If you love the gooey center of a cinnamon roll, you’re going to fall hard for these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. This recipe reimagines the classic roll into rich, chewy layers of cinnamon-spiced filling, buttery crust, and creamy vanilla glaze. No yeast, no rolling—just quick, satisfying decadence in every bite.
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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars: Gooey, Easy, and Totally Addictive
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a no-yeast dessert layered with graham crust, cinnamon swirl, and cream cheese filling—all topped with glaze.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
¼ cup melted butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 egg
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into pan. Bake 8 minutes.
3. Stir together cinnamon sugar filling. Set aside.
4. Beat cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Spread cream cheese over crust. Dollop cinnamon mixture on top.
6. Swirl gently with knife. Bake 25–30 minutes until set.
7. Cool completely before glazing.
8. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.
9. Chill for cleaner slices. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store bars in fridge up to 5 days.
Freeze unglazed bars for up to 2 months.
Add chopped pecans for texture.
Use maple extract in glaze for a fall twist.
The Bliss Bar Idea That Changed Everything
That’s how these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars were born. No yeast. No rising. Just rich cinnamon filling, buttery layers, and a smooth cream cheese glaze—stacked in bar form. They’re soft in the center, golden at the edges, and every bite melts into that familiar cinnamon warmth we all crave.
I first made them on a chilly Saturday while my daughter was painting at the table and Grandma hummed a song in the background. By the time they cooled, half the pan was gone. They were that good. Since then, they’ve become our weekend go-to and a holiday must-have.
Whether you’re a fellow busy mom or just love cinnamon rolls, this recipe is pure comfort without the fuss. These bars may be new, but they carry the same heart as Grandma’s originals.
Let’s make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars together—because tradition should be simple, and sweet should always be within reach.
What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Simple Pantry Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of the best things about Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars is how easy the ingredient list is. You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry basics and a few fridge staples. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Crust & Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
These ingredients come together in layers that mimic the rich, gooey center of a cinnamon roll—but with less mess and way more convenience.
Helpful Tools for Perfect Bars
You don’t need fancy baking gear to nail these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, but having the right tools helps make the process smoother:
- 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (3 sizes)
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Hand or stand mixer (for cream cheese layer)
- Offset spatula (for spreading layers evenly)
- Cooling rack
To avoid sticking, line your pan with parchment paper and leave some overhang for easy lifting. It’s a small trick that makes slicing and serving a breeze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Step by Step
Build the Layers
Making Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars is easy, even if you’re short on time or new to baking. Follow these steps to build each sweet, gooey layer from crust to glaze.
Step 1: Prepare your pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the crust
In a bowl, mix 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the cinnamon filling
While the crust bakes, stir together 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional), and ¼ cup melted butter until a paste forms. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare cream cheese layer
In another bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Dollop the cinnamon mixture on top, then use a knife to gently swirl it into the cream cheese layer. Don’t overmix—those ribbons are key!
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before glazing.
Step 7: Glaze
Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp milk and ½ tsp vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars. Chill for cleaner cuts.
Tips for Best Texture
To get that perfect soft-chewy bite, don’t overbake—edges should be golden, but the center still soft. Letting the bars cool before slicing helps the layers set and flavors deepen.
How to Serve, Store & Customize Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are delicious straight from the fridge or slightly warmed. The buttery crust holds firm, the cream cheese layer melts in your mouth, and the cinnamon swirl hits with just the right warmth. They’re the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes after the first bite.
Serve them at brunch with coffee or pack them into a dessert box for friends. They’re a favorite at potlucks, bake sales, and especially around the holidays. For an indulgent twist, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm glaze..
Variations & Make-Ahead Tips
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are incredibly flexible—here are a few fun ways to make them your own:
- Maple Glaze Swap: Add a teaspoon of maple extract to the glaze for a rich, fall-inspired flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for added texture.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the glaze for a bakery-style finish.
- Pumpkin Spice Upgrade: Sub pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon if you’re baking in fall.
Make-ahead: You can make these bars 1–2 days in advance. After they’ve cooled and are glazed, cover tightly and refrigerate. The flavor actually deepens overnight.
Storing:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They stay moist and chewy. To freeze, wrap unglazed bars individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then glaze before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars made of?
They’re made with layers of graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese mixture, and a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl. Everything’s topped with a vanilla glaze, making each bite soft, spiced, and decadent—like the center of a cinnamon roll in bar form.
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making in advance. Once baked and glazed, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. In fact, the flavors deepen as they chill, making them even better the next day.
How do you store leftover Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed bars individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and glaze just before serving.
What’s the difference between cinnamon rolls and bliss bars?
Cinnamon rolls are made with yeast-based dough that requires rising and rolling, while bliss bars are quicker, no-yeast treats. The bars keep the cinnamon-cream cheese flavor you love, but in a simple, sliceable form—no proofing or kneading required.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—warm spice, creamy sweetness, and buttery comfort—but in a simpler, faster form. Whether you’re baking with your kids, hosting a brunch, or just need something cozy to end the day, these bars hit the sweet spot. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
