I love making these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars when I crave the cozy flavor of a classic cinnamon roll but want something quicker and easier to prepare. These soft, buttery bars are layered with warm cinnamon spice and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze that melts right into the top. I get all the comforting bakery-style flavor in a simple dessert bar form.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Next, I add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. I make sure not to overmix so the bars stay soft and tender.
I spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, I remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
For the frosting, I whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. I spread the glaze evenly over the cooled bars, let it set slightly, then slice and serve.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes like to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch. When I want an extra gooey texture, I swirl a cinnamon-sugar mixture through the batter before baking. I also enjoy adding a touch of cream cheese to the glaze for a tangier frosting. For a festive twist, I occasionally sprinkle a little nutmeg or drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
Storage/Reheating
I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and thaw them at room temperature before glazing.
When I want to reheat a slice, I warm it in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, I often bake them a day in advance and store them covered. I usually add the glaze the day I plan to serve them for the freshest presentation.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
I sometimes use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and it works well while keeping the bars moist and tender.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
I check by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, I know they’re ready.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, I double the ingredients and bake the batter in two 9×13 inch pans when I need a larger batch for gatherings.
Can I make the glaze thicker?
If I want a thicker glaze, I simply add more powdered sugar a little at a time until I reach the consistency I prefer.
Conclusion
I find these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars to be the perfect balance between ease and indulgence. I get the warm cinnamon comfort I love without the extra steps of traditional cinnamon rolls. Whether I make them for family gatherings, afternoon snacks, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they always bring a little extra joy to the table.
📖 Recipe:
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and buttery dessert bars layered with warm cinnamon spice and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. These easy-to-make bars deliver classic cinnamon roll flavor without the wait.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled bars, allow it to set, then slice and serve.
Notes
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Swirl a cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter before baking for a gooier texture.
For a tangy glaze, mix a small amount of cream cheese into the frosting.
Sprinkle nutmeg or drizzle caramel sauce on top for a festive twist.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and thaw before glazing.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
