Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery, tender base layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bars
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with ¼ cup milk, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the batter.
- Spread half the batter: Evenly spread half of the prepared batter into the greased 9×13 pan, smoothing out the surface.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar swirl: Mix ½ cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon with ¼ cup melted unsalted butter until combined, then spoon this cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter layer.
- Add remaining batter and swirl: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together to create a cinnamon swirl effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the baked bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which will make frosting easier to apply without melting.
- Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1½ cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then add 2-3 tablespoons milk as needed to reach desired spreading consistency.
- Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Once frosted, cut the bars into 16 squares and serve for a luscious, cinnamon-infused treat.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For an extra cinnamon kick, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- These bars can be warmed slightly before serving for a freshly baked feel.
- You can substitute whole milk or any plant-based milk for dairy milk if desired.
