Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a quick and easy dessert that captures the comforting flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls in a convenient bar form. With a tender base, a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you crave a cozy sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined to form a tender dough.
- Form the Base: Press the dough evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the surface for the base layer.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dough base, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Make Frosting: Using a mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- For variation, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving for an extra flavor boost.
- Ensure the butter is cold and cubed when mixing the base to keep the bars flaky and tender.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding wet ingredients to avoid dense bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best, most vibrant flavor.
- If frosting is too thick, add extra milk a teaspoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
- Bars can be made ahead by preparing the base up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Bars, Cinnamon Roll Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting Bars, Easy Dessert Bars, Cinnamon Sugar Bars
