Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

  1. All the Flavor, Less Effort : Enjoy the taste of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling and shaping dough.
  2. Perfectly Portable : Cut into bars for easy serving and sharing—ideal for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
  3. Customizable : Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste.
  4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prepare them ahead of time and store for later—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
  5. Kid-Friendly : Little ones will love helping assemble and decorate these fun, sweet treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to these bliss bars lies in their simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

  • 1 box (16.5 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Raisins or dried cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up these sweet, spiced bars? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  2. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
  2. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create an even layer.

Step 4: Swirl the Layers

  1. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar layer into the dough, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix—you want distinct swirls.
  2. If adding optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the top before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before glazing.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

  1. In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

  1. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the cooled bars.
  2. Slice into squares and serve, enjoying the rich, spiced flavors in every bite!

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars lies in their simplicity and balance of flavors. The soft, cakey base provides a sturdy foundation, while the spiced cinnamon-sugar filling adds warmth and sweetness. The creamy glaze ties everything together with its rich, tangy finish, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent—a true crowd-pleaser.