Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a dessert fusion that combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the warm, spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls. With a graham cracker crust, cinnamon sugar swirls, and a light vanilla glaze, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, this cheesecake is a must-try for any sweet tooth.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
- Make the Crust:
- Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl to create a thick paste.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, being careful not to overmix.
- Layer the Cheesecake:
- Pour half the cheesecake batter over the crust. Spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over it and use a knife to swirl gently. Pour the remaining batter on top and repeat the swirling process with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set. Cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Chill and Glaze:
- Once the cheesecake is at room temperature, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, drizzle with the glaze for a perfect finish.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 32g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Sugar: 38g
Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and spiced cinnamon swirls in this indulgent dessert!
Why Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a Must-Try
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake offers the best of both worlds, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the elegance and creaminess of a classic cheesecake. Its layered construction and swirled cinnamon sugar create a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful.
The cinnamon adds a warm, spiced sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling. The graham cracker crust provides a sturdy, slightly crunchy base, while the vanilla glaze ties everything together with a touch of sweetness. The result is a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting, perfect for any occasion.
Flavor and Texture Profile
This dessert is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make every bite irresistible:
- Graham Cracker Crust
The buttery crust provides a slightly crunchy and mildly sweet base, balancing the richness of the filling. - Creamy Cheesecake Filling
The cheesecake layer is smooth, creamy, and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the cinnamon swirl. - Cinnamon-Sugar Swirls
The spiced brown sugar swirls add bursts of sweetness and warmth throughout the cheesecake, evoking the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls. - Vanilla Glaze
The light drizzle of glaze on top adds a subtle sweetness and a polished finish, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit the occasion. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation:
- Classic Slice
Serve a chilled slice with a drizzle of extra vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple yet elegant presentation. - With Fresh Fruit
Pair the cheesecake with fresh berries or caramelized apples for a fruity twist that balances the richness. - Coffee Pairing
Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot coffee or a latte for the perfect breakfast-inspired dessert. - Holiday Dessert Table
Add the cheesecake to a dessert table alongside pies, cookies, and chocolates for a stunning holiday spread. - Whipped Cream Topping
Add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice for an extra touch of decadence.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your cheesecake turns out perfectly:
- Room Temperature Ingredients
Use room-temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream for a smooth and creamy filling without lumps. - Avoid Overmixing
Be gentle when mixing the batter to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks during baking. - Perfect Swirls
Use a knife or skewer to create gentle, elegant swirls with the cinnamon mixture, avoiding overmixing to preserve the pattern. - Water Bath Alternative
If you’re not using a water bath, place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to add moisture and prevent the cheesecake from cracking. - Slow Cooling
Cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking. - Chill Fully
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set. - Clean Slicing
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices for perfect, neat cuts.
Variations to Try
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is highly adaptable, allowing you to put your own spin on the recipe. Here are some variations to consider:
- Caramel Drizzle
Swap the vanilla glaze for a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer, more indulgent topping. - Nutty Addition
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. - Pumpkin Twist
Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the cheesecake filling for a fall-inspired variation. - Chocolate Cinnamon
Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate chips to the crust or swirl for a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combination. - Mini Cheesecakes
Prepare the recipe in a muffin tin for individual servings that are perfect for parties or gatherings. - Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make the cheesecake gluten-free. - Maple Glaze
Replace the vanilla glaze with a maple glaze for a warm and cozy flavor twist.
Why This Cheesecake is Perfect for Any Occasion
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for making any occasion feel special. Its comforting flavors and stunning presentation make it ideal for holidays, birthdays, or family gatherings. The combination of cheesecake and cinnamon rolls feels nostalgic yet innovative, offering a unique dessert experience that guests will remember.
This cheesecake also works beautifully as a make-ahead dessert. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and ensures you have one less thing to worry about when hosting. Its impressive appearance and decadent flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a dessert that combines the best of two worlds: the creamy decadence of cheesecake and the spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls. With its graham cracker crust, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and light vanilla glaze, this dessert is as delicious as it is visually appealing. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake is a must-try for any dessert lover.
Its versatility and approachable preparation make it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with creative variations, Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Serve it at your next celebration, and watch it disappear in no time!
