Imagine the magic of cheesecake and the irresistible crunch of a cinnamon sugar topping—all in one bite. That’s exactly what you get with these Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars. They’re incredibly simple to make, delightfully creamy in the middle, crisp and golden on top and bottom, and loaded with that nostalgic cinnamon sugar sparkle. Whether you’re bringing a dessert for a cozy gathering or just indulging at home, these bars will disappear in no time!

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars so inviting is how quickly they come together from basic, everyday ingredients. Each component brings its own charm: softness, tang, warmth, or sweet crunch—nothing complicated, just pure comfort in every layer.

Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic, and essential for that signature cinnamon roll flavor you crave in these bars.
Granulated Sugar: Used twice—inside the cheesecake filling for just-right sweetness and on top for that crunchy, caramelized finish.
Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough or Sheets (two 8-ounce packages): This clever shortcut forms a buttery, flaky crust and topping—no rolling pin required!
Full-Fat Cream Cheese (16 ounces, softened): The creamy heart of the bars, providing a luxurious texture and tangy richness that’s absolutely irresistible.
Extra Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens up the cheesecake filling to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
Large Egg: Helps bind the filling, making it smooth and sliceable once baked and cooled.
Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons): Adds warmth and rounds out all the lovely flavors, making each bite feel extra cozy.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, melted and slightly cooled): Brushed on top for an extra rich, golden sheen and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.

How to Make

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give you the perfect amount of time to get everything else ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper if you want super-easy removal and slicing later.

Step 2: Roll Out the Crescent Dough

Open up your first package of refrigerated crescent roll dough. Unroll it and press it flat into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, pinching together any seams if you’re using regular crescent rolls. Don’t worry about perfection; just make sure the base is completely covered for an even crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ¾ cup granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s incredibly smooth and fluffy—you want zero lumps! Add the egg and vanilla extract, then blend again until everything is perfectly combined and silky.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Pour the luscious cheesecake filling evenly over the crescent roll base you just created. Use a spatula to spread it right into the corners. Now unroll the second package of crescent dough, lay it gently over the cream cheese mixture, and carefully press it to cover every bit of filling. You’ll have a neat little “sandwich” ready to bake.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Stir together your tablespoon of ground cinnamon and ½ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Now, brush the top layer of dough with the melted butter—this not only adds rich flavor but also helps the cinnamon sugar topping stick. Generously sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, from edge to edge, for maximum crunch and sparkle once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and you can see the filling is set. If the top appears to be browning a little too quickly, just tent it loosely with foil and keep baking until perfect. Your kitchen will smell like a dream!

Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Once baked, remove your Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This step is key for clean, beautiful slices. When cool, use a sharp knife to cut the bars and get ready for applause—they’re as beautiful as they are delicious!

How to Serve

Garnishes

The classic way to serve these bars is with their perfect cinnamon-sugar crust untouched. For an extra flourish, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a flourish of whipped cream, or some fresh berries scattered on top for a color pop and bright flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars with simple, fresh sides like sliced fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy brunch or dessert spread, arrange them alongside coffee, chai, or a big mug of hot chocolate—they’ll play nicely with all the comforting classics.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring these bars to parties as neat squares on a platter, or cut them into small bites and serve with toothpicks for a dessert buffet. Want to impress? Layer bar chunks into a trifle with stewed apples and whipped cream, or serve them warm with caramel sauce drizzled artfully over top. Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars love a little drama!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep beautifully! Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay creamy and delicious for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment if stacking to keep the tops crisp.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars for later enjoyment. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving; they’ll taste freshly baked even days later.

Reheating

If you like your bars a little warm, just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat briefly in a low oven. This brings back a bit of that “just-baked” essence without drying out the creamy filling.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

You can substitute low-fat cream cheese if you’d like a lighter version, though the texture may be slightly less creamy and rich. Full-fat gives you that classic, indulgent cheesecake feel.

How do I prevent the crescent roll dough from sticking?

Lining your pan with parchment paper or a thorough coating of nonstick spray will make it easy to lift the bars out after baking, eliminating any risk of sticking.

Do Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best (and safest!) to store these bars in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can try swapping in gluten-free crescent roll dough if you can find it at your grocery store. The rest of the filling is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy modification.

What’s the best way to slice these bars cleanly?

Allow the bars to cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for crisp, bakery-worthy squares. Chilling the bars further makes them even easier to slice!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for comfort or celebration, these bars deliver every single time. Give this recipe a whirl—I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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5 from 21 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars that offer a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. With a flaky, golden crescent roll crust and a rich cream cheese filling, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar

Crust and Filling:

Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring the dough covers the entire base. If you’re using crescent roll sheets, just lay them flat and press to fit.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and beat until fully combined.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crescent roll dough in the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough and place it over the top of the cheesecake filling, covering it completely.
Add the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the dough.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
Serve: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Add fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, on top of the cheesecake bars for an added burst of flavor.
For a nutty variation, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
For an extra sweet touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bars before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American