Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make bar form. With a soft, buttery base layered with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for a quick indulgence, brunch, or a sweet treat to share.
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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring an airy texture for the bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt evenly to distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing just until everything is incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Layer Batter: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then stir in the melted butter. Spoon this mixture evenly over the batter layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter and Swirl: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon mixture and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled cinnamon effect.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting, ensuring the frosting does not melt.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adjusting the consistency with milk (2-3 tablespoons) to achieve a spreadable frosting.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into 16 squares and serve for a delicious cinnamon roll-inspired treat.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use softened butter and cream cheese at room temperature for smooth frosting.
- To make cleanup easier, line the baking pan with parchment paper.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins on the cinnamon swirl layer before adding the top batter.
