Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars Recipe

The Ultimate Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet dreams come true with these irresistible snickerdoodle cheesecake bars that blend creamy indulgence and classic cinnamon charm.

Layers of soft, tangy cream cheese nestle between buttery, spiced cookie crumbles for a mouthwatering treat.

Cinnamon swirls dance throughout each delectable square, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Warm kitchen aromas will draw everyone close as these bars bake to golden perfection.

Simple ingredients and easy steps make this dessert accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Rich and decadent, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Let’s whip up a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Stands Out in Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars

  • Elevate Dessert Experience: Transforms classic snickerdoodle cookies into a luxurious cheesecake bar that delights taste buds with layers of creamy and crunchy textures.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Requires simple mixing techniques and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers with minimal baking skills who want to impress family and friends.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Offers a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts – snickerdoodle cookies and cheesecake – creating a universally appealing treat for potlucks, gatherings, and sweet celebrations.
  • Customizable Delight: Allows easy ingredient swaps like nuts or adding chocolate chips, giving bakers creative freedom to personalize the dessert according to preferences.

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars Ingredient List

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for a sweet and crunchy foundation.
  • Pecans: Adds nutty richness and texture.
  • Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy and smooth base for the cheesecake layer.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the filling.
  • Eggs: Helps set and bind the cheesecake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic touch.
Snickerdoodle Layer:
  • Butter: Provides rich, tender texture.
  • Sugar: Adds classic sweetness.
  • Egg: Helps bind the cookie layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor profile.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the layer rise slightly.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Signature snickerdoodle flavor.
Topping:
  • Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic sprinkle for extra sweetness and spice.

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Crust Foundation

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Chopped pecans
  • Granulated sugar
  • Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan, creating a solid base for your delicious bars.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Grab your electric mixer and blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Add:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon

Mix until the filling becomes perfectly creamy and free of lumps. Gently pour the mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Create the Snickerdoodle Layer

In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Fold in chopped pecans for an extra crunch. Carefully spoon this delightful layer over the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Bake to Perfection

Combine:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top of the bars. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper and slice into delectable squares. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

What Helps with Cheesecake Bars

  • Crumb Crust Tip: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press graham cracker mixture evenly, creating a compact and sturdy base for your bars.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Prevent Cracking: Avoid overmixing cheesecake batter and overbaking to maintain a silky, crack-free texture in your bars.
  • Cooling Technique: Let bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help them set and develop rich, clean-cut slices.
  • Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans with additional graham cracker crumbs or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version that's just as delicious.

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars: How To Keep Them Fresh

  • Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, layering parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality and texture.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain texture.
  • Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore softness.

Cheesecake Bars Flavorful Companions

  • Complement Cinnamon Warmth: Pair these rich bars with a spiced chai latte to enhance the cinnamon notes and create a cozy flavor symphony.
  • Refresh with Contrast: Serve alongside cold milk or a creamy vanilla bean frappé to balance the dessert's dense, sweet profile and cleanse the palate.
  • Wine Indulgence: Select a sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling that echoes the dessert's caramel and cinnamon undertones, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Coffee Companion: Match with a smooth cappuccino or espresso to cut through the cheesecake's richness and highlight the nutty pecan and cinnamon layers.

Cheesecake Bar Flavor Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Cheesecake Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the snickerdoodle layer for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu. Select plant-based vanilla extract.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly Version: Swap graham crackers with crushed pecans and almond flour. Use sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Replace regular sugar with keto-friendly alternatives in both cheesecake and snickerdoodle layers.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Eliminate pecans from crust and snickerdoodle layer. Replace with sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely. Maintain original recipe's flavor profile by adjusting other ingredients carefully.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make these bars unique?

The combination of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a snickerdoodle cookie layer creates a rich, multi-textured dessert that blends classic flavors in one delightful treat.

  • Can I make this recipe without pecans?

Yes, you can easily omit pecans or substitute with chopped walnuts or simply leave them out without significantly affecting the overall recipe’s texture and taste.

  • How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and slightly set center. The cheesecake should have a subtle jiggle but not be liquidy when you gently shake the pan.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like super sweet desserts?

While delicious, these bars are quite rich. Consider reducing the sugar slightly in both the cheesecake and snickerdoodle layers if you prefer less sweetness.

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Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet swirls of cinnamon dance through creamy Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars, blending classic cookie comfort with rich dessert indulgence. Silky layers meld perfectly, promising a delightful treat that melts deliciously on your palate with each heavenly bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 ounces each / 226 grams)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 12 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full-size grahams)
  • 1 12 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Dairy and Egg Components:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Create a crisp foundation by mixing graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring a compact and uniform base.
  2. Generate a silky cheesecake layer by thoroughly blending cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth. Gently incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, mixing until the texture becomes luxuriously creamy and uniform.
  3. Craft the distinctive snickerdoodle topping by vigorously creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Introduce an egg and vanilla extract, then carefully fold in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gently mix in chopped pecans to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
  4. Delicately spread the snickerdoodle batter over the prepared cheesecake layer, creating a gentle marbled effect without fully mixing the layers.
  5. Dust the entire surface with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage for a classic snickerdoodle finish.
  6. Transfer the pan to a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and slight firmness in the center. The bars should have a slight jiggle but not appear liquid.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully, which helps create clean, precise cutting lines.
  8. Slice into neat squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts to maintain sharp edges and perfect presentation.

Notes

  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to crust or topping for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Chill bars completely in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to help them set and develop deeper flavor profile.
  • Substitute gluten-free graham crackers and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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