Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

Are you ready to combine two of the most beloved desserts into one irresistible treat? This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake recipe takes the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls and pairs it with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. Whether you're a fan of cheesecake or a cinnamon roll lover, this dessert is bound to become one of your new favorites. With a buttery crust, cinnamon swirls, and a smooth cheesecake filling, each bite is pure indulgence! Read on to find out exactly how to make this incredible dessert and get ready to wow your family and friends.

---

What is a Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake?

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the perfect dessert mashup that combines the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the creamy texture of cheesecake. Imagine the spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls paired with the tangy smoothness of cheesecake – all in one bite. It features a cinnamon-sugar swirl inside a velvety cheesecake filling, all built on a buttery crust, often topped with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or icing, making it the ultimate indulgence.

Now that you know what this recipe is all about, let’s dive into the ingredients you'll need to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.

---

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to prepare this decadent dessert:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 whole graham crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for added warmth)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Filling (Swirl):

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces cream cheese (softened; about 3 blocks)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (to stabilize the filling)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin if needed)

---

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary needs, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

Substitutions:

• Crust: Instead of graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed Oreos for a different flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese: If you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. Keep in mind the texture will be slightly lighter.
• Sugar Substitutes: You can swap out the granulated and brown sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content.
• Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that maintains the creaminess of the cheesecake.

Variations:

• Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Add a layer of melted chocolate or mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon swirl mixture for a decadent chocolate twist.
• Nut Lovers’ Cheesecake: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake may look complicated at first glance, but by following these detailed step-by-step instructions, you'll have an amazing dessert in no time.

---

How to Cook Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to smooth it out.
4. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, then set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Set this aside – it will be used to create the swirl effect in the cheesecake.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour. Beat on low speed just until everything is smooth and combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Layer the Cheesecake and Cinnamon Swirl

1. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.
2. Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it into the cheesecake batter gently.
3. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the cinnamon swirl and repeat the dolloping and swirling process with the remaining cinnamon mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan in the center of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking.
3. Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of when making this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake:

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing incorporates too much air into the batter, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake during baking.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cheesecake needs to cool gradually. If you remove it from the oven too quickly, it can crack due to the sudden change in temperature.
• Not using room-temperature ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter.
• Opening the oven door frequently: Avoid peeking too often while the cheesecake is baking. Temperature fluctuations can cause it to collapse or crack.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your cheesecake is chilled and ready to serve, it's time to think about presentation. A beautiful presentation can elevate this already decadent dessert!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

• Slice the cheesecake using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, smooth cuts.
• For an extra special touch, drizzle each slice with cream cheese frosting or icing before serving. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top adds a finishing touch.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

• Swirled Top: Before baking, create a dramatic cinnamon swirl on the surface of the cheesecake for an eye-catching presentation.
• Cinnamon Stick Garnish: Place a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of each slice for added visual appeal.
• Individual Portions: You can bake mini cheesecakes in a muffin tin lined with cupcake wrappers for individual servings. Perfect for parties or gatherings!

---

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe Tips

• Use a water bath: To prevent cracks, place the springform pan inside a larger baking dish filled with an inch of water while baking. This creates steam and helps cook the cheesecake evenly.
• Chill overnight: For the best texture and flavor, let your cheesecake chill in the fridge overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the cheesecake sets properly.
• Make ahead: This cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, making it an excellent dessert for entertaining.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake? A: Yes! After the cheesecake has completely cooled and set, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: How long will this cheesecake last in the refrigerator? A: This cheesecake will last for 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a springform pan? A: A springform pan is ideal because it allows you to easily remove the cheesecake from the pan. However, you can use a regular cake pan in a pinch – just be sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

---

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup, bringing together the best elements of two beloved treats. Whether you're making this for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, it's sure to be a hit. With its buttery crust, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and creamy cheesecake filling, this dessert is perfect for indulging yourself or impressing your guests.

Give this recipe a try, and you'll find yourself coming back to it time and time again. Don't forget to share your creation and tag us – we can't wait to see your delicious results! Happy baking!

Print