Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars

A decadent, easy-to-make dessert: soft cinnamon roll crusts wrapped around a creamy cheesecake layer  perfect for weekend baking or a showstopper potluck.

If you love the gooey, cinnamon-swirled comfort of a fresh roll and the silky tang of cheesecake, this recipe is the love child of both. It’s indulgent, surprisingly straightforward, and the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-conversation and reach for a second bar. Read on I’ll walk you through every step so your bars come out glossy, clean-sliced, and dangerously delicious.

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper

• Electric mixer or hand whisk

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cooling rack

• Serrated knife or kitchen twine for slicing

Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, with icing included

• 2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup whipped topping

• Cinnamon sugar, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Press one can of cinnamon roll dough into the bottom of the pan to create the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and creamy.

4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked cinnamon roll crust.

5. Break the second can of cinnamon roll dough into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the filling.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheesecake layer is set. If browning too quickly, lightly cover with foil.

7. Allow the bars to cool completely. Drizzle with the icing from the cinnamon roll cans and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean bars.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Always soften cream cheese at room temperature for a smooth filling.

• Pre-bake the bottom crust to avoid a soggy base.

• Do not overmix once the whipped topping is added to keep the filling airy.

• Chill the bars before slicing to achieve neat, bakery-style cuts.

• Use parchment paper with overhang to lift the bars out easily.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Replace whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.

• Add orange or lemon zest to the cheesecake layer for a bright twist.

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for crunch.

• Swirl in pumpkin butter for a fall-inspired version.

• Use caramel drizzle instead of the included icing for extra richness.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months if individually wrapped. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Enjoy them cold, at room temperature, or gently warm a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Preparation and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Bake time: 35–40 minutes (including the pre-bake)

• Cooling and chilling: at least 1 hour

• Total time: about 1 hour 55 minutes

Approximate Nutrition per Serving (1 of 16 bars)

• Calories: ~254 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~32 g

• Fat: ~14 g

• Protein: ~3.8 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, in fact they taste even better after chilling for several hours.

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely. Just make sure the dough covers the bottom as a crust and breaks evenly on top.

Why did my cheesecake layer turn grainy?
This usually happens if the cream cheese was too cold or not beaten enough before adding sugar. Always use softened cream cheese for best results.

Do I have to use the canned icing?
No, you can swap it with a simple glaze, caramel sauce, or even maple icing.

These ooey-gooey cinnamon roll cheesecake bars are a crowd-pleaser that strike the perfect balance between comforting and indulgent. With their golden cinnamon layers, creamy cheesecake center, and sweet drizzle, they’re bound to become a family favorite.