Go Back

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars bring all the warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make, cakey bar format. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime treats, these bars feature a soft batter layered with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl and topped with a sweet glaze. Minimal prep and no yeast rising make this a quick way to enjoy cinnamon roll goodness with less fuss and cleanup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Baking, Comfort Food
Servings 16 bars (about 2x2-inch squares)
Calories 270 kcal

Equipment

  • 8x8 or 9x9-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Small bowl for cinnamon swirl
  • Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

For the Bars:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup plain yogurt or milk

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened (optional for richer glaze)
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal, or grease well.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
  • Combine wet and dry: Alternately add flour mixture and yogurt (or milk) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  • Prepare cinnamon swirl: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly but cohesive. Chill 10 minutes.
  • Assemble bars: Spread half the batter evenly in pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl over batter. Spread remaining batter over swirl gently. Top with remaining swirl. Use a skewer or knife to swirl cinnamon sugar into batter.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
  • Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, cream cheese (if using), vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk to desired consistency.
  • Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled bars. Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Notes

  • For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute with plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free bars.
  • For a seasonal twist, swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice or chai spices in the swirl.
  • Add-ins like chopped nuts or raisins can be folded into batter or sprinkled on top before baking.
  • Bars keep well for 3 days at room temp or up to a week refrigerated (bring to room temp before serving). Freeze for longer storage.
  • To avoid swirl bleeding, chill the cinnamon mixture before layering.
Keyword breakfast bars, cinnamon bliss bars, cinnamon dessert bars, Cinnamon roll bars, cinnamon sugar bars, cinnamon swirl bars, easy cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls