Deliciously moist Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars drizzled with icing on a plate

Quick Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars: Your Cozy Dessert Delight!

12 décembre 2025 par Chef Hanna Zest

These cinnamon roll inspired bars give you all the warm spice and creamy frosting without the long rise time. They use pantry staples and simple mixing so you can pull them together between errands or after work. The base is a tender cake like crumb, a ribbon of cinnamon sugar and a quick cream cheese glaze. For more fast dessert ideas check the desserts collection for inspiration. Ready in under an hour, they are ideal when you want cozy without fuss.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars: Your Cozy Dessert Delight!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe skips yeast and rolling so you get the cinnamon roll vibe much faster. Baking powder and baking soda give lift and a soft crumb while cold cubed butter creates a tender, slightly flaky texture. The cinnamon ribbon is a simple swirl made from brown sugar and cinnamon mixed with melted butter so it spreads easily. A quick cream cheese frosting is beaten smooth and spread on warm bars so it melts slightly into the top for that gooey finish. Because most steps are short and sequential you can prep and bake with minimal cleanup. It uses ingredients many home cooks already keep on hand so no special shopping run is required.

Flavor and Texture

Expect warm cinnamon and molasses notes from the brown sugar paired with a bright cream cheese finish. The base is soft and cake like with a slightly crisp edge where the cinnamon sugar caramelizes. The cinnamon ribbon gives pockets of concentrated flavor in each bite. The frosting is tangy and sweet which balances the richness of the butter in the bars. Together the layers mimic the best parts of a cinnamon roll in a sliceable, shareable bar.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
Whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
Cut cold cubed butter into the dry mix until pea sized crumbs form.
Stir in buttermilk and 2 teaspoons vanilla until just combined.
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan, pressing evenly.
Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl then stir in melted butter to form a paste.
Dollop the cinnamon mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a butter knife.
Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and smooth the top lightly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the bars in the pan for 10 minutes before glazing.
Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat until glossy.
Spread the frosting over warm bars and chill briefly until set, then cut into squares.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use store bought buttermilk or make a quick substitute with milk and a splash of vinegar if needed. Chill the cubed butter briefly in the freezer for five minutes if it softens while cutting into the flour. If you are in a rush use an electric mixer for the frosting to get it perfectly smooth fast. To speed slicing, refrigerate the whole pan for 20 minutes so the frosting firms and cuts cleanly. For more fast kitchen hacks check our guide to effortless cooking.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days for best texture. If you want room temperature serving let chilled bars sit 20 minutes before serving. For freezer storage wrap bars individually and freeze for up to two months and thaw in the fridge overnight. This recipe scales well so you can double the batch and freeze extras for quick desserts later.

Short Closing Note

These bars give cinnamon roll comfort without the wait and with minimal hands on time. They are perfect for busy mornings, potlucks or a fast after dinner treat.

Conclusion

For an alternate take and extra photos try the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – Gourmet Martha for inspiration and plating ideas: Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – Gourmet Martha.

FAQ

Can this be made in under 30 minutes?

Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.

Does it work for meal prep?

Most versions store well for one to three days.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.