Oh my goodness, you guys, let me tell you about these Easy Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars! Seriously, they’re the ultimate comfort food, bringing all the joy of a warm cinnamon roll in a convenient, easy-to-grab bar. I’m not exaggerating when I say these are addictive – you’ll be sneaking bites all day long. I first made these for a potluck, and they vanished in minutes! The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make.
I love a good cinnamon roll, but let’s face it, sometimes the process is a bit much. These bliss bars are a delightful shortcut, delivering that same incredible cinnamon-sugar swirl without all the fuss. Trust me, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
Recipe Story/Background
The inspiration for these bars came from my grandma’s old recipe box – a treasure trove of handwritten recipes and family stories. While I didn’t find a direct ancestor to these bliss bars, I stumbled upon a recipe for a cinnamon swirl coffee cake that sparked the idea. I’ve always been fascinated by how recipes evolve, adapting to different tastes and ingredients over generations.
This recipe is perfect for fall baking, when cinnamon is at its peak. The warm spices are so comforting and cozy, perfect for chilly evenings. It’s also great for holidays; imagine serving these up at Thanksgiving or Christmas! The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability – you can easily adjust it to suit your preferences.
Ingredient Discussion
Let’s talk about the stars of this show: the ingredients! First up, the butter. You want good quality, unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This ensures a light and fluffy texture. I personally prefer Kerrygold, but any good quality butter will do.
The sugar – we use both granulated and brown. The brown sugar adds that signature molasses-y depth of flavor that we all love in cinnamon rolls. Don’t substitute with another sweetener, you really need that brown sugar magic!
Flour: All-purpose is perfect here. Make sure to measure it accurately, using the spoon-and-level method. Don’t pack it down; that could lead to dry bars.
For the cinnamon, use a good quality ground cinnamon. You know, the kind that smells amazing and fills your kitchen with warmth. And don’t skimp on it! This is where most of the flavor comes from.
Lastly, the nuts (optional). Pecans or walnuts both work beautifully. Toasting them beforehand really brings out their flavor. If you have nut allergies, just leave them out entirely – the bars are still delicious.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy equipment for these bliss bars. A stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar a breeze, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just as well. You’ll also need a 9×13 inch baking pan – make sure it’s well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.
Measuring cups and spoons are essential, of course. And a rubber spatula or wooden spoon for mixing. That’s it! Simple and straightforward.
Preparation Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. (This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.)
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (227g) and 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar until light and fluffy. (About 3-5 minutes with a mixer.)
- Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.)
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. (This helps ensure even leavening.)
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. (Don’t overmix; this can lead to tough bars.)
- In a smaller bowl, combine 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Stir in 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional). (This is the magic cinnamon-sugar mixture!)
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. (Try to get an even layer for consistent flavor.)
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Keep an eye on them; ovens vary!)
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. (This prevents them from crumbling.)
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined – you’ll see a few lumps, and that’s okay.
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. If it’s too soft, the bars might spread too much. If it’s too hard, they might be crumbly.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This is crucial for preventing them from breaking apart. I learned this the hard way – once, I cut them while they were still warm, and they were a total mess!
Variations & Adaptations
Chocolate Cinnamon Bliss Bars: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious chocolate twist.
Apple Cinnamon Bliss Bars: Stir in 1 cup of chopped apples (peeled, cored, and diced) to the batter for a fall-inspired variation.
Gluten-Free Bliss Bars: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check if your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these bars at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A cup of coffee or tea is also a perfect accompaniment.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They freeze well, too – just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
These bars are a good source of energy thanks to the carbohydrates. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, and nuts (if included) provide healthy fats. However, they are also high in sugar and fat, so enjoy them in moderation.
Conclusion
These Easy Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to experiment with different variations – add your own personal touch! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out.
Honestly, these bars bring me so much joy. They’re a reminder of simpler times and the comfort of homemade treats. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts would all work well.
How long do the bars stay fresh?
Stored properly, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them a day or two in advance and store them as directed.
What if my bars are too dry?
You might have overbaked them. Next time, check for doneness a minute or two earlier.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While you can substitute the granulated sugar, I highly recommend sticking with brown sugar for that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars: Best Homemade Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars 1x
Description
These cinnamon roll bliss bars are the perfect fusion of cinnamon rolls and dessert bars. Soft, buttery, and packed with sweet cinnamon flavor – they’re incredibly easy and totally irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour to avoid dry bars. Let cool fully before slicing to keep the bars intact. For extra crunch, toast the nuts before adding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll bars, bliss bars, cinnamon dessert, easy fall baking, homemade bars
