Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

The Dreamiest Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe Ever Created

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

Sweet spirals of cinnamon swirl through a rich, velvety cheesecake base that promises pure indulgence.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and warm spice.

The golden crust adds a delightful crunch that complements the silky smooth filling.

Layers of flavor mingle in a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

This recipe transforms an ordinary evening into a special celebration of deliciousness.

Why Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Wins Dessert Fans

  • Swirl with Sensational Flavor: Combines the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, creating a unique dessert that blends two beloved treats into one spectacular dish.
  • Master Baking Techniques: Teaches advanced baking skills like water bath method and layering techniques, perfect for home bakers looking to elevate their dessert-making game with professional-level results.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress at potlucks, family gatherings, and special occasions with its stunning visual appeal and irresistible blend of sweet, creamy, and spicy cinnamon flavors that appeal to all ages.
  • Prep-Ahead Champion: Can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it an ideal dessert for busy cooks who want to prepare something spectacular without last-minute stress.

All The Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Essentials

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet, crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crust.
  • Cinnamon: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheesecake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and creates a smooth texture.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its creamy, rich texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and depth of flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help set the cheesecake structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.
  • Salt: Balances and highlights the sweet flavors.
Topping and Swirl Ingredients:
  • Flour: Used in the cinnamon swirl to help thicken and stabilize the mixture.
  • Cinnamon: Creates a warm, spicy swirl throughout the cheesecake.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese topping.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds lightness and volume to the topping.

Baking Your Own Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Cinnamon Graham Crust

Grab graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and blend until it resembles wet sand.

Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 325°F and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and let cool completely.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Whisk together brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon.

Pour in melted butter and stir until a smooth, slightly thick sauce forms.

Set this delectable mixture aside for later layering.

Step 3: Mix Dreamy Cheesecake Batter

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until silky and smooth.

Gradually add granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing thoroughly.

Blend in sour cream until fully incorporated.

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is completely mixed before adding the next.

Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl the Cheesecake

Pour half the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.

Drizzle half the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.

Use a knife to create beautiful marbled patterns.

Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon swirl, ending with a decorative swirl on top.

Step 5: Bake in Gentle Water Bath

Place the cheesecake pan inside a larger roasting pan.

Fill the outer pan with hot water halfway up the cheesecake pan’s sides.

Carefully transfer to the oven and bake at 325°F for 60-75 minutes.

The edges should look set, but the center should have a gentle jiggle.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Turn off the oven and crack the door open.

Let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour.

Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Topping

Beat cream cheese until fluffy.

Gradually add powdered sugar.

Gently fold in whipped cream until light and airy.

Spread or pipe the topping over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 8: Finishing Touch

Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top for an extra burst of flavor and beautiful presentation.

Slice and serve chilled.

Pro Tips For Cinnamon Cheesecake Lovers

  • Let cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing and consistent texture.
  • Drizzle cinnamon mixture slowly between cheesecake batter layers, using a knife to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.
  • Wrap the cheesecake pan in aluminum foil when using a water bath to block water from seeping into the crust and causing potential texture issues.
  • Leave the cheesecake in the turned-off oven with the door slightly open after baking to help it cool slowly and reduce potential cracking.

Creative Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Additions

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cinnamon swirl layer.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and flax eggs in place of regular eggs. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Low-Carb Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Create a crust using crushed pecans or almond flour. Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Replace regular flour with coconut flour or almond flour in the swirl mixture.

Serving Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake With Style

  • Breakfast Bliss: Slice this decadent cheesecake alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a luxurious morning treat.
  • Dessert Delight: Serve chilled after a hearty dinner, garnishing with extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for elegant presentation.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning display by cutting into small squares and arranging on a decorative platter with fresh berries and mint leaves.
  • Party Pleaser: Prepare the day before an event, allowing the flavors to meld and making your gathering stress-free and deliciously memorable.

Storing Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Easily

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a slightly warm slice, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
  • Let the cheesecake sit out for 30 minutes before serving to soften the texture and enhance flavor, but do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to use a water bath when baking this cheesecake?

A water bath helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the cheesecake from cracking by creating a moist baking environment, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

  • Can I skip the room temperature ingredients step?

No, using room temperature ingredients helps create a smooth, lump-free batter and ensures better mixing of cream cheese and other components.

  • How do I know if my cheesecake is properly baked?

The edges should be set, but the center should have a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools in the oven and refrigerator.

  • What's the purpose of letting the cheesecake cool in the turned-off oven?

This gradual cooling process helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking and ensures a more stable, smooth cheesecake texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake marries classic pastry charm with creamy cheesecake elegance. Sweet swirls of cinnamon and rich cream cheese create a dessert that melts hearts and delights senses, beckoning you to savor each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Cinnamon Roll Filling:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Cheesecake Base:

  • 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoons salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 12 teaspoons cinnamon powder (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Craft a fragrant crust by pulverizing graham crackers with brown sugar and cinnamon, then bind with melted butter. Press firmly into a springform pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation for the cheesecake.
  2. Prepare a luxurious cinnamon swirl by whisking together brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon with melted butter until a smooth, ribbony mixture forms.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until silky and uniform. Gradually incorporate granulated and brown sugars, then blend in sour cream until completely integrated.
  4. Introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile.
  5. Create visual and flavor complexity by alternating layers of cheesecake batter and cinnamon swirl mixture in the prepared pan. Use a knife to gently marble the layers, creating an artistic, swirled effect.
  6. Position the cheesecake in a water bath and bake at 325°F for 60-75 minutes. The edges should appear set while the center maintains a gentle wobble, indicating perfect doneness.
  7. After baking, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside for one hour, preventing sudden temperature changes that could cause cracking.
  8. Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
  9. Prepare a luxurious topping by whipping cream cheese with powdered sugar, then gently folding in softly whipped cream for a light, airy finish.
  10. Garnish the chilled cheesecake with the cream cheese topping, using a piping bag for elegant presentation. Dust lightly with ground cinnamon for a final aromatic touch.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are room temperature to create a silky, lump-free batter that blends seamlessly.
  • Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracking and maintain a luxuriously creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Carefully run a knife around the pan’s edges after baking to effortlessly release the cheesecake without damaging its delicate surface.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 42 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star