Name: Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk

Hey y'all! If you love gooey, cinnamon-swirled treats as much as I do, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese are about to be your new obsession. Imagine the classic flavors of a cinnamon roll wrapped up in a soft, buttery bar, then topped off with a luscious cream cheese swirl. These bars are perfect for brunches, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just because you deserve something sweet. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese Recipe

Super easy to make, thanks to simple pantry ingredients and no yeast required.
Delivers all the gooey, cinnamon-spiced flavors of a cinnamon roll in bar form.
The velvety cream cheese topping adds a tangy, rich finish that's irresistible.
Perfect for sharing at parties, breakfasts, or as a sweet snack any time of day.
Stays soft and delicious for days, making it ideal for make-ahead baking.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons whole milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract and milk.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

Remove ½ cup of the batter and stir in the ground cinnamon to make the cinnamon swirl mixture.
Spread the plain batter evenly into your prepared pan. Dollop the cinnamon batter over the top and use a butter knife to gently swirl it into the base batter for a marbled effect.

Step 3: Make and Add the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the swirled batter and use a knife or spatula to gently swirl it in.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Do not overbake for maximum gooeyness.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Notes for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and creamier topping.
Do not overmix to avoid tough bars—just mix until ingredients are incorporated.
For the softest bars, err on the side of underbaking slightly; learn more about how to tell when bar cookies are done.

Variations: Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese, Your Way

Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture.
Frosted Finish: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze after baking for a bakery-style touch.

Required Equipment

9x13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper (optional)
Butter knife or spatula (for swirling)

Storage Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Let bars come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve warm with a chilled glass of milk or a steaming mug of coffee.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping dessert.
Pair with fresh berries or a fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread.

Pro Tips for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese

Chill the bars before slicing for clean, bakery-style squares.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest topping—learn more about cream cheese in baking.
Customize the swirl: Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm spice upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?: Yes, but the bars will be less creamy and rich; full-fat is best for flavor and texture.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?: The edges should be golden and the center just set. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Can I double the recipe?: Absolutely! Use a larger pan (or two 9x13-inch pans) and slightly increase baking time, checking for doneness at 28-32 minutes.

Looking for more baking inspiration? Check out these bar dessert recipes for your next sweet craving!

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with Cream Cheese