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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Two stacked squares of gooey Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with cream cheese filling and white icing drizzle.
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Make rich, gooey cinnamon roll bars with a cream cheese swirl and thick glaze. This recipe delivers classic cinnamon roll flavor in an easy-to-slice bar format.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for swirl)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for swirl)
  • 1 large egg yolk (for swirl)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for swirl)
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 3 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the base dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined into a soft dough. Press two-thirds of this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining one-third of the dough.
  4. Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of melted butter until it forms a thick, wet mixture. Spread this cinnamon mixture evenly over the pressed dough layer.
  5. Prepare the cream cheese swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cinnamon layer. Crumble the reserved one-third of the base dough over the top of the cream cheese layer.
  7. Gently swirl the layers together using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect. Do not over-mix.
  8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is mostly set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time.
  10. Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Once the glaze sets, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

  • For a thicker, gooier center, slightly reduce the baking time by 3-5 minutes.
  • You can prepare the base dough ahead of time and chill it for up to 2 days before pressing it into the pan.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for the cream cheese swirl to prevent lumps.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorvista.com/cinnamon-roll-bliss-bars/