Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, transformed into an easy dessert recipe that’s perfect for busy days, family gatherings, and sweet cravings that demand comfort food satisfaction. These bars deliver soft, buttery layers infused with warm cinnamon sugar and finished with a thick, creamy cream cheese frosting that melts right into every bite. The texture is tender and cake-like, the flavor is rich and nostalgic, and the aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a bakery.
If you’re looking for easy dessert ideas that double as family comfort food, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a must-try. They’re simpler than traditional yeast rolls, more budget-friendly, and ideal for home bakers of all skill levels. Whether you need a quick bake for a potluck, a cozy weekend treat, or a make-ahead dessert for busy schedules, this recipe delivers bakery-style results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy dessert recipe with no yeast or rising time
• Budget-friendly baking using pantry staples
• Family-approved comfort food dessert
• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and bake sales
• Beginner-friendly baking with guaranteed results
• Ideal make-ahead dessert for busy households
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the sturdy yet tender base of the bars, giving them structure while staying soft and fluffy.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the base and balances the warm cinnamon filling.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Work together to create lift and a light, cake-like texture without yeast.
Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances all flavors.
Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor and tender crumb; using cold butter helps create a soft, bakery-style texture.
Buttermilk – Adds moisture and slight tang, keeping the bars soft and preventing dryness.
Vanilla Extract – Brings warmth and depth to both the base and frosting.
Brown Sugar – The heart of the cinnamon filling, delivering deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon – Provides the classic cinnamon roll flavor that defines this dessert.
Cream Cheese – Creates a smooth, tangy frosting that perfectly balances the sweet bars.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a luxurious finish.
Milk – Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency for spreading.
Pro Tips
Use cold butter when cutting it into the dry ingredients to ensure a tender crumb.
Do not overmix the dough once the buttermilk is added to keep the bars soft.
Let the bars cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest frosting texture.
For clean cuts, chill the frosted bars briefly before slicing.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
Swap buttermilk with milk plus one tablespoon of vinegar for an easy substitute.
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make gluten-free dessert bars.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon layer for crunch.
Drizzle with vanilla glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter option.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warm spice flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars slightly chilled or at room temperature for best texture. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, making them perfect for brunch spreads, dessert tables, or cozy evenings at home. These bars also work well as sweet lunchbox treats or party desserts.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
These bars are excellent for meal prep desserts. Bake the bars up to two days in advance and store unfrosted at room temperature. Frost just before serving for best appearance. Once frosted, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They also freeze well; wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to two months.
Cultural and Comfort Food Notes
Inspired by classic American cinnamon rolls, these bars take a beloved breakfast pastry and turn it into an easy dessert bar. Cinnamon-based baked goods have long been staples of family kitchens, especially during holidays and cooler seasons when warm spices shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect make-ahead desserts and store well for several days.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store frosted bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce sugar slightly or use low-fat cream cheese, though texture may change.
What substitutions work for dietary needs?
Gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives work well.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply bake in a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time slightly.
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix the buttermilk and vanilla extract, then add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle melted butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon mixture.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and cut into squares before serving.
