Imagine the gooey warmth of a cinnamon roll combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake—sounds like a dessert lover’s dream, right? This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake brings together the best of both worlds, offering the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll swirled into a decadent cheesecake base. It’s the perfect fusion for those who crave something unique, indulgent, and unforgettable. This dessert features a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling with cinnamon sugar swirls, and a sweet glaze that completes the cinnamon roll experience. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dessert will impress everyone and leave them asking for seconds. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate cinnamon roll cheesecake!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Ingredients:
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a paste-like consistency. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour until everything is fully combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl filling over the cheesecake layer and use a knife to swirl it gently.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top, spreading it evenly.
- Add more spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl on the surface and swirl gently with a knife to create a beautiful cinnamon pattern.
5. Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with about 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath (this helps prevent cracking).
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for about 1 hour.
6. Chill the Cheesecake
- Once the cheesecake has cooled, remove it from the water bath, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to fully set.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a small bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
8. Serve
- Before serving, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cheesecake for a classic cinnamon roll finish. Slice and enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This makes the filling smoother and easier to blend, avoiding lumps in your cheesecake.
- Prevent Cracks: Using a water bath while baking helps keep the cheesecake moist and prevents cracking. Be sure to wrap the outside of the springform pan in foil to avoid water seeping in.
- Swirling Technique: When adding the cinnamon filling, use a light hand to swirl the mixture. Overmixing will blend the cinnamon too much, and you’ll lose the marbling effect.
- Chilling is Key: Cheesecake needs ample time to chill for the best texture. For best results, chill it overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. You can also top each slice with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.
Nutritional Benefits of Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
While indulgent, this cheesecake does offer some notable ingredients:
- Cinnamon: Known for its antioxidant properties, cinnamon may help with inflammation and blood sugar regulation.
- Cream Cheese: While rich, cream cheese provides calcium and vitamin A, supporting bone and skin health.
- Eggs: Eggs provide protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
- Sour Cream: Adds a source of probiotics, which can be beneficial for digestion when consumed in moderation.
Though high in fats and sugars, this cheesecake can be enjoyed as an occasional treat within a balanced diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Combination of Two Classics: This dessert fuses the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake, offering a unique, indulgent experience that’s hard to resist.
- Creamy and Spiced: The richness of cheesecake paired with the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon creates a harmonious blend of flavors in each bite.
- Beautiful Presentation: The swirled cinnamon pattern makes this cheesecake visually stunning and suitable for any special occasion.
- Versatile: You can add toppings, such as caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, to customize each slice.
- Impressive Yet Simple: While this cheesecake looks and tastes like it took hours to make, the steps are straightforward, and the results are guaranteed to impress family and friends.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This cheesecake contains no gelatin or animal-based thickeners, making it suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Low Sugar Option: For a lower sugar alternative, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Dairy-Free Option: This recipe relies on dairy for its creamy texture, so achieving the same result with dairy-free substitutes may be challenging. However, dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream could be used as alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
Why This Recipe Works
This cheesecake works because it combines the smooth, creamy texture of a classic cheesecake with the flavor-packed swirl of cinnamon rolls. The cinnamon-sugar mixture, along with a buttery crust, gives each bite the nostalgic warmth of a cinnamon roll. Using a water bath prevents cracks and keeps the texture smooth, while the cream cheese glaze mimics the icing on a cinnamon roll, tying the dessert together beautifully. The simplicity of the ingredients and methods used ensures the flavors are well-balanced and the textures are perfect—creamy, smooth, with just a hint of crunch from the crust. This fusion is a delicious success that combines the best aspects of two much-loved desserts.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert fusion that offers a little something for everyone. The creamy, luxurious cheesecake and the warm, spiced cinnamon roll flavors come together to create a dessert that’s both familiar and extraordinary. Each bite is an experience of textures and flavors that feel cozy yet indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a celebration, or just treating yourself, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this dessert fusion and savor the delightful combination of cheesecake and cinnamon roll in one slice!
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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Fusion Delight
- Total Time: 4hrs 30mins
Description
Imagine the gooey warmth of a cinnamon roll combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake—sounds like a dessert lover’s dream, right? This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake brings together the best of both worlds, offering the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll swirled into a decadent cheesecake base. It’s the perfect fusion for those who crave something unique, indulgent, and unforgettable. This dessert features a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling with cinnamon sugar swirls, and a sweet glaze that completes the cinnamon roll experience. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dessert will impress everyone and leave them asking for seconds. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate cinnamon roll cheesecake!
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a paste-like consistency. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour until everything is fully combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl filling over the cheesecake layer and use a knife to swirl it gently.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top, spreading it evenly.
- Add more spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl on the surface and swirl gently with a knife to create a beautiful cinnamon pattern.
5. Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with about 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath (this helps prevent cracking).
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for about 1 hour.
6. Chill the Cheesecake
- Once the cheesecake has cooled, remove it from the water bath, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to fully set.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a small bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
8. Serve
- Before serving, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cheesecake for a classic cinnamon roll finish. Slice and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20mins
- Cook Time: 1hr 10mins