Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars – Sweet Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you adore the warm, spicy sweetness of cinnamon rolls and the rich creaminess of cheesecake, these bars combine both in one irresistible dessert. You get soft, gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar, an ultra-creamy cheesecake layer, and a buttery crust underneath—all in convenient bar form. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert after dinner, or when you want to impress without spending hours. Once chilled, they slice beautifully, and the textures contrast nicely: crisp crust, velvety cheesecake, warm cinnamon ribbon.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Here’s what you need and what each ingredient contributes:

• Graham cracker crumbs (or cinnamon graham crackers) – Form the base/crust. They give that buttery crunch and a slightly sweet, spiced foundation. Using cinnamon-flavored crackers boosts the cinnamon profile. thedomesticrebel.com+212 Tomatoes+2
• Butter (melted) – Binds the crust together, adds richness, helps the crust crisp and brown. Also used in the cinnamon swirl to create that gooey, molten texture. 12 Tomatoes+1
• Brown sugar – Adds warmth and depth to the cinnamon swirl. The molasses in brown sugar enhances the gooey, caramel-like filling. Also used in some crusts or topping mixes. thedomesticrebel.com+1
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer. Helps with texture and structure so the cheesecake isn’t overly dense. 12 Tomatoes+1
• Cream cheese (softened) – The main component of the cheesecake part. Provides that creamy, tangy richness that balances the sweet cinnamon swirl. For best texture, cream cheese should be at room temperature. thedomesticrebel.com+1
• Eggs – Gives structure to the cheesecake filling so it holds together as bars. They also help with the set of the filling without making it cakey. thedomesticrebel.com+1
• Sour cream (optional in some versions) – Adds moisture, slight tang, and creaminess. Helps the cheesecake texture stay smooth and less firm or rubbery. 12 Tomatoes+1
• Vanilla extract – Enhances all flavors, particularly the cheesecake and the cinnamon swirl. Adds aroma. thedomesticrebel.com+1
• Cinnamon – Key flavour. Used in the cinnamon swirl and sometimes also in crust/topping. Gives that classic cinnamon roll taste. 12 Tomatoes+1
• Flour (all-purpose) (for the swirl topping) – Helps thicken the cinnamon sugar swirl so it doesn’t just melt away. It gives body to the swirl/ribbon. 12 Tomatoes+1
• Salt (a pinch, especially in crust or filling) – Balances sweetness, enhances flavors. Even desserts benefit from a little salt. 12 Tomatoes

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make ooey-gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars:

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
   Preheat your oven (temperature will depend on whether you are following a “graham-cracker crust + swirl” version or a refrigerated cinnamon roll dough version). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan (or appropriate size) with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang to remove bars easily. Grease lightly. Creme De La Crumb+2thedomesticrebel.com+2
2. Make the Crust
   • Mix graham cracker crumbs (or crushed cinnamon-graham crackers) with melted butter and a little sugar (and cinnamon if desired). Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
   • Bake the crust briefly (e.g. ~5-10 minutes) to set it, then allow to cool slightly. This helps prevent sogginess when the cheesecake filling is added. thedomesticrebel.com+212 Tomatoes+2
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
   • Beat (or blend) softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, mixing in well.
   • Stir in sour cream (if using) and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix which can introduce too much air. 12 Tomatoes+1
4. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
   • In a small saucepan or bowl, melt butter and combine with brown sugar, cinnamon, a bit of flour, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and thick. This becomes the gooey ribbon that gives the “cinnamon roll” vibe. 12 Tomatoes+2That Which Nourishes+2
5. Assemble
   • Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
   • Dollop some of the cinnamon swirl topping over this first layer and use a knife or skewer to swirl it through.
   • Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top, then drizzle remaining cinnamon swirl. Perform a final gentle swirl for a marbled effect. 12 Tomatoes+1
6. Bake
   • Bake in the oven until the edges are set and the center has just a slight jiggle. Avoid over-baking, as the center will firm up as it cools. Baking time might be around 35-45 minutes depending on pan size and actual oven. 12 Tomatoes+1
7. Cool & Chill
   • Allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for several hours (often at least 2 hours, or preferably more/overnight) so they firm up enough to slice cleanly. 12 Tomatoes+1
8. Slice & Serve
   • Use a knife dipped in hot water (wiped dry) for cleaner cuts.
   • Serve chilled or slightly cool. Optionally drizzle icing (if using a version that uses premade cinnamon roll icing) or extra glaze.

Servings and Timing

Component	Estimate
Servings	About 9-12 bars (depending on how large you cut them, typically using an 8×8-inch pan) thedomesticrebel.com+1
Prep time	About 15-20 minutes (making crust, cheesecake filling, cinnamon swirl) 12 Tomatoes+1
Bake time	Around 35-45 minutes (edges set, centre slightly jiggly) 12 Tomatoes+1
Chill time	At least 2 hours, preferably more for best texture; some versions chill ~overnight 12 Tomatoes+1
Total time	Around 3-4 hours including chilling; less active time though since much is waiting.

Variations and Customizations

You can adapt this recipe in a number of ways to match your tastes or ingredients you have:

• Use cinnamon graham crackers for extra spice in crust.
• Add nuts (pecans or walnuts) into the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
• Use light cream cheese or reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
• For more gooey swirl: increase brown sugar-cinnamon topping or add a thin layer of caramel drizzle.
• For faster prep: use a premade cinnamon roll dough crust (unroll refrigerated cinnamon rolls, press them into bottom of dish) instead of making graham crust. Some versions do this. Amanda’s Easy Recipes
• To make it gluten-free: use gluten-free crackers/crust and gluten-free flour in swirl.
• Flavor twist: add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg along with cinnamon in the swirl for warm spice.
• Optional icing or glaze: drizzle vanilla glaze on top (powdered sugar, milk, vanilla mix), or use icing included from rolled dough version.

FAQs

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat, regular cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Low-fat versions may affect texture and richness. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps. Creme De La Crumb+1

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be set and look more solid; the center should still have a slight jiggle (it will firm up during cooling). Avoid baking until the center is completely rigid, that can lead to dry bars. 12 Tomatoes+1

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! It’s actually better if you do, because chilling helps set the texture and makes slicing cleaner. Bars usually taste even better the next day. 12 Tomatoes+1

How to get clean slices?

Chill completely in refrigerator first. Use a sharp knife, dip knife in hot water and wipe between cuts to reduce sticking. The overhang of foil or parchment lets you lift entire block out for easier cutting.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes—besides graham cracker, you could use ginger snaps, digestives, or any crisp cookie you like. Just adjust butter and sugar in crust accordingly.

Is it possible to reduce sugar without compromising flavor?

You can reduce a bit of sugar in the swirl or in the cream cheese part, but letting the cinnamon-butter swirl shine is essential to get the cinnamon-roll character. If you reduce sugar much, you might want to add a stronger spice or use a sweeter crust/topping.

Can these bars be frozen?

Yes. Once baked and chilled, you can wrap individual bars or the entire slab in plastic wrap or foil and freeze. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are dessert heaven: a buttery, crunchy crust; silky, tangy cheesecake; and molten ribbons of cinnamon sugar swirled throughout. They deliver indulgent flavor and satisfying texture, while being relatively simple to make. If you like, I can send you a version with metric measurements or adjusted for your oven size. Do you want that?

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