Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars bring the irresistible flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into a simple, handheld treat. These bars are soft, sweet, and topped with a luscious glaze, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack any time of day.

Two square cinnamon roll bars are stacked on a wooden board, each bar showing three visible layers: a golden brown, slightly crumbly base layer; a thick, creamy white middle layer with a smooth texture; and a top layer with a cinnamon swirl pattern in light brown on a pale cream surface, glistening with a sticky glaze. In the background, more bars arranged out of focus on the same wooden surface enhance the warm, cozy feel. 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 the mixture evenly over the cake batter.
Step 5: Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter. Avoid overmixing to maintain a distinct swirl pattern.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden and the top slightly firm.
Step 7: Let the bars cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to adjust consistency.
Step 9: Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a dairy-free or egg-free cake mix to make these bars suitable for different dietary needs.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the swirl mixture.
For a richer glaze, substitute half the milk with cream or add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the glaze and whip until smooth.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm. The glaze may soften slightly when reheated.

How to Serve

The image shows two stacked cinnamon roll bars with a swirl pattern on top, cut into square shapes. Each bar has three visible layers: a light brown crumbly base, a thick middle cinnamon-spiced layer of darker brown color, and a glossy, creamy white glaze layer on top with cinnamon specks forming clear spiral lines. In the blurred background, more of these bars are spread out on a wooden surface. The focus captures the texture of the glaze and the cinnamon filling inside. 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 traditional for these bars, you can experiment with vanilla or butter cake mixes for subtle flavor differences. Avoid chocolate or strongly flavored mixes as they may overpower the cinnamon swirl.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make the recipe gluten-free. Just check the mix’s ingredients to ensure it meets your dietary requirements.