Chef Mitchell preparing Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe while exploring the unique desserts of Mexico. After several attempts to perfect the balance between sweetness and creaminess, I finally landed on this delightful version. The warm cinnamon sugar topping adds a special touch that makes these bars absolutely irresistible."

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade specializing in Mexican cuisine, focusing on traditional sweets and desserts. With a passion for combining flavors, he has created numerous recipes that celebrate the essence of Mexican cooking.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars served on a plate

Why This Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars Recipe Works

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars stand out for their creamy texture and the delightful balance of cinnamon and sugar. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Mexican desserts while being easy to prepare. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust and smooth cheesecake filling creates a mouthwatering experience.

The technique of baking at a lower temperature ensures a smooth, crack-free surface. Additionally, letting them chill properly enhances the flavors and texture, making each bite utterly delicious.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smooth filling without lumps, resulting in a creamier cheesecake bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance. Simply let them cool completely, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully for an even more delicious treat.

If you need a substitute for cream cheese, you can use goat cheese or mascarpone for a softer texture. Greek yogurt can also work, but it may change the flavor slightly, making it tangier.

The bars are done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to prevent a dry texture.

Yes, you can freeze these cheesecake bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

These cheesecake bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Additionally, a cup of coffee or tea complements the dessert nicely.

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars can last in the fridge for about 4-5 days if stored in an airtight container. Make sure they are well covered to maintain freshness.

Absolutely! Making these cheesecake bars in advance is a great idea. Just ensure they are properly chilled and stored in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

To reheat, place the cheesecake bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overheating, which can change the texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the cheesecake bars come out dry, it may be due to overbaking.

Solution: To prevent this, keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness as soon as the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your crust is not crispy, it might be undercooked.

Solution: Make sure to pre-bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling to ensure it gets crispy.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked cheesecake bars can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To avoid overcooking, monitor the baking process closely and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center remains too soft and jiggly, it may not be fully cooked.

Recovery: Return the cheesecake to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically for doneness.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt edges can occur if the oven temperature is too high.

Prevention: Use an oven thermometer to ensure the right temperature and consider placing a baking sheet below the pan to protect against excess heat.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, balance it out with a pinch of salt in the filling.

Too Salty: If the bars taste too salty, increase the sweetness by topping with more cinnamon sugar before serving.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, try adding more vanilla extract or cinnamon to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars

The key ingredients for this recipe include cream cheese, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, which blend beautifully for a rich flavor. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

Using high-quality cream cheese is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a richer taste, and make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cream Cheese: Using full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich and creamy texture. Soften it properly before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling.
  • Graham Crackers: Choose high-quality graham crackers for the crust. Crushing them finely will help create a more cohesive and sturdy base for your cheesecake bars.
  • Cinnamon: Using fresh ground cinnamon will enhance the flavor significantly. Avoid pre-ground cinnamon for the best results; it can lose potency over time.
Cooking process for Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making these cheesecake bars is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Start by preparing the crust and then create the creamy filling. Baking at a low temperature helps prevent cracks and ensures an even texture.

Allowing the bars to chill properly enhances their flavor and ensures they are easy to slice. Follow the steps closely for the best results.

Key Technique for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars

The key to perfect cheesecake bars is to bake them at a low temperature. This approach helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth, creamy filling. Additionally, allowing them to cool gradually prevents sudden temperature changes that can affect their texture.

Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    Pure vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    For topping
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    Packed

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    For the crust
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    For the crust
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For the crust
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
    For the filling
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For the filling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For the filling
  • 3 large eggs
    For the filling
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    For the filling
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    For the filling
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
    For the filling
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    For the filling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust

    In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture into the bottom of a lined 9x9 inch baking pan.

  2. Make the Filling

    In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.

  3. Incorporate the Eggs

    Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

  4. Add Remaining Ingredients

    Stir in ground cinnamon, salt, sour cream, and flour until smooth.

  5. Pour into Crust

    Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.

  6. Bake

    Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 45 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.

  7. Cool and Chill

    Allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

  8. Serve

    Slice the chilled cheesecake bars and dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 4-5 days, maintaining their creamy texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesecake bars are best served chilled, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar. Pair them with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a layer of caramel sauce. You can also use different flavored extracts to enhance the cheesecake filling.