Cinnamon Roll Bars with Vanilla Frosting

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars bring cinnamon and vanilla frosting together in an easy-to-slice pan dessert. The batter is mixed in one bowl, baked in a 9 × 13-inch pan, and cooled before frosting.

Why Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

These bars offer cinnamon-roll flavor in a simple sheet-pan format. Cut them into squares for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bars

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan.
2. Beat the softened butter with both sugars until combined. Mix in the sour cream, eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, then cut into squares.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bars with coffee or tea. For brunch or a gathering, cut them into small squares and arrange them on a platter.

Storage

Keep the bars covered in the refrigerator because the frosting contains milk. Let a serving sit briefly at room temperature before eating, if desired.

Tips

• Measure the flour without packing it into the cup to help keep the bars tender.
• Mix the batter only until the flour disappears.
• Cool the bars fully before frosting so the icing does not melt.
• Check for doneness near the center; avoid overbaking.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts if they suit your preference. Cream cheese frosting can replace the listed milk-and-powdered-sugar frosting, though it will change the flavor and storage needs. For more ideas, see St. Patrick’s Day sugar cookie bars. For related guidance, read cinnamon roll shaping tips from King Arthur Baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the bars?
Yes. Freeze them in a sealed, freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
A measure-for-measure gluten-free baking blend may work, but results can vary by brand.

How do I know when they are baked?
The center should be set and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Print Recipe

Deliciously soft and moist cinnamon roll bars topped with a creamy frosting, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Amelia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping, then sprinkle it over the batter.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
10. For the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then spread over the cooled bars.

Notes

Serve fresh and enjoy with coffee or tea. Can experiment with toppings like chopped nuts or extra cinnamon.