinnamon roll bars even simpler.
Common mistakes when making Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- **Overmixing the crust dough:** This can lead to a tough crust. Mix until just combined; a soft dough is what you’re after.
- **Not cooling the bars completely before glazing:** Applying glaze to warm bars will cause it to melt and run off, resulting in a thin, messy layer. Patience is key for that perfect glaze.
- **Using cold cream cheese or butter for the glaze:** Ensure both are softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free glaze. Cold ingredients will make your glaze clumpy.
- **Overbaking the filling layer:** Watch carefully during the second bake; you want the topping bubbly and slightly set, not dried out. Overbaking can lead to a hard, rather than gooey, filling.
- **Not lining the pan with parchment paper:** This makes removing the bars incredibly difficult and messy. The parchment overhang is your best friend for easy slicing and serving these easy cinnamon roll bars.
Final notes
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to create joy in your kitchen. From the moment the cinnamon hits the warm butter to that first bite of gooey, glazed perfection, you’ll know you’ve created something truly special. They are a testament to the simple pleasures of home baking.
Don’t be intimidated by the layers; each step is straightforward and rewarding. The convenience of these bars makes them a perfect weekend project or a quick treat to whip up for an unexpected gathering. Everyone will adore these easy cinnamon roll bars.
So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fill your home with the most comforting aromas. You’re about to bake a batch of pure happiness, one blissful bar at a time. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
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- Ultimate smash burger sauce
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- Easy Oreo dump cake recipe
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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Imagine the warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced comfort of your favorite cinnamon roll, transformed into a convenient, irresistible bar! These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars feature a tender, buttery crust, a luscious brown sugar and cinnamon swirl, and are crowned with a decadent cream cheese glaze. Perfect for sharing, parties, or simply treating yourself to a slice of pure happiness.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Ingredients
- FOR THE CRUST:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- FOR THE CINNAMON FILLING:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- FOR THE CREAM CHEESE GLAZE:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Press the crust dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the cinnamon filling.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. The mixture will be thick and paste-like.
- Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately and carefully spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the warm crust. You can use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cinnamon topping is bubbly and slightly set. The cinnamon roll bars will look gorgeously golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. This is crucial for the glaze to set properly and not melt entirely.
- Prepare the cream cheese glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. The glaze should be smooth and pourable, but not too thin.
- Once the bars are completely cooled, evenly spread or generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature before slicing. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your easy cinnamon roll bars!
Notes
For an extra cozy touch, sprinkle a tiny bit more cinnamon on top of the glaze before it sets. These bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerating, let them come to room temperature for optimal taste and texture. You can also freeze the unglazed bars for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze when ready to serve. For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream in the glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg