Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

by Emily
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls and creamy cheesecake—all in one irresistible dessert bar. With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake filling, swirls of spiced brown sugar, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these bars offer that nostalgic cinnamon roll flavor in a convenient, sliceable form. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or cozy afternoons, and easily adapted to be dairy-free or vegan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake in one easy dessert

  • Perfect for holidays, parties, or weekday treats

  • Easy to customize with vegan or dairy-free options

  • Uses simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs – Forms a crisp, buttery base.

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crumbs and adds richness.

  • 1/4 cup sugar – Sweetens and balances the graham flavor.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides a smooth, creamy layer (use dairy-free for vegan).

  • 1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake base.

  • 2 large eggs – Adds structure and silkiness (or use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for vegan).

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and aroma.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Ensures a smooth swirl (swap for vegan butter if needed).

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds that signature caramel-molasses taste.

  • 1 tbsp cinnamon – Brings the warm, cozy spice.

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar – The base of a classic drizzle.

  • 2–3 tbsp milk – Adjusts consistency (almond or oat milk works for dairy-free).

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – For a sweet, fragrant finish.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Tips and Tricks

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and texture.

  • Chill overnight for cleaner slices.

  • Use a hot, dry knife to slice for bakery-style presentation.

  • Avoid over-swirling the cinnamon mixture to maintain a marbled look.

Variations and Customizations

  • Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and applesauce instead of eggs.

  • Crust Swap: Try crushed Biscoff cookies or vanilla wafers for a twist.

  • Add Nuts: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for extra crunch.

  • Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Serve with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea.

  • Pair with fresh berries for a lighter touch.

  • Enjoy as a sweet brunch side or a make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

  • Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Popular Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars taste even better after chilling, so they’re great to make the night before.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly, checking at the 45-minute mark.

Do I need a mixer?
A hand or stand mixer makes the filling smoother, but a whisk and some elbow grease work too.

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