Name: Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485829H17M41S
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2-3 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)

These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two beloved treats: the soft, cinnamon-swirled goodness of a cinnamon roll and the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. Each bite offers a perfect balance of spiced sweetness and tangy cream cheese, baked into a convenient bar form that’s easy to share or enjoy on the go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll to a whole new level by adding a luscious cheesecake layer. It’s not overly sweet, and the cinnamon flavor is just right, making it a perfect dessert or breakfast treat. The bars are easy to make, hold their shape well, and taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Butter
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Milk or cream (for glaze)

Directions

Preheat the oven and prepare a baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
Make the cinnamon roll dough base by mixing flour, baking powder, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cinnamon roll crust and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle additional cinnamon and sugar mixture on top for extra cinnamon roll flavor.
Bake until the cheesecake layer is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Let cool completely before adding a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or cream.
Chill the bars for at least a few hours before cutting to allow them to firm up.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 16 bars. It takes roughly 20 minutes to prepare, 35-40 minutes to bake, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time before serving.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra crunch. Swirling a bit of caramel sauce into the cheesecake layer before baking adds a delicious caramel-cinnamon twist. For a festive touch, topping the bars with a cream cheese frosting instead of glaze works wonderfully too.

Storage/reheating

I keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They hold up well and taste even better chilled. If I want to warm them slightly, I use the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, which brings out the cinnamon aroma without melting the cheesecake layer too much.

FAQs

How can I make these bars ahead of time?

I usually prepare the bars a day in advance and refrigerate them overnight. This allows the flavors to develop fully and makes slicing much easier.

Can I freeze the cinnamon roll cheesecake bars?

Yes, I freeze them by wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

What kind of cream cheese works best?

I prefer using full-fat cream cheese because it gives the best texture and richness. Avoid using whipped or low-fat versions for this recipe.

Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll dough instead of making the crust?

I have tried that, and it works well if you press the dough into the pan and reduce the flour and butter in the crust recipe accordingly. It saves time but changes the texture slightly.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and the bars still turn out great. Just keep an eye on baking time as it may vary slightly.

Conclusion

I find Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars to be an irresistible treat that blends two favorites into one simple, elegant dessert. Whether I’m serving them for brunch or as a sweet ending to dinner, these bars never disappoint. The creamy cheesecake, paired with that comforting cinnamon roll flavor, makes this recipe a new staple in my baking rotation.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars