why make this recipe
King Cake Cheesecake Bars are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional King Cake. This recipe combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the flavors of cinnamon rolls, making it perfect for celebrations like Mardi Gras. The colorful sprinkles add a festive touch, making it not only tasty but also visually appealing. Whether you are hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, these bars are sure to impress.
how to make King Cake Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 1 17.5 ounce tube cinnamon roll dough, icing packets reserved
- 2 large eggs
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon or more whole milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided
- Gold, green, and purple sprinkles, for decorating
Directions:
- Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees. Grease an 8-inch x 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides.
- Open the cinnamon rolls and separate them into 2 halves. Keep one half covered with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Roll the remaining dough into an 8-inch x 8-inch square. Press this dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, pinching seams to create a smooth, even layer.
- Bake the cinnamon roll layer for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
- In a food processor or a large bowl using a whisk, mix the eggs, cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the cinnamon roll layer.
- Continue to bake until the top of the cheesecake is set but the filling is still very jiggly, about 25 minutes more. Let it cool slightly.
- Roll the remaining dough half into another square. Gently place this dough over the cheesecake filling, avoiding gaps.
- Bake until the top dough layer is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set with a slight wiggle, about 15 minutes more. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate until cold, about 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk the cinnamon bun frosting, milk, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Continue adding confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach a frosting-like consistency. If needed, add more milk to thin.
- Spread the frosting over the bars. Generously top with sprinkles, separating each color on a diagonal.
- Refrigerate the bars until set, at least 4 hours and up to 24.
- Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
how to serve King Cake Cheesecake Bars
Serve King Cake Cheesecake Bars cold or at room temperature. They make a great dessert for parties, gatherings, or any fun occasion. You can cut them into small squares for easy serving, and the colorful sprinkles add a festive look.
how to store King Cake Cheesecake Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
tips to make King Cake Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened so that it blends smoothly.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice to your taste for a stronger citrus flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, use less milk when mixing.
- For an extra special touch, warm the bars slightly before serving for a gooey dessert experience.
variation
You can try different flavored frosting or add fruit toppings like strawberries or blueberries for a fresh taste. You can also play around with different sprinkle colors to match your event theme.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade dough works well too. Just make sure it is rolled out to the correct size.
2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free cinnamon roll dough and ensure any other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
King Cake Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch x 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang.
- Open the cinnamon roll dough and separate it into 2 halves. Roll one half into an 8-inch x 8-inch square and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the cinnamon roll layer for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
- In a food processor or a large bowl, mix the eggs, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked cinnamon roll layer.
- Bake until the cheesecake is set but still jiggly in the center, about 25 minutes.
- Let it cool slightly, then roll the remaining cinnamon dough half into a square and place it over the cheesecake filling.
- Bake until the top dough layer is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set, about 15 minutes more.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate until cold, about 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk the reserved cinnamon bun frosting, milk, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Adjust with more sugar or milk as needed.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and generously top with sprinkles.
- Refrigerate the bars until set, at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out, cut into squares, and serve chilled or at room temperature.