Description

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, a soft, cinnamon-swirled treat that captures the essence of a classic cinnamon roll in easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a tender buttery base, swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, and topped with a smooth vanilla frosting, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Swirl

Additional brown sugar and cinnamon (quantity as desired for swirl, approximately 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk or dairy-free alternative

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal after baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps create a tender texture in the bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices throughout the batter.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the batter, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with flavor.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine additional brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. This will add extra cinnamon flavor and sweetness layered within the bars.
Assemble Layers: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over this layer, then dollop and spread the remaining batter over the top, creating a marbled effect.
Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
Prepare Frosting: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy to create the frosting.
Frost and Serve: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting generously over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy this delicious cinnamon roll-inspired treat.

Notes

You can substitute the unsalted butter with dairy-free margarine to make the recipe dairy-free.
Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and tender.
For a dairy-free frosting alternative, use plant-based butter and milk.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Reheat slightly before serving to enjoy the frosting melty and soft.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cinnamon roll bars, cinnamon swirl bars, cinnamon roll inspired dessert, easy cinnamon bars, cinnamon sugar bars, homemade cinnamon bars, cinnamon frosting bars