If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a classic cinnamon roll and a luscious cheesecake, these Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars are your new dessert soulmate. Imagine a base of tender cinnamon roll dough, a dreamy cream cheese filling, buttery swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a flood of sweet icing on top. Every bite captures the nostalgia of brunch with family mixed with the indulgence of a bakery treat. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, this recipe transforms a handful of easy ingredients into crave-worthy bars that disappear in a flash.

Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these bars is in their simplicity; each ingredient plays a vital role in creating those irresistible textures and cinnamon-spiced layers. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars that taste straight out of a dream:

Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: The perfect shortcut for a fluffy, cinnamon-swirled base—plus it comes with sweet icing!
Melted butter: Adds richness, helps the crust stay moist, and powers up that classic cinnamon swirl.
Cream cheese: You want it full-fat and softened for the creamiest, most decadent cheesecake filling.
Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and that smooth cheesecake texture.
Brown sugar: Brings a molasses note to the cinnamon swirl, adding depth and ooey-gooey stickiness.
Egg: Binds the cheesecake mixture together for a custardy, sliceable finish.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, bringing warmth and aroma to every bite.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—nothing says cinnamon roll like a generous pinch of this!
Reserved icing from cinnamon roll dough: The final flourish for a glossy, sweet-topped bar.

How to Make Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab an 8×8-inch baking dish. Give it a good coating of non-stick spray or a little swipe of butter so your bars lift out effortlessly after baking. This step ensures every gooey bit makes it from pan to plate without sticking.

Step 2: Build a Soft Cinnamon Crust

Pop open your tube of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and set aside the icing for later. Unroll the dough and gently press it into the bottom of your greased baking dish, pinching any seams together so you have a single, even layer. Brush this base with melted butter for even more flavor and to help the crust stay extra tender.

Step 3: Mix Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is velvety-smooth and free of lumps. This cheesecake mixture is your key to that creamy, rich center that makes these bars unforgettable. Spread the filling evenly over your prepared cinnamon roll crust.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Grab a small bowl and stir together the additional melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you have a thick, fragrant paste. Drizzle this over the cheesecake layer and use a butter knife to gently swirl it through the batter—this step delivers those signature ooey-gooey cinnamon pockets in each bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to turn golden and the center to just set, with a slight jiggle when you give the pan a nudge. Your kitchen will be filled with the smell of warm cinnamon and vanilla—pure magic!

Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Ice

Let the bars cool on a wire rack for at least an hour (patience pays off, trust me). Then, pop them in the fridge for another 1-2 hours so the cheesecake can set up fully. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle generously with the reserved cinnamon roll icing for that bakery style look and extra sweetness.

How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar over the top, a handful of chopped toasted pecans, or a few curls of white chocolate can all elevate your Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars. If you’re feeling festive, a tiny pinch of extra ground cinnamon goes a long way for aroma and color.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a mug of strong coffee, a vanilla chai latte, or an icy cold glass of milk. For brunch parties, offer alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote to add color and a little tartness that contrasts perfectly with the sweet, creamy bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars on a rustic wooden board for a brunch spread, or cut them into mini squares for a party platter. Stack between squares of parchment in a bakery box as a homemade hostess gift—or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to place parchment between layers if you stack them, so the icing and fillings don’t stick together. Chilled, they’re just as delicious and keep their signature ooey-gooey texture.

Freezing

Need to make the Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars in advance? After chilling and cutting, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cinnamon roll cheesecake bars a little warm, zap individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This brings back the just-baked softness and makes the cinnamon filling extra gooey—just don’t overheat or the cheesecake can get too soft.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough recipe, feel free to swap it in. Just use enough to cover the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan and follow the same steps—homemade dough will make the bars even more special.

Do I have to chill the bars before serving?

Chilling is crucial for setting the cheesecake layer and ensuring clean slices. If you skip this step, the bars may be too soft and messy, but they’ll still taste incredible if you’re in a hurry or love a really gooey dessert.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add 5 extra minutes to the baking time. Keep an eye on the center—it should be just set, not jiggly.

What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon mixture?

Pour the cinnamon-butter mixture over the cheesecake layer, then use a butter knife to create figure-eight patterns through the batter. The goal is to mix without over-blending—giving you distinct, gooey cinnamon pockets in every bar.

Can Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars be made gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, and ensure all other ingredients (like the vanilla and sugars) are certified gluten-free. Baking times should stay about the same, but check for doneness in the center.

Final Thoughts

If you crave the comforting swirl of cinnamon rolls and the decadence of cheesecake, don’t let another day go by without trying these Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars. Whether shared at brunch, packed up for a picnic, or enjoyed all to yourself with coffee, they’re as delightful to make as they are to eat. Go ahead—your next favorite dessert is waiting!