Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls and creamy cheesecake—all in one irresistible dessert bar. With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake filling, swirls of spiced brown sugar, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these bars offer that nostalgic cinnamon roll flavor in a convenient, sliceable form. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or cozy afternoons, and easily adapted to be dairy-free or vegan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake in one easy dessert
Perfect for holidays, parties, or weekday treats
Easy to customize with vegan or dairy-free options
Uses simple pantry ingredients

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs – Forms a crisp, buttery base.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crumbs and adds richness.
1/4 cup sugar – Sweetens and balances the graham flavor.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides a smooth, creamy layer (use dairy-free for vegan).
1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake base.
2 large eggs – Adds structure and silkiness (or use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for vegan).
1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and aroma.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Ensures a smooth swirl (swap for vegan butter if needed).
1/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds that signature caramel-molasses taste.
1 tbsp cinnamon – Brings the warm, cozy spice.

For the Vanilla Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar – The base of a classic drizzle.
2–3 tbsp milk – Adjusts consistency (almond or oat milk works for dairy-free).
1/2 tsp vanilla extract – For a sweet, fragrant finish.

Tips and Tricks

Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and texture.
Chill overnight for cleaner slices.
Use a hot, dry knife to slice for bakery-style presentation.
Avoid over-swirling the cinnamon mixture to maintain a marbled look.

Variations and Customizations

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and applesauce instead of eggs.
Crust Swap: Try crushed Biscoff cookies or vanilla wafers for a twist.
Add Nuts: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for extra crunch.
Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea.
Pair with fresh berries for a lighter touch.
Enjoy as a sweet brunch side or a make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time)
Yield: 16 bars 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and cinnamon-brown sugar swirls—topped with vanilla glaze for the ultimate cinnamon roll-inspired treat

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened (use dairy-free if desired)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (or substitute with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for vegan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs (or applesauce) and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and lump-free.

3. Mix the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until fully blended.

4. Assemble and Swirl

Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Spoon or drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top.
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cheesecake layer for a marbled effect.

5. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges appear lightly golden.
Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.

6. Add the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle generously over the chilled bars.

7. Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan.
Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
For clean swirls, drag a knife gently through the batter without overmixing.
Let bars come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American