Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

The moment these cinnamon roll cheesecake bars came out of the oven, my kitchen smelled like a bakery on a crisp autumn morning. You know that irresistible scent—warm cinnamon, buttery dough, and a hint of vanilla, all mingling in the air like a sweet invitation.

I couldn’t resist sneaking a bite before they had even cooled, and let me tell you—pure magic. The crust was soft and pillowy, just like a fresh cinnamon roll, but then came the creamy cheesecake layer, rich and smooth, melting on my tongue. And that cinnamon-sugar swirl? Absolute perfection.

I’ll admit, I’ve had my fair share of cinnamon rolls and cheesecakes, but the idea of combining the two was a game-changer. I wanted something that had the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but with an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth twist. So, I grabbed a tube of cinnamon roll dough, a block of cream cheese, and got to work.

The result? A dessert that’s ridiculously easy to make, yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing treat for brunch, a holiday dessert, or just a little something special for yourself (no judgment here!), these bars are about to become your new obsession.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe—you won’t believe how simple and delicious this is!

Short Description

Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two classic treats: fluffy cinnamon rolls and creamy cheesecake. With a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl and a drizzle of sweet icing, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 tube (16.5 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

For the cheesecake filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon swirl:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

• Reserved icing from cinnamon roll dough

Tools Needed

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Knife or toothpick for swirling

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Press the cinnamon roll dough into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together to form a solid crust. Brush the top with melted butter for extra richness.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust, spreading it out with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle the mixture over the cheesecake layer, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl it gently into the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. The bars should have a slight jiggle in the middle but not be liquid.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least an hour, then refrigerate for another 1-2 hours for the best texture. This helps the cheesecake layer firm up. Once fully cooled, drizzle the reserved icing over the bars.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Effortless: No rolling out dough or making a traditional cheesecake from scratch.

Rich & Creamy: The cheesecake layer stays silky, while the cinnamon roll crust adds a soft, buttery base.

Perfect Balance of Sweet & Spiced: The brown sugar-cinnamon swirl melts into the filling, giving every bite the cozy warmth of a cinnamon roll.

Great for Any Occasion: A fantastic addition to brunch, holiday gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat with coffee.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Not Softening the Cream Cheese – Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.

Overbaking – If baked too long, the cheesecake will turn dry. Remove it when the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.

Skipping the Cooling Step – Rushing to cut warm bars will result in a messy, gooey texture. Chill for at least an hour for clean slices.

Not Swirling the Cinnamon Mixture Properly – If the cinnamon sugar sits on top without swirling, it won’t distribute evenly. Use a knife to gently incorporate it into the cheesecake layer.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve these bars slightly chilled for the best texture.
– Pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
– Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
– Sprinkle with toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.

Reheat: Enjoy cold or warm up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Yes! If you prefer homemade dough, roll it out to fit an 8×8-inch pan and proceed with the recipe as written.

2. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the baking time to 35-40 minutes.

3. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?
The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle but not be wet.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

5. Do I need to line the pan with parchment paper?
It’s not necessary, but it makes cleanup easier and helps lift the bars out neatly.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
– Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean, bakery-style squares.
– Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for perfect cuts.

Recipe Variations

1. Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

Add ½ cup finely chopped apples to the cheesecake filling.

Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving.

2. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars

Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice in the swirl.

Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree to the cheesecake filling.

3. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer before baking.

Drizzle with melted chocolate instead of icing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make but tastes like something special, these Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are it. They deliver that cozy, nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls while adding the creamy decadence of cheesecake. The cinnamon swirl melts beautifully into each bite, making it impossible to stop at just one.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, holidays, or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit. Plus, they store well, meaning you can enjoy them for days (if they last that long!). So, grab your ingredients, bake up a batch, and prepare for pure dessert bliss. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!