Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert mashup, blending the gooey warmth of cinnamon rolls with the creamy richness of cheesecake. With a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a smooth cheesecake filling layered over a soft crust, these bars are the perfect indulgent treat for holidays, brunches, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars offer the best of both worlds: the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls and the silky texture of cheesecake. They’re easy to prepare using shortcut ingredients like crescent roll dough and make a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert or brunch centerpiece. Whether served warm, chilled, or at room temperature, they’re irresistibly good.

ingredients

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

• Crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Butter (melted)
• Optional: powdered sugar and milk for glaze

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Roll out one sheet of crescent dough into the bottom of the dish and press to seal the seams.
3. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough layer.
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle over the cream cheese layer and gently swirl with a knife.
6. Top with the second sheet of crescent dough, pressing seams to seal.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and set.
8. Cool completely before slicing into bars. Add glaze if desired by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and drizzling on top.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 12–16 bars

Variations

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the cinnamon sugar layer.
• Cream cheese swirl: For visual appeal, reserve some of the cream cheese mixture to swirl on top.
• Apple cinnamon: Add a thin layer of sautéed apples for an autumn twist.
• Spice it up: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon for extra depth.
• Frosted version: Top with a classic cream cheese frosting instead of glaze.

storage/reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To serve warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. These bars are also delicious served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, homemade or store-bought puff pastry or pie dough can work if rolled to fit the pan.

Do I need to chill the bars before serving?

Chilling helps set the cheesecake layer for cleaner cuts, but they can also be enjoyed slightly warm.

Can I freeze cinnamon roll cheesecake bars?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months.

How do I make the glaze?

Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream until pourable. Drizzle over cooled bars.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but full-fat cream cheese offers the best texture and richness for baking.

Are these bars more cheesecake or cinnamon roll?

They’re a balanced hybrid—creamy like cheesecake with the flavor and texture of a cinnamon roll.

What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon sugar?

Use a butter knife or toothpick to gently drag through the top layer before baking.

Can I add raisins?

Yes, adding a handful of raisins to the filling is a great way to incorporate traditional cinnamon roll flavors.

How do I make them extra gooey?

Add a bit more melted butter and cinnamon sugar mixture to the filling and reduce bake time slightly.

Are these good for breakfast or dessert?

Both! They’re sweet enough for dessert but perfectly at home on a brunch spread.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are a heavenly combination of sweet, creamy, and spiced flavors that are easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend brunch, a potluck, or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to be a hit. With their luscious cheesecake layer and cinnamon-sugar swirl, they’re a comforting treat you’ll want to make again and again.

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