Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – Soft, Swirled, and Irresistibly Sweet

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the perfect blend of gooey cinnamon roll flavor and soft, chewy bar texture. With warm spice, a tender crumb, and a sweet swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout, these bars are made for anyone who loves a cozy, bakery-style treat—but wants a lighter twist. Finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze, they’re every bit as indulgent as they sound, but made with ingredients you can feel good about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Flavor – All the goodness of a cinnamon roll, no yeast or rising time required.
Soft and Chewy Texture – Like a cross between a blondie and a cinnamon bun.
Lighter Ingredients – Enjoy the sweet comfort without the extra calories.
Easy to Make – No mixer, no hassle—just mix, bake, and drizzle.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup light butter or margarine, melted
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp melted light butter

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tsp low-fat milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar, egg, applesauce, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir just until combined.

3. Add the Swirl
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix swirl ingredients. Drop small spoonfuls over the batter and gently swirl with a knife or toothpick.

4. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before glazing.

5. Glaze and Serve
Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars and slice into 12 squares.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

Calories: 115
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Applesauce Magic – Adds moisture without extra fat.
• Swirl Gently – Don’t overmix the swirl or it will disappear into the batter.
• Cool Before Glazing – Let bars cool completely to prevent glaze from melting.
• Perfect with Coffee – Serve with your favorite warm drink for a cozy treat.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe captures the essence of a cinnamon roll in a simpler, quicker form. The applesauce adds moisture while reducing fat, and the cinnamon-sugar swirl brings those warm, nostalgic flavors to life. With a drizzle of glaze on top, these bars feel like a treat—without overdoing it.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the kind of dessert you reach for when you crave comfort but don’t want the heaviness of traditional bakes. Warm, soft, and perfectly spiced, they’re the best parts of a cinnamon roll in a lighter, easier form. One bite and you’ll see—they’re pure bliss.