Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of a freshly baked cinnamon roll swirled together with the creamy, decadent richness of a classic cheesecake. Sounds heavenly, right? These bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience, a delightful fusion that will have everyone begging for more.

While the exact origins of combining cinnamon rolls and cheesecake are somewhat modern, both desserts have rich histories. Cinnamon rolls, with their roots in Swedish “kanelbullar,” have become a beloved treat worldwide, symbolizing warmth and home baking. Cheesecake, dating back to ancient Greece, has evolved into countless variations, each offering its own unique indulgence. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds!

What makes these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the soft, gooey cinnamon swirl nestled within the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! Plus, they’re incredibly convenient. Unlike making a full cinnamon roll batch or a whole cheesecake, these bars are easy to portion and perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a party or a comforting treat for a cozy night in, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to bake up some happiness!

Ingredients:

• For the Cinnamon Roll Base:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon Filling:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Cheesecake Layer:
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Base:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a consistent base.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the butter pieces, the flakier the base will be. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough base. A few streaks of flour are okay.
4. Press into Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Press the cinnamon roll dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. I find it easiest to use my fingers to spread it out. You can also use the bottom of a measuring cup to help flatten it.

Making the Cinnamon Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy. This mixture will create that delicious cinnamon swirl we all love.
2. Spread over Base: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the prepared cinnamon roll base in the baking pan. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor in every bite.

Preparing the Cheesecake Layer:

1. Cream the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is a very important step. If your cream cheese is not soft enough, you will end up with lumps in your cheesecake layer.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed cheese, beating until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully incorporated for a smooth texture.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can incorporate too much air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
4. Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined. The sour cream adds a nice tang and helps to create a creamy texture.
5. Pour over Cinnamon Filling: Gently pour the cheesecake batter over the cinnamon filling in the baking pan. Spread it evenly to ensure a consistent layer.

Baking the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars:

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. The center will continue to set as it cools.
2. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial for preventing the cheesecake from cracking.
3. Chill: Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the cheesecake to fully set and develop its flavor.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Start with a low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere.
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Frost the Bars: Once the cheesecake bars are completely chilled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
2. Cut into Bars: Cut the cheesecake bars into squares. I usually cut them into 12 or 16 bars, depending on how large I want them to be.
3. Serve: Serve the cinnamon roll cheesecake bars chilled. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert! You can also garnish them with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are truly a dessert game-changer. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake is simply irresistible. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited! But why are these bars a must-try? Well, first and foremost, they’re incredibly delicious. The buttery cinnamon swirl, the rich cheesecake filling, and the slightly crisp crust create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Secondly, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the “cheesecake” part intimidate you. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and foolproof, even for beginner bakers. And finally, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a potluck dessert, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Looking for serving suggestions? These bars are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them even further. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a welcome accompaniment. For a more decadent touch, drizzle them with caramel sauce or chocolate ganache. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch and flavor. But the fun doesn’t stop there! There are so many ways to customize these bars to your liking. Want to make them even more cinnamon-y? Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cheesecake filling. Prefer a different type of crust? Use graham crackers or even crushed gingersnaps. Feeling fruity? Swirl in some raspberry or strawberry jam. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few variation ideas to get you started:

Variations to Try:

* Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars: Add diced apples and a touch of apple pie spice to the cinnamon swirl. * Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars: Replace some of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree to the cheesecake filling. * Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the crust before baking or swirl melted chocolate into the cheesecake filling. * Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce after baking and sprinkle with sea salt. I truly believe that these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, and they’re sure to impress your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing bars. I promise you won’t regret it! And once you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking! I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Your feedback helps me improve and create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Let’s spread the joy of baking, one cinnamon roll cheesecake bar at a time!

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