These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars combine everything you love about cinnamon rolls with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Each bite delivers a sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor balanced by the smooth cream cheese, making them the ultimate dessert indulgence.
Perfect for a weekend treat, holiday dessert, or a simple snack, these bars are a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a comforting solo treat – you won’t regret it!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 packages refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls each)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cinnamon
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1 tablespoon melted butter
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Unroll the cinnamon roll dough and press the dough into the bottom of the prepared dish, pinching the seams together to form a crust.
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In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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In another bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
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Roll up the remaining cinnamon rolls, slice them into pieces, and layer them on top of the cream cheese mixture.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cinnamon rolls.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the cheesecake filling is bubbly.
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Let the bars cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Allure of Cinnamon Rolls and Cheesecake
Cinnamon rolls have long been a breakfast or dessert favorite, loved for their soft, pillowy dough and warm, spiced cinnamon filling. Paired with a decadent cream cheese mixture, this dessert brings a comforting, indulgent flavor to your palate. Cinnamon rolls on their own are delicious, but when you add a cheesecake twist, you get a truly unique dessert experience. The cheesecake filling adds a smooth, tangy contrast to the sweet and spicy cinnamon, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
When you think of cheesecake, you probably envision a rich, dense dessert that requires careful preparation. These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars take away the complicated nature of traditional cheesecakes by simplifying the process while still offering the same creamy, indulgent experience. There’s no need for a springform pan or water bath—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars
There are a multitude of reasons why this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. First and foremost, the flavor is unmatched. The cinnamon rolls provide the perfect amount of sweetness and spice, while the cheesecake filling is creamy and luxurious. This combination of textures—soft cinnamon rolls and velvety cheesecake—is simply divine.
Moreover, these bars are incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, you don’t need to worry about cracking the top or getting the perfect consistency. These bars are forgiving and require minimal effort to prepare, making them an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. While the base recipe is irresistible on its own, you can easily customize it with various toppings or mix-ins. Want a drizzle of caramel on top? Go for it. Add some fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor. Or even sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish. The possibilities are endless.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are perfect for nearly any occasion. They’re the ideal treat to serve at a family gathering, potluck, or brunch. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be made in advance, so you don’t have to worry about preparing it at the last minute. Simply bake it ahead of time, let it cool, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
If you’re planning a holiday get-together, these bars are an excellent addition to your dessert spread. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. And if you’re entertaining a crowd, these bars are easy to portion out and share, ensuring that everyone gets a bite of the sweet, cinnamony goodness.
An Easy, Make-Ahead Dessert
One of the greatest advantages of these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars is that they’re a make-ahead dessert. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or a special event, this recipe can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Once baked and cooled, these bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, making them a great option for preparing ahead of time for future occasions. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Customizing Your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars
While the base recipe for these bars is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can customize the flavor and presentation to suit your preferences.
If you’re a fan of nuts, adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cheesecake filling before baking will give your bars an extra crunch. You could also add a swirl of chocolate to the cream cheese layer, creating a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combo that will please any chocoholic.
For a touch of tanginess, consider adding some lemon zest to the cheesecake filling. The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and creates a fresh, bright contrast. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try adding pumpkin puree during the fall months for a seasonal twist on this dessert.
To make the bars even more decadent, top them with a homemade glaze or drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, also makes for a delicious topping, adding a burst of color and freshness to each bite.
The Secret to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars
To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks:
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Use room temperature ingredients: For a smooth cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This will help prevent lumps and create a creamy, velvety texture.
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Don’t overmix the cheesecake filling: Mix the filling until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cheesecake to become too airy and lose its rich, dense texture.
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Pinch the seams of the dough: When pressing the cinnamon roll dough into the pan, make sure to pinch the seams together to create a solid crust. This will help keep the filling intact as the bars bake.
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Allow the bars to cool: Once baked, let the bars cool before cutting into them. This allows the cheesecake filling to firm up and makes the bars easier to slice.
Conclusion: A Delicious Dessert That Will Leave You Wanting More
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their combination of sweet cinnamon rolls and creamy cheesecake, these bars offer a unique, indulgent treat that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or bringing them to a party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So, the next time you’re looking for a show-stopping treat, look no further than these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars. Trust us, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!