Introduction

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars capture the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. With a soft, tender base and a sweet cinnamon swirl topped with a creamy glaze, they are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

Two square cinnamon rolls stacked on top of each other are shown close-up on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. Each square has three visible layers: a bottom layer of soft, light brown dough, a middle layer of dark brown cinnamon filling, and a thick top layer of creamy, glossy white icing with a cinnamon swirl pattern. The cinnamon filling looks moist and slightly crumbly, while the icing has a smooth, shiny texture with specks of cinnamon. More cinnamon roll squares are blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (or any non-pork variety)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
1 tablespoon milk (or a non-dairy milk alternative)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
Step 3: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
Step 5: Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter, creating a cinnamon roll effect—avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, ensuring each piece is generously coated.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature butter for a smoother batter and better texture.
Try a dairy-free or egg-free cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage

Store the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy a soft, fresh experience.

How to Serve

The image shows two stacked square cinnamon rolls with a thick, creamy icing covering the top and sides. The top layer has a distinct spiral pattern of cinnamon, light brown and glossy, contrasting with the smooth off-white icing. The bottom part is a soft, spongy dough layer with swirls of cinnamon running through it, showing a textured brown color. In the background, more cinnamon rolls are slightly out of focus, set on a warm brown surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, while yellow cake mix is recommended for the classic cinnamon roll flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or butter. Avoid strongly flavored mixes that might overpower the cinnamon swirl.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make the bars suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.