Dessert

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

ByLila Prescott February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a delightful, quick-to-make dessert that captures the essence of traditional cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling dough. These bars combine a soft, tender base with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for cozy mornings or sweet treats anytime.

A stack of three square dessert bars sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. Each bar has three visible layers: a crumbly golden-brown crust at the bottom with a grainy texture, a middle layer filled with dark brown, sticky cinnamon-sugar bits creating a rough and gooey texture, and a smooth, creamy white icing drizzled on top in thick lines. The bars look moist with a glossy finish on the filling and icing, showing a rich mix of soft and crunchy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Base:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky texture.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to form a tender dough.
Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out to cover the bottom completely.

Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon to create the filling.
Step 7: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dough base, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top.
Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and fragrant. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 9: Beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
Step 10: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use cold, cubed butter for the base to ensure a flaky and tender texture.

Mix the batter just until combined to avoid dense bars.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and slipping.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon to customize the bars.
Substitute butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with a plant-based version for a vegan option.

Storage

Store Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring they are well-covered to prevent drying out. To freeze, wrap bars individually and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat chilled bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the gooey frosting and warm flavors.

How to Serve

Three square dessert bars are stacked on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown crumbly crust, the middle layer is a dark brown, gooey filling with a textured, slightly chunky appearance, and the top layer is thick, creamy white icing drizzled in diagonal stripes. The sides of the bars show the layers distinctly, with the icing slightly dripping down. Soft natural light highlights the glossy texture of the filling and icing, making the bars look rich and moist. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?

Ensure your butter is cold and cubed for a flaky base. Use fresh buttermilk with a valid expiration date. Freshly ground cinnamon offers the best flavor, so opt for that when possible for an aromatic and vibrant taste.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?

Yes, you can. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm briefly in the microwave before serving for a cozy treat.