If you’re searching for the perfect dessert that combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the convenience of bar cookies, look no further than these incredible Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. This heavenly creation brings together all the elements we love about classic cinnamon rolls – the soft dough, the sweet cinnamon swirl, and the creamy glaze – but in an easier, more shareable format that’s perfect for any occasion.
What makes these cinnamon roll bars so special is their incredible texture contrast. The bottom layer features a soft, buttery dough that bakes up tender and cake-like. Then comes the rich caramel-cinnamon filling that oozes deliciousness with every bite. Finally, a sweet vanilla glaze ties everything together for the ultimate dessert experience. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these bars are guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
2. Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these cinnamon roll bars turn out perfectly. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our bars
2 tbsp granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the flavors
1 tsp baking powder – Helps the dough rise slightly
½ tsp salt – Enhances all the other flavors
½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed) – Creates that perfect tender texture
½ cup milk – Whole milk works best for richness
For the caramel layer:
½ cup unsalted butter – The base of our gooey caramel
1 cup brown sugar – Packed for maximum caramel flavor
2 tbsp heavy cream – Makes the caramel extra rich
1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor
1 tbsp ground cinnamon – The star of the show!
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar – Creates that smooth, sweet topping
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. For easy removal, you can line it with parchment paper with overhanging edges.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. The key to perfect cinnamon roll bars is working with cold butter – cut it into small cubes and use a pastry cutter or two forks to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
Gradually add the milk, stirring just until a soft dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix – we want tender bars, not tough ones. Transfer the dough to your prepared baking dish and use lightly floured hands to press it evenly across the bottom, creating a smooth surface for our caramel layer.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
Now comes the magical part – creating that luscious caramel cinnamon filling that makes these bars so irresistible. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely into the butter.
Once the mixture is smooth, stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
This caramel sauce is what gives our cinnamon roll bars their signature gooey texture and deep flavor. For an extra special touch, you might want to check out this collection of caramel recipes to get more ideas for variations.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Working quickly while the caramel is still warm, pour it evenly over the dough in the baking dish. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into every corner, ensuring complete coverage. The warmth of the caramel will slightly melt into the dough, creating that perfect cinnamon roll texture we’re after.
For cinnamon lovers (and who isn’t one?), feel free to sprinkle an additional teaspoon of cinnamon over the caramel layer before baking. This intensifies the warm spice flavor that makes these bars so comforting.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at the 25-minute mark. You’ll know the bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling vigorously across the entire surface.
Resist the temptation to overbake – we want these cinnamon roll bars to stay soft and gooey in the center. Once removed from the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze. This brief cooling period allows the caramel to set slightly so it doesn’t all run off when you cut them.
4. Making the Glaze
While the bars are cooling slightly, prepare the simple glaze that will take them from great to extraordinary. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable – if it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
For the prettiest presentation, transfer the glaze to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle the glaze back and forth across the warm bars in a zigzag pattern. The warmth of the bars will help the glaze melt slightly into the caramel layer, creating beautiful flavor integration.
5. Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:
Warm from the oven: Perfect when you want that fresh-baked, gooey experience
Room temperature: Great for potlucks or packed lunches
With coffee: The ideal companion for your morning brew
À la mode: Top with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
Brunch favorite: Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced sweet treat
For storage, keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled or need them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
6. Variations & Tips
One of the best things about this cinnamon roll bars recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs:
Nutty delight: Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before baking for added crunch
Vegan version: Substitute dairy-free butter and almond milk, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
Extra gooey: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting under the glaze
Chocolate twist: Mix ¼ cup cocoa powder into the caramel sauce for chocolate-cinnamon bars
Apple cinnamon: Add ½ cup of finely diced apples to the dough for seasonal flavor
Pro tip: For perfectly cut bars, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
7. Why This Recipe Works
This cinnamon roll bars recipe succeeds because it captures all the beloved elements of traditional cinnamon rolls while eliminating the more time-consuming steps like yeast proofing and rolling. The biscuit-like dough comes together in minutes, and the caramel layer provides that signature cinnamon roll swirl flavor without the fuss.
The texture contrast is what really makes these bars special – the tender cake-like base, the gooey caramel center, and the sweet glaze on top create a symphony of textures in every bite. Plus, they’re much easier to transport and serve than traditional cinnamon rolls, making them perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or care packages.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought dough to save time? A: Absolutely! One tube of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough can be pressed into the pan as a shortcut. Just unroll the dough, press it into the pan, and skip the homemade dough steps.
Q: Can I freeze these bars for later? A: Yes, these cinnamon roll bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Q: How can I make these bars ahead of time? A: You can prepare the dough and caramel sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready. The glaze should be made fresh.
Q: My caramel hardened too much after baking. What went wrong? A: This usually means the caramel was cooked too long initially or the bars were overbaked. Next time, cook the caramel just until it coats a spoon, and remove the bars from the oven when the edges are just golden.
9. Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. They deliver all the comforting flavors we associate with freshly baked cinnamon rolls, but in a format that’s easier to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a potluck contribution, or simply want to treat your family to something special, this cinnamon roll bars recipe is sure to impress.
The magic lies in the contrast of textures – the tender base, the gooey caramel center, and the sweet glaze topping create a dessert experience that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Plus, with all the possible variations, you can customize them to suit any taste or occasion.
So preheat your oven and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and caramel. One bite of these blissful bars, and you’ll understand why they’ve earned their name. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine all the best elements of cinnamon rolls – soft dough, gooey caramel-cinnamon filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze – in a convenient, shareable bar format. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these irresistible bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel)
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk and mix to form dough.
Press dough into prepared dish, covering the bottom evenly.
For the caramel, melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and thickened. Pour over dough.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the bars.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For a richer flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before baking.
To keep bars fresh, reheat individual pieces for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.
Chill bars for 30 minutes before cutting for neat slices.
