Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls. With a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, swirls of cinnamon filling, and a luscious cream cheese topping, this dessert is indulgent yet comforting. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, brunches, or any occasion when you want to impress with a show-stopping treat. Each bite delivers layers of creamy cheesecake, warm cinnamon spice, and sweet glaze—bringing together the best of two beloved desserts.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – A Decadent Swirl of Two Classics
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins + chilling
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet, spiced swirls of a cinnamon roll, topped with a luscious glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter to make the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the crust. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top and swirl with a knife. Repeat with remaining batter and swirl again.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cool inside for 1 hour.
- Chill cheesecake in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For glaze: whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a cinnamon roll-flavored creamer in the glaze.
- Best chilled overnight for the creamiest texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Graham cracker crumbs or crushed cinnamon rolls – For the flavorful crust.
Unsalted butter – Binds the crust together and adds richness.
Cream cheese – The star of the cheesecake filling, smooth and tangy.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake base.
Brown sugar – Mixed with cinnamon for the swirl filling.
Ground cinnamon – Provides the warm spice that defines this cheesecake.
All-purpose flour – Stabilizes the cheesecake filling.
Eggs – Bind the filling and ensure a creamy texture.
Sour cream – Adds richness and tang to the cheesecake.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors of both filling and swirl.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze.
Milk or cream – Used to thin the glaze to drizzling consistency.
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs (or crushed cinnamon rolls) with melted butter. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom and bake for 8 minutes. Set aside.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, flour, and vanilla extract.
For the cinnamon swirl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of melted butter. Pour half the cheesecake batter into the crust, drizzle with some cinnamon swirl mixture, and repeat with the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare a glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cheesecake before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10–12. Preparation takes 25 minutes, baking requires 1 hour, and chilling adds at least 4 hours. Total time: about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes – Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.
Cream cheese glaze – Replace the powdered sugar glaze with cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
Nutty crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the swirl for texture.
Chocolate swirl – Mix cocoa into the cinnamon swirl for a mocha-inspired version.
Apple cinnamon roll cheesecake – Add diced apples to the cinnamon swirl layer.
Caramel drizzle – Top with caramel sauce for added decadence.
Oreo cinnamon swirl – Add crushed cinnamon Oreos to the crust for a twist.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for the crust?
Yes, bake and crush them for a unique base instead of graham crackers.
How do I prevent cracks in cheesecake?
Bake in a water bath or avoid overmixing the batter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best when chilled overnight.
Do I need to refrigerate this cheesecake?
Yes, keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture.
Can I freeze cinnamon roll cheesecake?
Yes, wrap slices well and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I add icing from canned cinnamon rolls?
Yes, drizzle it over slices for extra sweetness.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be firm, and the center should jiggle slightly.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, it works as a lighter substitute.
What’s the best pan to use?
A springform pan makes removal and slicing easier.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that marries two timeless classics into one unforgettable treat. With its creamy cheesecake layers, gooey cinnamon swirls, and sweet glaze, it’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or whenever you want to impress with something truly special. This indulgent recipe is as stunning as it is delicious and guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert collection.