Oh, my goodness! Let me tell you about these delightful treats I’ve come to adore – **Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars**! If you’ve ever bitten into a warm cinnamon roll and felt that instant wave of comfort—the sweet aroma, the gooey filling, and that luscious icing—this recipe captures all of that goodness in a convenient bar form. Not only are they super easy to make, but they also fill your kitchen with that nostalgic scent that takes you straight back to the coziness of Sunday mornings at home.
I first stumbled upon this recipe last year, as I was trying to recreate the classic cinnamon roll experience but without the fuss of rolling and frosting each individual roll. I was looking for something I could bake in a single pan, cut into squares, and share with friends over coffee. That’s when I came across these blissful bars! Trust me, they’ve become quite the crowd-pleaser. Imagine a sweet bar topped with a creamy icing that melts in your mouth—they’re just heavenly!
What’s in Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?
Flour: This is the base of our bars. All-purpose flour works like a charm, creating that soft and chewy texture we crave in a cinnamon roll.
Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds the perfect sweetness and richness. The brown sugar especially gives those lovely caramel notes.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! A generous dose of ground cinnamon is what makes these bars taste like a warm, cozy embrace.
Baking Powder: This helps our bars rise and ensures they have the right amount of fluffiness.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness—don’t skip it!
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture. I prefer using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness.
Eggs: Two large eggs lend structure and a bit of lift to the bars while also keeping them moist.
Milk: This adds moisture and helps bind everything together. I generally use whole milk, but feel free to go dairy-free if needed!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the overall flavor, making these bars feel even more special.
Is Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about those health considerations. While I wouldn’t call these bars “health food,” they do have a few perks!
Flour provides some carbohydrates for energy, and if you swap in whole wheat flour, you’ll bump up the fiber content.
Butter, while rich in saturated fat, also offers essential fat-soluble vitamins. Moderation is key, and I always say, indulge mindfully!
Also, with the sweetness largely coming from brown sugar, you do get a few trace minerals like calcium and iron, though the health benefits of sugar are minimal—let’s face it, these bars are more about joy than nutrition.
As with many baked goods, enjoy them as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence, and share with friends; spreading the love (and calories) can make it all that sweeter!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus more for topping)
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This recipe makes about 12 blissful bars.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with some cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want these bars to be tender and fluffy!
5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Now, to make it extra delectable, sprinkle some additional cinnamon and a little brown sugar over the top. This will create that gooey topping we all love!
6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a dash of vanilla until silky smooth.
9. Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top and cut them into squares.
Sweet Tips for Blissful Bars
– Feel free to get creative! You can swap in mix-ins like chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch, or even throw in some chocolate chips for a fun twist.
– Enjoy these bars warm right out of the oven, or they store beautifully in an airtight container for a few days. If they last that long!
These **Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars** are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. It’s such a joy to see family and friends enjoy them, and I know you’ll fall in love with them as much as I have. So go ahead, treat yourself, and maybe even your neighbors! I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so don’t forget to share your experience! Happy baking!