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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 134 reviews

Delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a heavenly treat combining the soft, tender crumb of a buttery base with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack, these bars capture the essence of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make, shareable format.

Ingredients

Base

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a tender texture.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract, then pour this into the dry mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, creating a thin and uniform base.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the dough base, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
  7. Bake: Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely for the best frosting application.
  8. Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  9. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares or bars and serve to enjoy the delightful cinnamon roll bliss.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the butter for the base is very cold to achieve the right crumbly texture.
  • The bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese topping.
  • These bars can be warmed slightly before serving for a freshly baked feel.
  • Substitute buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar if needed.