Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars bring together the soft crumb of a traybake with the warm, spiced sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll. The texture is tender and buttery, finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze that melts gently into the top. This is an easy, fuss free bake that suits beginners and confident bakers alike. From start to finish, you can have these bars ready in about 1 hour.

Ingredients

For the base

• 225g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 250g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk

For the cinnamon swirl

• 75g unsalted butter, melted
• 100g soft brown sugar
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon

For the cream cheese glaze

• 150g full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g icing sugar, sifted
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease and line a 23 x 30cm traybake tin with baking parchment, making sure the sides are covered.
• Mix the base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar until pale and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
• Add the dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, cinnamon, and baking powder. Fold gently until just combined, then stir in the milk to create a smooth, thick batter.
• Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, soft brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a thick paste.
• Assemble the bars: Spread the base mixture evenly into the prepared tin. Spoon the cinnamon swirl over the top, then use a knife to gently marble it through the batter.
• Bake: Bake in the centre of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Cool: Leave the traybake to cool completely in the tin. This helps the bars set and makes glazing easier.
• Make the glaze: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla, mixing until soft and spreadable.
• Finish: Spread the glaze over the cooled bake, slice into bars, and serve.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Why did my bars turn out dry?

Overbaking is the most common cause. Check the bake at 25 minutes and remove it as soon as the centre is set.

How do I get a neat swirl?

Use a light hand when swirling. A few gentle passes with a knife are enough to create a marbled effect without mixing it fully.

Can I make the glaze thicker?

Yes. Add a little more icing sugar until it reaches your preferred consistency.

How do I stop the glaze sliding off?

Make sure the bars are completely cool before adding the glaze. Warm cake will cause it to melt.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of tea or coffee
• Warm slightly and enjoy as a dessert
• Add chopped pecans on top for crunch

Storage

Room temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping them in a cool spot away from direct heat.

Refrigerator

Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze unglazed bars for up to 3 months. Defrost fully, then add the glaze before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated fat: 14g
• Sodium: 220mg

Nutritional values are approximate and provided as a guide only.

FAQs