Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two classic desserts—gooey cinnamon rolls and creamy cheesecake—into one irresistible treat. With a buttery cinnamon graham cracker crust, a rich cheesecake filling, and a sweet cinnamon swirl, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet indulgence any time of day. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or as an everyday treat, these bars are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups cinnamon graham crackers, finely crushed
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar

For the Cheesecake:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2-3 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adjust for desired flavor)
• 6 tablespoons butter

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil, ensuring the sides extend over the edges for easy removal. Spray with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix the crushed cinnamon graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven but keep the oven on.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread half of the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top and use a butter knife to swirl it into the cheesecake. Repeat with the remaining cheesecake filling and cinnamon mixture, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake and Chill
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the center is slightly jiggly. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars

• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and creamy cheesecake creates a warm, spiced flavor.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether for brunch, dessert, or a holiday treat, these bars are always a hit.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• For the best texture and flavor, allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the cheesecake set properly.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars cleanly. Wipe the knife with a damp paper towel between cuts for neat slices.
• Serve chilled or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for a softer texture.
• These bars pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Avoid Sogginess: If stacking bars in storage, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert for parties, gatherings, or meal prepping sweet treats for the week!

Variations

1. Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

• Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl mixture for a nutty crunch.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

2. Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

• Stir ½ cup finely diced apples (such as Granny Smith) into the cinnamon swirl mixture.
• Sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg for a warm fall-inspired flavor.

3. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

• Mix ½ cup pumpkin puree into the cheesecake batter.
• Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice to enhance the seasonal flavors.

4. Chocolate Swirl Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

• Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and drizzle over the cheesecake before baking.
• Swirl the chocolate into the cinnamon mixture for a marbled effect.

5. Maple Glazed Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

• Replace the vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon maple extract for a rich, maple flavor.
• Drizzle with a simple maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup) before serving.

6. Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars

• Add ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to the cinnamon swirl for a true snickerdoodle flavor.
• Dust the top with a sugar-cinnamon mixture before baking.

7. Blueberry Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

• Fold ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries into the cheesecake batter for a fruity twist.
• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

8. Oreo Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

• Substitute the cinnamon graham cracker crust with crushed Oreos for a chocolatey base.
• Top with crushed Oreo pieces before baking for extra crunch.

These variations allow you to customize Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars to match different flavors and occasions. Try one (or all!) and enjoy a new twist on this classic dessert!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular graham crackers instead of cinnamon graham crackers?
Yes, you can use regular graham crackers, but for the best flavor, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the crust mixture to maintain that warm, spiced taste.

2. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are slightly golden and the center is just a little jiggly but not liquid. It will firm up as it cools.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.

4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest texture. Low-fat cream cheese may result in a slightly thinner, less rich cheesecake.

5. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake bars?
To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter, and do not overbake. Also, letting the bars cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating helps.

6. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp paper towel between cuts to get neat, smooth slices.

7. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

8. Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
Definitely! Try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or diced apples to the cinnamon swirl mixture for extra texture and flavor.

9. How long will these bars last in the fridge?
They stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may need to be extended by 5-10 minutes.

These FAQs will help you perfect your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars and customize them to your liking. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat!

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars offer the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet cinnamon swirls on a crunchy graham cracker crust. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a cinnamon roll fanatic, this dessert delivers the best of both worlds. Make a batch today and enjoy a decadent, flavorful treat that will have everyone asking for more.

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