If you love the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls but long for an easy, shareable treat that’s equally dreamy, say hello to Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars! These bars take everything you adore about classic cinnamon rolls—the gooey swirls, the tangy cream cheese frosting, the unmistakable warmth of cinnamon—and bake them into thick, soft bars that cut perfectly for snacking or parties. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing dessert, a cozy weekend breakfast, or a sweet pick-me-up, Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars deliver a hit of nostalgia with none of the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars is how you can whip up such magnificent flavor with simple, everyday staples. Every ingredient here plays a key role, whether it’s for velvety texture, rich taste, or that signature swirl of cinnamon. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each item truly matters:
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing packet): This is your shortcut to that classic cinnamon roll flavor and beautiful golden base—no kneading or rising required!
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides a luscious, tangy creaminess for the frosting that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and ensures the frosting is silky smooth and easy to spread.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and a comforting, bakery-style aroma to the creamy frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates that signature light, fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the spice you already get from the cinnamon roll dough, making every bite irresistibly fragrant.
- Milk (as needed): Loosens the frosting to just the right consistency for spreading; you may only need a splash.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so you’re ready for baking magic the moment your dough is in the pan. Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this ensures your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars pop out perfectly, every time.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Roll Base
Next, pop open your cinnamon roll dough and unroll it into strips. Press these evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure to seal the seams with your fingers. This forms a thick, soft base that bakes up into pillowy perfection reminiscent of your favorite bakery rolls.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the kitchen smells like sweet heaven. Take a deep breath—they’re almost ready! Let the base cool completely in the pan before you even think about frosting; patience pays off for the perfect texture.
Step 4: Whip Up the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until the mixture looks creamy and smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and cinnamon and continue to beat until fluffy and light. If the frosting feels too thick, mix in a bit of milk (start with just half a teaspoon) until it’s perfectly spreadable.
Step 5: Frost and Finish with Icing
Spread that dreamy cream cheese frosting all across your cooled cinnamon roll base. Now, grab the icing packet that came with your dough and drizzle it playfully over the top for an extra touch of classic cinnamon roll sweetness. This step turns Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars from delicious to divine!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once everything is frosted and drizzled, cut your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars into twelve generous squares. The bars lift easily out of the pan and make an inviting display for sharing—or sneaking a little taste before everyone else gets a bite!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped pecans adds crunch and a little nutty luxury atop the creamy frosting. Or, take your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars over the top with a drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. Both simple additions make each bar look bakery-ready.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with a glass of cold milk, a mug of hot coffee, or a spiced chai latte for a comforting treat. Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced apples, brings a bright, juicy contrast to the bars’ rich sweetness for a balanced snack or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars high on a pretty cake stand for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece. For parties, arrange them in festive paper wrappers for easy grabbing. You can even use mini cookie cutters to cut your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars into shapes for holidays or celebrations—think hearts, stars, or pumpkins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bars stay fresh and moist for up to a week, making them a great snack to sneak from the fridge at midnight or to pack in lunchboxes.
Freezing
You can freeze Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, either whole or already cut into squares. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To relive that “just-baked” warmth, pop individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll be gooey and fragrant, like a fresh cinnamon roll. If reheating a whole pan, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you love making dough from scratch, simply substitute it for the refrigerated kind and follow the rest of the instructions as written. Your homemade touch will make these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars even more special.
Is there a dairy-free version of these bars?
Yes, you can easily swap in plant-based cream cheese and butter to make a dairy-free frosting. Just double-check your cinnamon roll dough for dairy as well—many brands offer vegan or dairy-free options these days.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Either thoroughly grease your pan with butter or oil, or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars remove easily and keep their neat edges. This helps every serving look as lovely as it tastes.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Certainly! Just use a 9×13-inch baking dish and double all the ingredients. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so check for golden edges as your cue to pull them from the oven.
What’s the best way to cut Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars neatly?
Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. For extra precision, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting—this keeps the frosting tidy for picture-perfect squares.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something downright magical about biting into a perfectly soft, swirled Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bar, especially when you made it yourself. Whether you’re baking them for friends, family, or treating yourself, this easy recipe is bound to make you smile. Go ahead and give Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars a try—you’re in for total cinnamon-swirled bliss!
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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the blissful flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in the form of easy-to-make bars with a rich cream cheese frosting. These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For Cinnamon Roll Base:
- 1 roll (16.5 ounces) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing packet)
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare base: Unroll cinnamon roll dough, press into the pan, and bake until golden brown.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until fluffy. Add milk if needed.
- Spread frosting: Once the base has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over it.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with icing from the cinnamon roll package, cut into bars, and serve.
Notes
- For added decadence, consider topping with chopped pecans or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
