Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the convenience of bar form. Soft, moist batter layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting makes these bars perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Batter
- 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
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring an even flavor throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
- Layer Batter: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the bottom layer of the bars.
- Prepare and Add Cinnamon Swirl: Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon with the melted butter, then spoon this cinnamon-sugar mixture over the first layer of batter to infuse the middle layer with classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Add Remaining Batter and Swirl: Spread the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon layer and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Make Frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and adjust the consistency with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk as needed.
- Frost Bars and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into 16 squares and serve to enjoy this delicious cinnamon roll flavored dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- You can store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with non-dairy alternatives.
- Swirling the cinnamon mixture gently ensures a pretty marbled effect without mixing it entirely into the batter.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing results.
