Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines creamy cheesecake and the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar, look no further than these Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars. These decadent bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces (2 8-ounce tubes) crescent dough sheet (use the full sheet version, not the rolls)
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 ¼ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your cheesecake bars come out easily.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add ½ cup of sugar, the egg, and vanilla. Beat until all the ingredients are combined and smooth.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ¾ cup of sugar and the cinnamon. This will create a delicious cinnamon sugar blend to sprinkle throughout your bars.

4. Layer the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will give a lovely cinnamon flavor right at the base.

5. Add the Crescent Dough
Unroll one of the crescent dough sheets and lay it along the bottom of the dish. The dough should cover the entire base of the dish.

6. Spread the Cream Cheese Filling
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough. Be sure to smooth it out so that the filling covers the dough completely.

7. Add Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle approximately ½ cup of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Make sure to cover the entire cream cheese mixture with the sweet cinnamon topping.

8. Add the Final Layer of Crescent Dough
Top the cream cheese mixture with the second sheet of crescent dough. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. This will give the bars a delicious cinnamon crust.

9. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cinnamon sugar cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.

10. Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and serve. These bars can be enjoyed warm or refrigerated and served cold for a refreshing twist.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Warm or Cool: These cheesecake bars can be served either warm or cool, depending on your preference. Serve them warm for a gooey, comforting dessert or chill them in the fridge for a refreshing, creamy treat.
• Toppings: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can top these bars with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares for neat, even pieces. You can also use a serrated knife if the cheesecake filling is particularly thick.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to serve the bars within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the creamy texture of the cheesecake filling.
• Freezing: You can also freeze these bars for future enjoyment. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Variations

1. Apple Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars
Add a twist of fall flavor by incorporating chopped apples into the cream cheese mixture. Use about 1 to 1 ½ cups of peeled and diced apples, and lightly sauté them in butter with a pinch of cinnamon before mixing them in. This will add a warm, fruity texture that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar topping.

2. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
For a seasonal variation, mix ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese filling. This will give your cheesecake bars a rich, autumn-inspired flavor that’s perfect for the fall.

3. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars
Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a sweet and indulgent chocolate flavor. The melty chocolate chips combined with the cinnamon sugar will create a delicious contrast in texture.

4. Nutty Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars
For some crunch, add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking. The nuts will add a delightful texture and a nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon sugar.

5. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars
Swap out regular granulated sugar for brown sugar to create a deeper, caramel-like flavor in both the cream cheese filling and the cinnamon sugar topping. This adds richness to the bars and a slight molasses flavor that makes the dessert even more irresistible.

6. Raspberry Swirl Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars
For a fruity touch, swirl ½ cup of raspberry jam or fresh raspberry puree into the cream cheese filling before spreading it in the dish. The tangy raspberry flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon sugar for a balanced and flavorful dessert.

7. Sugar-Free Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars
For a lighter version, substitute the regular sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol and make sure the crescent dough is also sugar-free. This is a great option for those who are watching their sugar intake but still want to enjoy a delicious treat.

8. Lemon Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars
Add a fresh, zesty flavor by mixing in 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon zest into the cream cheese filling. The lemony brightness will balance out the sweetness and add a refreshing twist to the classic cinnamon sugar bars.

These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your tastes or season, making it perfect for any occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular crescent rolls instead of crescent dough sheets?
For best results, use crescent dough sheets, as they are easier to layer and will provide a smoother, flakier texture. Crescent rolls tend to have perforations, which could make it harder to achieve a neat, even layer.

2. How long do Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars last in the fridge?
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just make sure they are properly covered to maintain their freshness.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months if you’d like to store them long-term.

4. Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! After they have cooled completely, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before serving.

5. Can I substitute the cream cheese for something else?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can try using a non-dairy cream cheese substitute. For a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese might work, but the texture will be slightly different.

6. How can I make these bars more decadent?
To make these bars extra indulgent, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also makes a delicious addition!

7. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

8. Can I use a different flavor of dough?
While crescent dough works best for this recipe, you could experiment with other types of dough, like puff pastry or shortcrust. Just be aware that the texture and flavor will change slightly.

9. Can I adjust the sweetness level of the cream cheese filling?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Start by reducing the sugar by a few tablespoons if you’d like a less sweet dessert.

10. What can I use leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture for?
The leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture can be stored in an airtight container and used for other recipes. Sprinkle it on toast, in oatmeal, or use it in muffins, pancakes, or even as a topping for other baked goods!

These Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds – the smoothness of cream cheese and the sweetness of cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying a quiet moment with your family, these bars are sure to impress. They’re simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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