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If you love the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls paired with the rich creaminess of cheesecake, then you are in for a real treat with this Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe. This delightful dessert combines tender, buttery cinnamon roll pieces with a luscious cheesecake layer, swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet glaze. Every bite offers a heavenly mix of soft textures and warm spices that make it impossible to resist. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for brunches, dessert tables, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is key to making these bars irresistibly delicious. Each component plays a crucial role: the cinnamon rolls bring that familiar soft texture and spice; cream cheese adds a silky richness; and the cinnamon swirl and glaze elevate the dessert with extra bursts of sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count each): These form the lovely, fluffy base with cinnamon goodness.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness when brushed over the base.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on the base for an extra cinnamon kick.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for the creamy cheesecake layer.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake to perfection without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts flavor depth in the cheesecake and glaze.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind and give structure to the cheesecake layer.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep the cheesecake smooth.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened: Used in the cinnamon swirl topping for richness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings caramel notes to the cinnamon swirl.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm spice flavor in the swirl.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for the sweet glaze that finishes the bars.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with fragrant sweetness.
How to Make Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
The magic starts with properly prepping your workspace. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when your bars go in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars come out cleanly and maintain their ooey-gooey texture without sticking.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Roll Base
Roll out the cinnamon rolls and slice each into quarters—these small pieces become the fluffy foundation of your dessert. Spread them evenly across your prepared pan, pressing gently to create a cohesive layer. Then, brush everything with melted butter and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. This layer is key for that classic cinnamon roll aroma and adds buttery moistness as it bakes.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Batter
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a velvety smooth mixture. Adding the eggs one at a time while mixing ensures a creamy consistency with no lumps. Finally, stir in the sour cream, which keeps the cheesecake layer rich but light. Pour this luscious batter over your cinnamon roll base, covering it gently and evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to make a rich cinnamon swirl mixture. Spoon small dollops over the cheesecake layer, then take a knife or toothpick to swirl it in with gentle circular motions. This not only adds beautiful marbling but also infuses every bite with that deep cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Step 5: Bake Your Bars to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The key is achieving a cheesecake that is just set with a lightly golden top. The center shouldn’t jiggle when you shake the pan gently—that’s your sign to remove it. This ensures that creamy, velvety texture inside while keeping the edges slightly firmer for easy slicing.
Step 6: Whisk Together the Glaze
While the bars bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. This simple topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and a silky finish that visually pops against the warm cinnamon hues of the bars.
Step 7: Cool, Cut, and Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this allows the layers to set perfectly and makes cutting neat squares easier. Then, drizzle the glaze generously over the top right before serving. The glaze seeps into all the nooks and crannies, highlighting every bit of the ooey-gooey wonder you just baked.
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars to stunning visual and flavor heights, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze. A light dusting of cinnamon or even a few fresh berries can add beautiful color contrast and a hint of freshness that balances the rich sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a cup of robust coffee or your favorite chai tea to complement the cinnamon and vanilla notes. If you want to turn it into a full brunch experience, pair with fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait for some textural variety and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or gifting, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with little flags or labels. You can also package them in small boxes tied with twine for a charming homemade gift. For parties, set up a DIY drizzle bar with extra glaze, nuts, and mini chocolate chips for guests to customize their own cinnamon roll cheesecake bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the ooey-gooey cheesecake texture while preserving the delicate cinnamon swirl and glaze.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time for an event or just to enjoy later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual bars gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that warm, soft feel. Avoid overheating, as the cheesecake layer can separate or dry out. A quick zap is all you need to enjoy them almost fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have your own go-to cinnamon roll dough, it will work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to roll it out and cut it into quarters to create the fluffy base layer.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free cinnamon rolls or use a gluten-free dough recipe. Keep an eye on baking times as they might require slight adjustments depending on the specific gluten-free product.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
While it’s possible, full-fat cream cheese yields the best texture and flavor for the cheesecake layer. Reduced-fat versions might make the bars less creamy and slightly denser.
What should I do if my cheesecake layer cracks?
Cracking typically happens if the cheesecake is overbaked or cooled too quickly. To avoid this, bake until just set and let the bars cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Simply add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze or more milk to thin it out until you reach your desired drizzle consistency. It should pour smoothly but not be runny.
Final Thoughts
This Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe is truly a celebration of two beloved desserts in one. It’s comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make, promising happy smiles with every bite. Whether for breakfast, a party, or a sweet pick-me-up, these bars are bound to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
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Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two beloved treats: soft, buttery cinnamon rolls and rich, creamy cheesecake. A cinnamon-sugar base topped with luscious cheesecake and swirled cinnamon topping, finished with a sweet glaze, makes for an irresistible dessert perfect for brunch, snacks, or any occasion requiring a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count each)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Form the Cinnamon Roll Base: Roll out the cinnamon rolls and slice each into quarters. Spread these pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing them gently together to create an even base layer. Brush the melted butter over this base and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll base in the pan, spreading it gently to cover the base.
- Add the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to form the cinnamon swirl mixture. Spoon small dollops of this mixture over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cheesecake for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the top has turned lightly golden. The center should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bars bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and drizzle the prepared glaze over the top just before serving. Enjoy your decadent cinnamon roll cheesecake bars!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should be just set with no jiggle for the best texture.
- Cooling completely before glazing ensures the glaze doesn’t melt into the bars.
- For easier removal, lining the pan with parchment paper helps lift the bars out cleanly.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang and reduced fat.
