How to Make Irresistible Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars

Craving a dessert that combines the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness of snickerdoodle cookies with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake? Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars offer the perfect balance of both in one bite! Lightened up for those following the Weight Watchers program, these bars are a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking your healthy eating goals. With just the right amount of cinnamon-sugar flavor and rich, velvety cheesecake, they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients

For the Snickerdoodle Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (use a sugar substitute for fewer points)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (for a healthier fat substitute)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (can use fat-free)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or sugar substitute)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the bars come out easily after baking.

Make the Snickerdoodle Crust

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add in the applesauce and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough comes together. It should form a thick batter, but still spreadable.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming the base layer for your cheesecake bars.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until it begins to set and is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. While the crust is cooling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the Greek yogurt, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Make sure not to overmix to avoid air bubbles in the cheesecake filling.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled snickerdoodle crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
2. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Bake the Bars

1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden.
2. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to let the bars firm up before cutting.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Once chilled, slice the cheesecake bars into squares and serve. They should have a perfect snickerdoodle crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a cinnamon-sugar topping that will melt in your mouth.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving: 1 bar)

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• WW Points: ~4 (based on using a sugar substitute and reduced-fat cream cheese)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Yet Light: The rich cheesecake filling is balanced perfectly with the lighter snickerdoodle crust, making these bars a satisfying yet healthy dessert option.
2. Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or a potluck, these cheesecake bars are a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will enjoy.
3. Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dessert is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
4. Low in Points: You can indulge in these creamy, cinnamon-spiced bars without guilt, as they’re lightened up to fit into your Weight Watchers plan.

Tips for Success

• Use Fat-Free Greek Yogurt: For a creamier filling without added fat, use fat-free Greek yogurt instead of the regular version.
• Make It Ahead: These bars actually taste better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, so make them the day before for a stress-free dessert.
• Swap the Sugar: You can easily substitute a sugar alternative like Stevia or Swerve for the granulated sugar to make this recipe even lighter.
• Top with a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For an extra treat, top each bar with a small amount of light whipped cream or fat-free whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a Cup of Coffee: These snickerdoodle cheesecake bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, making them the ideal dessert for after dinner or as a mid-afternoon snack.
• Pair with Fresh Fruit: Serve these bars with a side of fresh fruit like berries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.
• As a Party Treat: Slice them into bite-sized squares and serve as part of a dessert table at parties, barbecues, or family gatherings.

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the comfort of snickerdoodle cookies with the indulgence of cheesecake, look no further than Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars. These bars deliver a flavorful, creamy treat that’s lightened up to fit your healthy eating goals. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on your own, these bars will be a hit wherever you serve them. Indulge without the guilt and satisfy your sweet cravings today!