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
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Combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake in one easy dessert
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Perfect for holidays, parties, or weekday treats
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Easy to customize with vegan or dairy-free options
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Uses simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Crust:
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs – Forms a crisp, buttery base.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crumbs and adds richness.
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1/4 cup sugar – Sweetens and balances the graham flavor.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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16 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides a smooth, creamy layer (use dairy-free for vegan).
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1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake base.
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2 large eggs – Adds structure and silkiness (or use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for vegan).
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and aroma.
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Ensures a smooth swirl (swap for vegan butter if needed).
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1/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds that signature caramel-molasses taste.
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1 tbsp cinnamon – Brings the warm, cozy spice.
For the Vanilla Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar – The base of a classic drizzle.
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2–3 tbsp milk – Adjusts consistency (almond or oat milk works for dairy-free).
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract – For a sweet, fragrant finish.
Tips and Tricks
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Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and texture.
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Chill overnight for cleaner slices.
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Use a hot, dry knife to slice for bakery-style presentation.
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Avoid over-swirling the cinnamon mixture to maintain a marbled look.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and applesauce instead of eggs.
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Crust Swap: Try crushed Biscoff cookies or vanilla wafers for a twist.
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Add Nuts: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for extra crunch.
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Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired variation.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea.
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Pair with fresh berries for a lighter touch.
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Enjoy as a sweet brunch side or a make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Popular Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars taste even better after chilling, so they’re great to make the night before.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly, checking at the 45-minute mark.
Do I need a mixer?
A hand or stand mixer makes the filling smoother, but a whisk and some elbow grease work too.