When it comes to indulgent desserts, few things compare to the heavenly combination of cheesecake and cinnamon rolls. Imagine a luscious, creamy cheesecake swirled with rich, buttery cinnamon goodness, all nestled atop a crunchy graham cracker crust. That’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake—a dessert that’s bound to become your new favorite! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
- Decadently Creamy: The cheesecake filling is ultra-smooth, thanks to cream cheese and sour cream.
- Irresistible Cinnamon Swirl: Packed with warm spices and brown sugar, this swirl adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced: The graham cracker crust provides a buttery crunch that complements the creamy filling.
- Easy to Make: While it looks gourmet, this recipe is straightforward and manageable for home bakers.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your 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, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing at low speed to avoid overbeating.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined. The batter should be smooth and lump-free.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.
- Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then use a knife to create swirls.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the top and repeat the swirling process with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with foil and place it in a water bath (a roasting pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water).
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the chilled cheesecake just before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- For best results, serve this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake chilled.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before serving!
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Can I make this cheesecake without a water bath?
While a water bath helps prevent cracks, you can bake the cheesecake without it. Just place a pan of hot water on the oven’s lower rack to create steam.
Can I use a different crust?
Yes! Instead of graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even cinnamon graham crackers for an extra cinnamon kick.
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
- Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a water bath to create a humid environment.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven before refrigerating.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake actually tastes better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake overnight?
Yes, chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly, making it creamier and more delicious.
Conclusion
If you love the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake, this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for you. With its buttery graham cracker crust, rich cinnamon swirl, and creamy filling, every bite is a slice of pure indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the best Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake ever!
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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – Creamy, Sweet, and Packed with Cinnamon Flavor!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Set aside.
Prepare the Cheesecake Batter:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and flour until just combined.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and use a knife to swirl it in.
Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top and repeat with the remaining cinnamon mixture. Swirl gently.
Bake:
Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in foil and place it in a water bath (a roasting pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water).
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
Serve and Enjoy!
This cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.