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To make these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, you will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon milk (add more as needed) Selecting high-quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Here are some tips: - Flour: Use fresh all-purpose flour. Check the date on the bag. - Oats: Choose rolled oats for the best texture. Look for whole grain options. - Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels. - Sugar: Go for dark brown sugar for richer flavor. - Eggs: Use large, fresh eggs for better binding and texture. - Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon, but check for freshness. Older cinnamon loses flavor. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Flour: Substitute with whole wheat flour for more fiber. - Oats: Use quick oats if you don't have rolled oats. - Butter: Coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option. - Egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) works as a vegan alternative. - Nuts: If you have nut allergies, leave out the pecans or use seeds instead. - Frosting: Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute for cream cheese. Feel free to mix and match as you like! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the bars bake evenly. Next, grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Grease it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Lining the dish helps you remove the bars easily later. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Then, toss in 1/2 cup of rolled oats. Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well combined. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. If you want to add a crunch, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. While the bars bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Add 1 tablespoon of milk. Stir until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency. Once the bars are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares. For a special touch, dust with extra powdered sugar and sprinkle more pecans on top. Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars! When making Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can make the bars dense. Also, don’t skip the cooling time before frosting. The warm bars can melt the frosting. Lastly, ensure the oven is fully preheated. This helps the bars rise and bake evenly. To get that soft and chewy texture, measure your flour correctly. Use a spoon to fluff the flour, then scoop it into your measuring cup. This avoids packing too much flour. Also, the right baking time is key. Check your bars at 20 minutes. They should be golden at the edges but soft in the center. To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract. These add depth to the cinnamon flavor. For a lovely presentation, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. You can also top them with chopped pecans or fresh cinnamon sticks for a fun touch. Consider using a colorful plate to make your bars stand out. Pro Tips Perfect Texture: For a chewy texture, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in the cream cheese frosting gradually to achieve your desired spreadability without making it too runny. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and prevent the frosting from melting. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for the best flavor and freshness. {{image_2}} If you want to make these bars nut-free, just leave out the pecans. You can also replace the pecans with seeds. Sunflower seeds work well and add a nice crunch. Pumpkin seeds are another great choice. Both options keep the texture while making the bars safe for those with nut allergies. To create gluten-free Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results. You can also use almond flour, but note that it will change the texture slightly. Just make sure to adjust the liquid if needed. You can easily jazz up your bars with chocolate chips or fruit. Mini chocolate chips mix in well and add a sweet surprise. If you prefer fruit, chopped apples or blueberries fit nicely. Just fold in about half a cup before pouring the batter into the baking dish. These additions bring new flavors and make your bars even more delightful! To keep your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. You can place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. If you prefer, wrap them in plastic wrap first for extra protection. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, these bars last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they can stay fresh for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Yes, you can freeze Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars! To do this, wait until they are completely cool. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars in the fridge overnight, or leave them out at room temperature for a few hours. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. This makes them a great treat for busy days. If you want to skip cream cheese, use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Both options give a nice creamy texture. You can also use butter with powdered sugar for a simple frosting. Each choice will change the flavor a bit, so choose what you like. To check if the bars are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. The edges should look golden brown. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Absolutely! You can use any nuts you like. Walnuts or almonds work well too. If you want a nut-free option, simply leave them out. The bars will still taste great without nuts. You can add colorful sprinkles on top for a fun touch. Try mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a holiday feel. You can also shape the bars into festive designs. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a snowy look. This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. You learned about choosing quality ingredients and simple substitutions. I provided clear steps to bake and frost the bars perfectly. We also talked about avoiding common mistakes and enhancing flavor. You can try variations for different diets, and I shared storage tips to keep your bars fresh. Follow these steps, and enjoy making these tasty treats! They're a crowd-pleaser that you can make any time.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Delicious bars that combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls with a creamy frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 0.25 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk (add more as needed)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using pecans, fold them in now.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy; adjust the milk for desired consistency.
  • Once the bars are baked, allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares.

Notes

Dust the top with extra powdered sugar and sprinkle some additional chopped pecans for an added crunch before serving. Consider serving these bliss bars on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh cinnamon sticks for a delightful visual touch!
Keyword bars, cinnamon rolls, dessert