Description

There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and cream cheese. From cozy weekend mornings to festive holiday brunches, cinnamon rolls are a beloved classic, their warm, sugary aroma filling kitchens and hearts alike. But imagine taking that comforting cinnamon roll flavor and pairing it with the creamy decadence of cheesecake — that’s exactly what cinnamon roll cheesecake bars deliver.

This dessert holds a special place for many families, blending two favorite treats into one irresistible bite. Whether served at a fall gathering, Easter brunch, or just as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these bars bring people together, sparking memories of home-baked warmth. I remember my grandmother making something similar when I was a child, swirling cinnamon through a creamy layer, and how every bite tasted like love and celebration.

So, whether you’re baking these for a special event or just to treat yourself, cinnamon roll cheesecake bars promise to become a treasured addition to your dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon swirl:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the glaze (optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Create the cinnamon swirl
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drop spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter, creating beautiful cinnamon ribbons.

Step 4: Bake to perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set and no longer jiggly. Cool the bars at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to fully set.

Step 5: Glaze and slice
If you like, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the chilled bars before slicing into squares.

Notes

Feel free to customize with a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture.