Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

Get ready for the dessert of your dreams—Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars! Picture this: a buttery, cinnamon-swirled crust that gives way to a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer, all topped off with a sweet, gooey glaze that takes every bite to a whole new level. It’s the perfect mash-up of two classic favorites—cinnamon rolls and cheesecake—and I promise, once you try these, you’ll be hooked. Trust me, these bars are the kind of treat that’s guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering. So, grab your apron and let’s make some magic happen!

Why You’ll Love Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

A Heavenly Combination

Cinnamon rolls meet cheesecake in the most indulgent, dreamy way possible. The cinnamon roll crust is buttery and rich, while the cheesecake layer is smooth and tangy. Together, they create a flavor combo that’s nothing short of perfection. It’s like a little bite of heaven with every forkful.

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist

While it sounds fancy, these bars are surprisingly simple to make. You won’t need any crazy ingredients or baking skills to create something that looks (and tastes!) like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s a win-win!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a showstopper dessert for a special event, or you just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars are perfect for any occasion. They’re great for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth at home.

Buttery, Gooey Goodness

Let’s talk about the gooey, cinnamon-sugar glaze for a second—it’s everything. When it’s drizzled on top, it seeps into the bars, making each bite irresistibly sweet and indulgent. It’s that perfect finishing touch that makes these bars completely unforgettable.

Crowd-Pleasing

These bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids, adults, family, or friends—they’re going to love them! Who can resist the combination of cinnamon, cheesecake, and that oh-so-sweet glaze? No one, that’s who.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these heavenly bars:

Cinnamon Roll Dough

The base of these bars is made from cinnamon roll dough. You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own. Either way, it provides that buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness that pairs perfectly with the cheesecake layer.

Cream Cheese

The creamy filling comes from the cream cheese, which gives the cheesecake layer that rich, smooth texture and tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar adds the sweetness to the cheesecake filling. It pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a well-rounded flavor.

Eggs

Eggs help to bind the cheesecake layer together, giving it structure and a creamy consistency.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth to the cheesecake filling.

Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

These ingredients bring the classic cinnamon roll flavors to life. The cinnamon swirls through the crust while the brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Butter

Butter is key for both the cinnamon roll crust and the gooey glaze. It gives everything that melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Powdered Sugar

For the glaze, powdered sugar is combined with butter and a touch of milk to create a sweet, smooth drizzle that’s the perfect finishing touch.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the approximate breakdown for one serving of Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Sugar: 23g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 230mg
• Potassium: 85mg
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 4% DV
• Vitamin A: 8% DV

These bars are a decadent treat, so if you’re in the mood for something indulgent, this is your go-to! They’re rich, buttery, and sweet—everything a dessert should be.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Instructions

Ready to dive into these delicious bars? Here’s how to make them:

Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the cinnamon roll dough into a 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it down to cover the bottom of the dish. If you’re using store-bought dough, just unroll it and press it evenly into the pan. Set aside.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract. Once everything is well combined, pour the cheesecake mixture over the cinnamon roll crust, spreading it evenly.

Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake filling. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the cheesecake layer, creating that signature cinnamon roll pattern.

Bake the Bars

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can test by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean (with just a few crumbs), the bars are done. Let them cool completely in the pan.

Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and a little milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, allowing it to seep into the layers.

Slice and Serve

Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares and serve! These bars are perfect for an afternoon treat, dessert at a party, or simply as an indulgent snack.

How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

These bars are great on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:

Pair with a Hot Drink

Serve these bars with a hot cup of coffee, a latte, or even some hot cocoa. The rich, gooey cinnamon flavor pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

For an extra indulgence, top these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream. The cold ice cream and warm bars create an irresistible contrast.

Serve at a Brunch

These bars are perfect for brunch! They’ll wow your guests with their decadent flavor and comforting texture. Serve with fresh fruit for a balanced spread.

Garnish with Extra Cinnamon

If you love cinnamon, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the glaze before serving. It adds a little extra flavor and makes the bars even more irresistible.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead

You can prep these bars ahead of time! Bake them the night before and let them cool completely. Store them covered in the fridge and drizzle the glaze on top just before serving.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to a month, so you can keep a batch on hand for later.

Swap the Cinnamon Roll Dough

If you want to get a little adventurous, try using a different dough, like a crescent roll dough or a puff pastry. The texture will be a bit different, but still delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A1: Yes! While the cinnamon roll crust is delicious, you can use a graham cracker crust or even a shortbread crust for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture will change a bit.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can use a gluten-free cinnamon roll dough (check your local grocery store or make your own) and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Q3: How do I make these bars without eggs?
A3: You can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or a store-bought egg replacer. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q4: Can I skip the glaze?
A4: You can, but the glaze really takes these bars to the next level! If you prefer to skip it, the bars will still be tasty but slightly less indulgent.

Q5: Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
A5: Absolutely! If you’re up for it, homemade cinnamon roll dough will make these bars even more special. Just make sure the dough is rolled out thin enough to create a nice base.

Q6: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A6: When the edges are golden brown and the center is firm (not jiggly), the bars are done. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes! If you need a larger batch, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Q8: How do I store these bars?
A8: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

Q9: Can I add nuts to the recipe?
A9: Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar swirl or the cheesecake layer would be a great addition for some crunch and extra flavor.

Q10: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A10: Yes! These bars can be made ahead and stored for a day or two in advance. Just add the glaze right before serving.

Conclusion

Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a buttery cinnamon roll crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a gooey glaze, these bars will quickly become your new favorite treat. They’re easy to make, and even easier to eat—trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one! Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they’re guaranteed to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy this indulgent, irresistible dessert.

Print