Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars

There’s something irresistible about the combination of cinnamon and sugar. The warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon mixed with the sweet, sugary goodness creates a delectable treat that is hard to resist. And when you combine that with the creamy richness of cheesecake, you have a dessert that is simply heavenly. This recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a crowd favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crust firmly and evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Add the cinnamon sugar topping

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Bake the cheesecake bars

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the cheesecake bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

Variations

While these Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars are delicious as is, you can also experiment with different variations to add your own personal touch:

1. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars:

Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the cheesecake filling mixture. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping as directed. Bake and cool as instructed.

2. Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars:

Mix 1 cup of finely chopped apples with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Spread the apple mixture over the prepared crust, then pour the cheesecake filling over it. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping and bake as directed.

3. Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake Bars:

Melt 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and let it cool slightly. Drop spoonfuls of the melted chocolate over the cheesecake filling, then use a knife to swirl it into a marbled pattern. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping and bake as directed.

Tips

Follow these tips to ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars turn out perfect every time:

1. Use room temperature cream cheese:

Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before using it. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the cheesecake filling.

2. Press the crust firmly:

When preparing the crust, make sure to press it firmly and evenly into the baking dish. This will help the crust hold together and provide a solid base for the cheesecake filling.

3. Let the bars cool completely:

After baking, allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating. This will prevent condensation from forming on the surface and ensure a smooth texture.

4. Serve chilled:

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled. Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and for the filling to set.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the creamy richness of cheesecake. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

A: Yes, you can. While graham cracker crumbs are commonly used for cheesecake crusts, you can experiment with other cookie crumbs such as vanilla wafers or gingersnaps for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

A: Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different from using regular cream cheese. The bars may also not set as firmly.

Q: Can I add a glaze or frosting to these bars?

A: While these bars are delicious on their own, you can certainly add a glaze or frosting if desired. A simple cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar would complement the flavors well.

Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars!