Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe: Dreamy Swirls of Bliss

Creamy cheesecake meets classic cinnamon roll magic in this irresistible dessert that blends two beloved treats.

Swirls of sweet cinnamon dance through a velvety cream cheese base, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

The rich, decadent layers promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Warm spices and tangy cream cheese come together in perfect harmony.

Each slice delivers a comforting blend of familiar flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Soft, pillowy textures mingle with a buttery graham cracker crust that adds just the right crunch.

Step-By-Step To Swirled Bliss

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab your springform pan and lovingly coat its interior with butter, ensuring no spot is left unprotected.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust Foundation

Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid base for your cheesecake masterpiece.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until they transform into a silky smooth mixture.

Gently incorporate:
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract

Blend everything until perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 4: Develop Cinnamon Swirl Magic

In a separate small bowl, mix together:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar

Create delightful swirls of this cinnamon mixture throughout the cheesecake filling, using a knife or spatula to create beautiful marbled patterns.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the cinnamon-swirled cheesecake filling over the prepared crust.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

The center should have a slight jiggle but look mostly set.

Step 6: Cool and Enhance

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to help it set and develop deep flavors.

Before serving, drizzle with a luscious cinnamon glaze for that extra touch of decadence.

Pro Tips For Creamy, Swirly Cheesecake

  • Add sour cream to the cheesecake batter for a smooth, crack-free surface that ensures a professional-looking dessert.
  • Use a butter knife to create beautiful cinnamon swirls by gently dragging the knife through the filling in a figure-eight motion.
  • Pack graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a stable base that won't crumble when slicing.
  • Place a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking to create a humid environment that prevents the cheesecake from drying out.
  • Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more uniform texture.

Swirl Variations To Try Next Time

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of sour cream.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free cinnamon for a diabetic-friendly cheesecake.
  • Vegan Transformation: Use plant-based cream cheese, flax eggs, and coconut whipped cream to create a completely vegan cinnamon roll cheesecake.

Slice And Serve In Style

  • Sweet Cinnamon Breakfast Pairing: Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that complements the cake's warm spices.
  • Dessert Elegance Plate: Garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon and a small dollop of whipped cream to elevate the visual and flavor profile.
  • Party Presentation Style: Cut into small bite-sized squares for easy sharing at brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert option.
  • Seasonal Serving Twist: Pair with vanilla bean ice cream during summer or warm caramel sauce in winter to match the seasonal mood and enhance the cheesecake's rich flavor.

Cheesecake Leftovers – Still Swirled

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor. Allow cheesecake to sit at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
  • Warm individual slices gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent overcooking. Avoid high heat to maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • How difficult is this cheesecake recipe?

This recipe is moderate difficulty, suitable for bakers with some intermediate baking experience. It requires basic mixing skills and careful technique with the cinnamon swirl.

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While possible, full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness for cheesecake. Low-fat versions might result in a less creamy and dense final product.

  • What if my cinnamon swirl doesn't look perfect?

Don’t worry! Cinnamon swirls are meant to look rustic and imperfect. Gently fold the cinnamon mixture into the cheesecake batter using a knife for a marbled effect.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Swirled To Perfection

  • Swirl with Flavor: Dive into a delightful twist on classic cheesecake by incorporating the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon rolls right into your dessert.
  • Wow Guests Easily: Impress friends and family with a bakery-worthy dessert that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated, yet requires minimal baking skills.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: An ideal showstopper for gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations that combines the beloved flavors of two classic desserts into one irresistible treat.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Create a luxurious dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels.

Swirled Cheesecake Must-Haves

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie crumb that provides a sweet and crispy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth, creamy texture and tangy flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly during baking.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy note.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Cinnamon Swirl and Topping:
  • Cinnamon, Brown Sugar: Create a warm, sweet swirl that adds depth and complexity to the cheesecake.
  • Cinnamon Glaze: A sweet and spicy topping that complements the creamy cheesecake.
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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent cinnamon roll cheesecake blends classic comfort with creamy richness, creating a dessert that marries bakery nostalgia and cheesecake elegance. Rich layers of sweet cinnamon swirl and smooth cream cheese promise a delightful escape for dessert enthusiasts seeking pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Base:

  • 3 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Swirl and Topping:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 325°F and generously coat a springform pan with butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a solid, compact base.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, then gently incorporate eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and uniform.
  4. Create a fragrant cinnamon-brown sugar mixture in a separate bowl, designed to infuse the cheesecake with warm, sweet undertones.
  5. Carefully drizzle and gently swirl the cinnamon-brown sugar blend throughout the cheesecake filling, creating beautiful marbled patterns.
  6. Delicately pour the prepared filling over the graham cracker crust, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, watching for a slightly firm center with a subtle jiggle when gently shaken.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to set and develop rich flavors.
  9. Before serving, drizzle with a decadent cinnamon glaze, adding a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Prevent cracking by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter.
  • Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even baking and moisture.
  • Achieve perfect swirls by gently dragging a knife through the cinnamon-sugar mixture in a zigzag pattern for a beautiful marbled effect.
  • Modify for gluten-free diets by substituting graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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