All the flavor of cinnamon rolls—no yeast required

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls, transformed into an easy, no-yeast dessert bar. These bars feature a soft, buttery base, a thick layer of cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a rich cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly into every bite. They’re warm, cozy, and irresistibly gooey.

Perfect for breakfast treats, holiday brunches, bake sales, or dessert cravings, these bars come together quickly using simple pantry ingredients. There’s no rising time, no rolling dough, and no complicated steps—just mix, layer, bake, and frost.

If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t always have time for yeast dough, this recipe delivers that same indulgent flavor with a fraction of the effort.

Why Cinnamon Roll Bars Are So Popular

Dessert bars are a favorite because they’re easy to slice, transport, and serve. Cinnamon roll bars, in particular, offer comfort and nostalgia while remaining incredibly versatile. They can be served warm or chilled, frosted thick or lightly drizzled, and customized with nuts or extra spice.

The layered structure ensures every bite has buttery crust, cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting—no dry edges or uneven swirls.

Ingredients

For the Base

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl

¾ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the Base
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Spread Batter
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl
Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Layer the Swirl
Sprinkle cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. Gently swirl with a knife.
Bake
Bake for 28–32 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly gooey.
Make Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until spreadable.
Frost and Serve
Spread frosting over warm bars for a melt-in finish, or cool bars first for thicker frosting.

Tips for Perfect Gooey Bars

Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaked centers create the best texture.
Use parchment paper: Makes removal and slicing easy.
Frost while warm: For that classic cinnamon roll glaze effect.
Let bars rest: Cooling slightly helps flavors settle.

Variations and Flavor Add-Ins

Nutty Bliss Bars: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl.
Extra Spiced: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture.
Maple Frosting: Replace vanilla with maple extract.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Bars: Add pumpkin spice for fall flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual bars slightly before serving. Bars freeze well unfrosted for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars give you all the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls without the extra work. They’re soft, sweet, and loaded with cinnamon flavor, making them a guaranteed hit for any occasion.