If you’ve ever craved the warm, gooey sweetness of a homemade cinnamon roll but didn’t have the time or patience for yeast dough, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Soft, chewy, and swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar, these dessert bars taste just like a bakery cinnamon roll—but in a quick and easy bar form.

Imagine a rich, buttery base topped with ribbons of cinnamon sugar and finished with a creamy layer of tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. These bars are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want the comfort of cinnamon rolls without the hassle. They’re also an excellent option for bake sales, potlucks, or party desserts because they slice beautifully and travel well. Whether served chilled for a fudgy texture or at room temperature for a soft, cake-like bite, these bars never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No yeast, no waiting – all the flavor of cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time
Perfectly spiced – rich cinnamon sugar swirls baked into every bite
Crowd-pleasing – easy to slice and share at parties, gatherings, or bake sales
Kid-approved – sweet, soft, and topped with creamy frosting
Customizable – add nuts, glaze, or extra cinnamon sugar for your own twist
Make-ahead friendly – stays moist and delicious for days

Ingredient Breakdown

Unsalted butter (¾ cup): Adds rich flavor and keeps the bars soft and chewy. Using unsalted lets you control the salt level.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides sweetness and balances the brown sugar for the right texture.
Brown sugar (⅔ cup): Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth that complements the cinnamon swirl.
Egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the chewy structure.
Vanilla extract (1½ tsp): Enhances the flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Gives the bars structure and prevents them from being too gooey.
Baking soda (½ tsp): Creates lift and helps the bars bake evenly.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Ground cinnamon (1½ tsp): The star spice that delivers that warm, cozy cinnamon roll flavor.
Swirl topping (brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter): Creates the signature marbled cinnamon streaks.
Cream cheese (4 oz): Softened cream cheese makes the frosting tangy, rich, and smooth.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it fluffy.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp for frosting): Rounds out the cream cheese flavor with warmth.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t over-swirl: Lightly drag a butter knife through the batter for streaks; mixing too much blends everything into one layer.
Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese create smoother batter and frosting.
Cool completely before frosting: If the bars are warm, the frosting will melt and slide.
Chill before slicing: Cold bars cut neatly and hold their shape better.
Upgrade the swirl: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar for a bakery-style flavor.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Nutty crunch: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking.
Glazed version: Skip cream cheese frosting and drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Extra cinnamon swirl: Double the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a gooier, bolder cinnamon flavor.
Gluten-free option: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose.
Holiday twist: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or a hint of orange zest for seasonal flair.

Serving Suggestions

Brunch platter: Serve alongside fresh fruit, coffee, and eggs for a cozy weekend breakfast spread.
Dessert table: Add them to a holiday dessert tray with cookies and brownies.
Party sweet: Pair with coffee or tea for an easy finger-food dessert at gatherings.
After-dinner treat: Serve chilled with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Gift idea: Cut into squares, wrap in parchment, and tie with twine for homemade gifts.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Make ahead: Bake the bars the night before, cover tightly, and frost the next day.
Room temperature: Store unfrosted bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Once frosted, keep bars chilled in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual frosted squares in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, microwave an unfrosted square for 10–15 seconds, then top with frosting.

A Sweet Spin on a Classic

These bars are inspired by the classic American cinnamon roll, a breakfast pastry beloved for its swirled dough, sweet filling, and creamy icing. By transforming the concept into a bar, this recipe removes the need for yeast, kneading, and rolling—making it much more accessible for busy home bakers. Think of it as the “shortcut cinnamon roll” that still captures all the nostalgia and indulgence of the original.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the baking time slightly, checking at 30 minutes.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch. The taste will be less rich.

Do I have to refrigerate them?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store these bars in the fridge. You can let them sit at room temperature for a few hours when serving.

Can I make them without frosting?
Absolutely. The bars are delicious on their own or with a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer something lighter.

How do I cut clean squares?
Chill the bars before cutting and wipe your knife clean between slices for neat, bakery-style squares.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars | Easy Dessert Recipe

Emily