If you have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls but want a fun, shareable twist on the classic, you are going to absolutely adore this Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe. These bars are everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls packed into a convenient traybake, with layers of buttery, sugary goodness and a luscious cream cheese glaze crowning the creation. Whether you’re making them for a cozy brunch, a casual get-together, or a sweet treat to brighten your day, these bars promise a rich, comforting experience that feels like a warm, sweet hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe is delightfully simple because the ingredients are straightforward yet crucial for delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays its part, from creating the buttery base to building that irresistible cream cheese glaze.
- Two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 counts each): The star ingredient, providing convenience and that signature cinnamon swirl and softness.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture, helping to meld all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Offers a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the overall aroma and taste.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened: The velvet-soft base for the blissful glaze that makes these bars uniquely indulgent.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. The paper should overhang the edges—this little trick makes lifting out the entire batch a breeze once baked. Carefully separate the cinnamon rolls from their icing packets; keep the icing handy for the glaze you’ll make later.
Step 2: Create the Buttery Brown Sugar Mixture and Base Layer
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. Now, unroll and give a gentle flattening to half of the cinnamon rolls—8 pieces in total. Press these evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming a solid, buttery crust that’s full of cinnamon goodness.
Step 3: Build the Middle and Top Layers
Pour the luscious butter and brown sugar mixture over the cinnamon roll base, spreading it out so each nook and cranny is coated. Next, arrange the remaining 8 cinnamon rolls side-by-side on top of this sweet filling. Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown edges and a center that feels set to the touch but still soft and inviting.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Heavenly Cream Cheese Glaze
As the bars gently cool, combine the reserved icing packets with the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a small bowl. Whisk energetically until the glaze is perfectly smooth — no lumps allowed here! This glaze is what truly elevates the bars from delicious to the ultimate Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
When the bars have cooled just enough to handle, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top, making sure every square gets a sweet crown. Let the bars cool completely before using the parchment edges to lift them out of the pan. Slice into squares and get ready to experience pure joy in every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Although these bars are perfectly luscious on their own, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful textural contrast. If you want to be extra indulgent, try adding a few fresh raspberries on top for a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai latte, or even a cold glass of milk. If serving at brunch, complement with fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to introduce freshness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion or sharing with friends, serve the bars on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and fresh sprigs of mint. You can also layer them in a glass trifle dish with dollops of whipped cream and toasted almonds for a stunning dessert display that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and moist. After that, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness, though note that the bars may firm up slightly.
Freezing
If you want to save some bars for later, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly, making them perfect for prepping ahead.
Reheating
To enjoy bars fresh out of the oven feel, gently warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This softens the glaze and revives the gooey texture, making each bite just as heavenly as when first baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Freshly made cinnamon rolls can work wonderfully in this recipe, just be sure to unroll and flatten them carefully to create the perfect layers. It’s a bit more hands-on but totally worth it for that homemade flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using dairy-free cream cheese and icing. The texture and flavor might shift slightly but it can still yield delicious Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars.
How sweet are these bars? Can I reduce the sugar?
These bars are sweet and indulgent by nature, partly due to the brown sugar and cream cheese glaze. You can reduce the powdered sugar in the glaze a bit if you prefer a less sweet finish, but the layers are designed to balance each other perfectly in sweetness.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
If you find gluten-free cinnamon rolls at your store or make your own, you can definitely swap them in. Just keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free doughs can bake a little differently.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without them falling apart?
Using a sharp knife and cooling the bars completely before cutting is key. Lifting the bars out of the pan with the parchment helps you get a clean cut and prevents any mess or crumbling on your cutting board.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that combines ease, nostalgia, and pure decadent flavor, this Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect way to share the comfort of cinnamon rolls with a creative twist that’s bound to impress family and friends. Go ahead, bake a batch and watch smiles grow around your table.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a decadent dessert combining soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a rich brown sugar butter layer and a creamy cream cheese glaze. Baked in a single pan, these bars offer the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient bar form, perfect for sharing and easy serving.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- Two (2) cans (8 counts each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packets reserved)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bliss Glaze
- Reserved icing packets from cinnamon rolls
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on the sides to make it easy to lift the bars out later.
- Make Brown Sugar Butter Mixture and Press Base: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Unroll and slightly flatten half of the cinnamon rolls (8 rolls), then press them evenly onto the bottom of the lined baking pan to create the crust layer.
- Layer and Bake: Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll base. Arrange the remaining 8 cinnamon rolls on top, side by side, covering the filling. Bake the assembly for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the bars cool slightly, whisk together the reserved icing packets with the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth, thick, and free of lumps.
- Glaze and Cool: Drizzle the prepared cream cheese glaze generously over the warm bars, ensuring even coverage. Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth glaze without lumps.
- Using parchment paper with overhanging edges makes removing the bars from the pan effortless.
- These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon over the glaze before it sets.
