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High Protein Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

High Protein Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars - recipe card

These bliss bars deliver the cozy cinnamon roll flavor you crave, but with a protein-packed twist. A soft oat and Greek yogurt base is layered with a warm cinnamon swirl and a light cream cheese glaze, offering a satisfying, high-protein treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 30g, or 1/4 cup)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the cinnamon swirl:
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • For the glaze:
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 12 tsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, protein powder, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Break up any clumps of protein powder to ensure even distribution.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, egg, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and well-blended.
  4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick and sticky. Let the batter rest for 2 minutes to allow the oats to absorb some moisture.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and melted butter to form a thick paste. Set aside.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  7. Dollop the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter in small spoonfuls. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the batter, creating ribbons—do not overmix, you want distinct swirls.
  8. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center feels set to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs. The internal temperature should reach at least 200°F (93°C) to ensure the oats are fully cooked.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the entire block onto the rack to cool completely.
  10. While the bars cool, prepare the glaze: in a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated. If the glaze is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency.
  11. Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, slice into 4 equal rectangles (or 8 smaller squares if you prefer).
  12. Drizzle the glaze generously over each bar. Let the glaze set for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave a refrigerated bar for 15-20 seconds or a frozen bar for 30-45 seconds until warm. The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for 3 days; bring to room temperature before drizzling.

Nutrition

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