Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars are a delightful and indulgent dessert that brings together the rich flavors of cinnamon, cheesecake, and pumpkin in a delectable treat. These bars combine the warm and comforting taste of cinnamon with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for the fall season, these bars are often enjoyed during Thanksgiving and other festive gatherings.

The history of Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars can be traced back to the popularity of cheesecake, a beloved dessert with ancient origins that can be found in various cultures throughout history. The modern cheesecake, as we know it today, originated in ancient Greece, where it was often served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. Over time, cheesecake evolved and spread to different regions, each adding its own twist and flavors to the original concept.

The addition of cinnamon to cheesecake is a more recent development, likely inspired by the popular combination of cinnamon and pumpkin flavors often found in fall-themed desserts. The warm and aromatic notes of cinnamon complement the creamy texture of cheesecake, resulting in a delightful and comforting dessert experience.

Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars have become a favorite dessert option for those who appreciate the classic taste of cheesecake with a seasonal twist. These bars are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a special treat for family and friends.

INGREDIENTS

For Cake:

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup natural sweetener/or sugar of choice
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree, canned or homemade
• 1 cup oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 11 cups plain flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 11 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

For Cheesecake:

• 1x 250g | 8.8oz packet low fat/fat-free cream cheese, at room temp
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons natural sweetener/sugar of choice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×11-inch baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with baking or parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, sweetener/sugar, pumpkin, oil, honey, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the plain flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the white chocolate chips, and then set the cake batter aside while you make the cheesecake layer.

For the Cheesecake:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, flour, ground cinnamon, and sweetener/sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Assembly:

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
2. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the top of the cake batter.
3. Using the back of a knife, gently swirl small amounts of the blondie batter into the cheesecake mix until a marble effect is created on the top.
4. Bake the bars for about 38 – 45 minutes, or until they are done. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean or slightly dirty, with a few moist crumbs but no batter.
5. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy these scrumptious Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars, a perfect fusion of rich flavors that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more! Serve them as a delightful treat during the fall season or any time you desire a deliciously comforting dessert.