Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars 🍩🧀
These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are a decadent, indulgent dessert that combines the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the creamy richness of cheesecake. With a buttery cinnamon roll crust, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping, these bars are pure magic in every bite. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible bars step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Desserts in One : Combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake into one amazing treat.
- Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Sharing : Great for potlucks, parties, or gifting to loved ones.
- Customizable : Add nuts, drizzle icing, or experiment with different toppings.
- Make Ahead Friendly : Prep ahead and store for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Makes 9–12 bars)
For the Crust:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough 🥧
- Cinnamon sugar , for garnish (from the cinnamon roll icing packets or homemade )
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese , softened 🧀
- 1 cup powdered sugar , sifted ❄️
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream ) 🥄
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- Open one can of cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls. Flatten each roll slightly with your hands or a rolling pin to remove air pockets.
- Press the flattened rolls into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even layer to create the crust.
- Tip : Use your fingers to pinch together any gaps so the crust is uniform.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes , or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar , blending until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked cinnamon roll crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Open the second can of cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls. Flatten each roll slightly and arrange them on top of the cheesecake filling, pressing gently to seal the edges and form the top layer.
- Optional : Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the top for added sweetness.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the top layer is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Tip : To check doneness, gently shake the pan—the center should no longer jiggle.
Step 6: Garnish and Cool
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the top, or sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar for a finishing touch.
- Optional : Add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares using a sharp knife.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
Tips for Success
- Use Softened Cream Cheese : Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Make Homemade Whipped Cream : If you prefer, whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a homemade alternative to Cool Whip.
- Add Texture : Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips between layers for extra crunch.
- Make Ahead : Store the bars in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month . Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Switch Up the Flavors : Use flavored cinnamon rolls (like apple or pumpkin spice) for a seasonal twist.
Perfect Pairings
These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars pair beautifully with:
- Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold glass of milk for refreshment.
- Fresh Fruit : Serve with fresh berries or sliced apples for balance.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approx.)
(Based on 12 bars)
- Calories : ~300 kcal
- Protein : ~4g
- Carbohydrates : ~40g
- Fat : ~15g
- Fiber : ~1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are a rich, gooey, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or just because, these bars deliver on flavor and texture. The combination of buttery cinnamon roll crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cinnamon sugar topping creates a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible.
The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the toppings, or pair them with different sides to make them your own. So grab your cinnamon rolls, whip up that cheesecake filling, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.