Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that combines two of the most beloved treats? Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls swirled into a rich, creamy cheesecake. This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake recipe offers the best of both worlds—soft, buttery cinnamon rolls and smooth, tangy cheesecake all in one indulgent bite. It’s the ultimate showstopper for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a weekend treat.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through each step of making this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake from scratch. From the graham cracker crust to the swirl of cinnamon filling and the creamy frosting on top, we’ll walk you through the process with clear instructions and helpful tips. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to impress everyone with your baking skills and make this mouthwatering dessert at home.

Ingredients: What You Need for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that will make your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake a hit:

Graham Cracker Crust

The graham cracker crust provides a perfect base for the cheesecake. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and a great contrast to the smooth cheesecake filling. Here’s what you’ll need for the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits/Biscoff cookies
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

Cinnamon Roll Swirl

The cinnamon roll swirl gives this cheesecake its signature flavor. It’s a deliciously spiced mixture that brings the essence of cinnamon rolls right into the heart of the cheesecake. For the swirl, you’ll need:

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

Cheesecake Batter

The cheesecake batter is creamy, velvety, and rich. It forms the base of the dessert and holds the cinnamon roll swirl together. You’ll need the following ingredients:

4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

No cheesecake is complete without a luscious cream cheese frosting. This frosting adds a layer of sweetness and smoothness that complements the rich cheesecake perfectly. To make the frosting, you’ll need:

6 tbsp cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1-2 tsp cinnamon powder for dusting

Instructions: How to Make the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started on making your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake. Follow these steps for a perfectly swirled, creamy cheesecake.

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). The crust is the first part of the cheesecake, so it’s essential to make sure it’s crisp and golden before adding the filling. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well-coated. The mixture should resemble wet sand.

Next, press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to pack it down evenly, making sure it’s pressed tightly. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Swirl

In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick. Set the cinnamon roll swirl mixture aside. You’ll be swirling this into the cheesecake batter later to create those beautiful cinnamon ribbons.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free batter.

Once the cream cheese and sugars are well combined, add the sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and velvety. The eggs should be at room temperature to ensure that the batter mixes evenly and doesn’t curdle.

Step 4: Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Now that both the crust and cheesecake batter are ready, it’s time to assemble the cheesecake. Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula.

Take half of the cinnamon roll swirl mixture and dollop it on top of the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the mixture into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect. Repeat the process with the remaining cheesecake batter and cinnamon swirl mixture. Swirl again with the knife until you’re satisfied with the appearance of the cinnamon ribbons.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set. The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan but not runny. If you notice the edges starting to brown too much, you can cover them with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Once done, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This step is essential to prevent cracking. After it’s cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let it set.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and fluffy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed to achieve a soft, spreadable texture.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cheesecake, covering the surface generously. For a finishing touch, dust the cheesecake with cinnamon powder for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Slice, serve, and enjoy! This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture and decadent cinnamon flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This will help the ingredients blend together more smoothly, preventing lumps in your cheesecake batter.
Don’t overmix: When making the cheesecake batter, mix the ingredients just until they’re combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the finished cheesecake.
Swirl gently: When incorporating the cinnamon roll mixture into the cheesecake, be gentle with your swirling. Overmixing can cause the cinnamon swirl to disappear into the cheesecake, so try to create defined ribbons for that classic cinnamon roll effect.
Chill for best results: It’s crucial to refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours after baking. This helps it set properly, ensuring that it holds together when sliced.

Nutritional Information

While Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is an indulgent treat, it’s important to keep in mind its nutritional content. A single slice of this cheesecake contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the size of the serving. It’s packed with rich cream cheese, butter, and sugar, so enjoy in moderation.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, you might also enjoy these similar recipes:

Cinnamon Roll Cake – A fluffy, sweet cinnamon roll-inspired cake that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars – A decadent dessert combining chocolate and peanut butter, sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies – A unique cookie that combines churro, cheesecake, and donut flavors in one irresistible treat.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this cheesecake ahead of time. It needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with something else? Absolutely! You can use crushed Biscoff cookies or digestive biscuits as a substitute for the graham cracker crust for a slightly different flavor.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake? Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake? Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake. After it has fully cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the sweet, warm flavors of cinnamon rolls but wants the creamy texture of cheesecake. With its graham cracker crust, cinnamon roll swirl, and luscious cream cheese frosting, this cheesecake will undoubtedly become a favorite at your next gathering. By following this detailed recipe and using the helpful tips, you can create a showstopping dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

Author: MixMealMagic
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a delicious fusion of two favorite desserts! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a swirl of cinnamon goodness, this indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion. Top it with a rich cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon for the ultimate dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits/Biscoff cookies
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Roll Swirl:

1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Batter:

4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

6 tbsp cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1–2 tsp cinnamon powder for dusting

Instructions

Make the Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.
Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Swirl: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Set aside.
Make the Cheesecake Batter: Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Swirl in half of the cinnamon roll mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixtures together.
Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream until smooth.
Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cheesecake. Dust with cinnamon powder. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For a firmer crust, you can increase the baking time for the graham cracker crust to 10 minutes.
To make this cheesecake ahead of time, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
You can substitute the graham cracker crust with Biscoff cookies or digestive biscuits for a different flavor twist.
If you prefer a thicker cinnamon swirl, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon roll swirl mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 470 kcal
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, dessert, holiday dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, cinnamon swirl cheesecake, cream cheese frosting