If you love the soft, pillowy texture of cinnamon rolls and the rich creaminess of cheesecake, then these Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new dessert obsession. Imagine biting through layers of sweet cinnamon roll dough, sinking into a lush, tangy cheesecake filling, and savoring cinnamon-swirled goodness in every bite—all in a neat, shareable bar. Whether you’re baking for a brunch treat, an after-dinner dessert, or just indulging a sweet tooth, you’ll find these bars impossible to resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need for fancy ingredients here—just everyday staples that work some real magic together. Each one plays a key role in building that perfect flavor and texture you crave, from the rich cream cheese to the sweet cinnamon swirl and buttery crust.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each): This brings the signature creamy, tangy layer that makes every bar velvety smooth.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Essential for balancing the tang from the cream cheese and sweetening every layer just right.
- Large egg (1): Helps everything bind together for a cheesecake layer that’s custardy, but not heavy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm depth and rounds out the richness of the filling.
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing (2 cans, 8 oz each): The shortcut hero that gives you gooey, cinnamon-spiced layers in minutes.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl for that classic roll flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The heart and soul—its aroma brings the whole kitchen to life!
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Just a touch helps give structure to the cinnamon-sugar sprinkle.
- Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing pan): Ensures every scrumptious bar lifts out cleanly, no sticking.
- Optional reserved icing: The sweet finale for an extra drizzle you’ll swoon over!
How to Make Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick mist of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This is the secret to easy slicing and lifting later. Unroll one can of cinnamon roll dough, set aside that little tub of icing, and press the dough into the bottom of your dish. Pinch the edges together till you have a smooth, cinnamon roll patchwork crust—no need to be fussy, just make sure the seams are sealed.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until silky and totally lump-free—this makes the bars decadently smooth. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. You’ll end up with a creamy, spoon-licking cheesecake batter that smells as lovely as it tastes.
Step 3: Swirl on that Signature Cinnamon Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and that tablespoon of flour. This magical mixture gives the bars their gooey cinnamon roll filling notes. Sprinkle half across your pressed dough base for sweet, spiced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Layer and Top
Pour your cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing it all the way to the edges. Now, unroll the second can of cinnamon rolls and lay the dough disks gently over the cheesecake layer. Let them snuggle up, covering as much as possible (a few gaps are just fine). Sprinkle the rest of your cinnamon sugar mixture on top to finish.
Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Drizzle
Transfer your pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center has just set. Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes—this patience pays off! Once cool, drizzle with the reserved icing that came with your cinnamon roll cans for that bakery-perfect finish. For the cleanest slices (and dreamiest texture), chill completely in the fridge before cutting.
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
To make every bar truly shine, go beyond the classic icing drizzle with a shower of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon. For a special touch, add a modest drizzle of caramel or even a few fresh berries on the side for color and sweet-tart contrast. These finishing flourishes make your Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars look as spectacular as they taste!
Side Dishes
Turn your bars into the star of a brunch spread or dessert table. Serve them alongside creamy Greek yogurt lightly sweetened with honey, some bright, fresh fruit salad, or a hot cup of cinnamon coffee. The creamy, spiced flavor pairs especially well with tart apples or berries for a balanced bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your bars high on a rustic wooden board for a casual brunch display, or place each bar in a cupcake wrapper for grab-and-go party treats. Another fun idea: Slice the bars small and serve as elegant mini bites on a dessert platter, perfect for potlucks and showers. However you present them, Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars always draw a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and place them in the fridge, where the bars will stay fresh and delightful for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they chill, and you’ll love how the texture becomes extra creamy by the next day. A quick tip: Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to stash some bars away for a rainy day (or midnight craving), these bars freeze surprisingly well. Once completely cooled and sliced, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Tuck them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—still as ooey-gooey as ever!
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-baked softness again, microwave a refrigerated or thawed bar for 10–15 seconds. This brings back just enough warmth to soften the cinnamon roll layers and make the icing slightly melty. If you’re reheating a big batch, arrange on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these bars with homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Absolutely! If you have a trusty homemade cinnamon roll dough recipe, you can use that for extra flavor and baking love. Just make sure you roll it thin enough to cover both the base and top almost entirely.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
No problem—just substitute an equal amount of granulated sugar, and toss in a tiny splash of molasses if you have it for that classic depth. The bars will still be deliciously ooey-gooey and sweet.
Can I make Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars gluten free?
You sure can! Look for gluten free cinnamon roll dough (often available in well-stocked grocery stores or online), and swap the flour for a gluten-free blend. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten free!
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes—for food safety and the best texture, always store the bars in the fridge. They taste fantastic chilled or at room temperature, and the cream cheese filling stays luscious and safe to eat.
Can I add mix-ins to the cheesecake filling?
Definitely! Swirl in a handful of mini chocolate chips, a scatter of chopped nuts, or even some tiny bits of sautéed apple for an exciting twist on the classic recipe. Your Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars will turn out even more unique!
Final Thoughts
Whenever you need a dessert that brings pure joy to any table, whip up a batch of these Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars. They’re supremely easy, totally unforgettable, and truly embody everything delicious about cinnamon rolls and cheesecake. I hope you give them a try soon—and watch them disappear in record time!
Print
Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake with these Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars. A delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Roll Layers:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Additional:
- Nonstick spray or butter (for greasing pan)
- Optional drizzle of reserved icing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press one can of cinnamon rolls into the dish to form a crust.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mix until creamy.
- Prepare Cinnamon Mixture: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Sprinkle half over crust.
- Layer and Bake: Spread cheesecake filling over crust. Lay second can of cinnamon rolls on top. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon mixture. Bake 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool for 30 minutes, drizzle with icing, chill, and slice.
Notes
- Enhance with caramel or pecans
- Make ahead and store covered in the fridge
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
