Introduction

Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake that perfectly marries the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. This dessert captures the essence of breakfast pastries, making it an exquisite treat for any occasion.

With a swirling layer of cinnamon filling baked within a rich cheesecake base, each slice reveals a heavenly combination of textures and flavors. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, this dessert is not only a feast for the palate but also a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
These crumbs create a buttery, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the cheesecake. Their subtle sweetness complements the rich flavors of the filling.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, adding richness and depth to the crust. It also enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
2 cups cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese is the main ingredient in cheesecake, providing its distinctive creamy texture and tangy flavor. Softening it allows for smoother blending and prevents lumps.
1 cup granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile. It also helps achieve the cake's texture by incorporating air during beating.
3 large eggs
Eggs provide structure and stability in cheesecake, contributing to its creamy texture as they bind all the ingredients together during baking.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake. It creates a pleasant balance with the cinnamon and sugar.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cinnamon infuses the cheesecake with its warm, spicy aroma, echoing the flavor of traditional cinnamon rolls. It creates a comforting and familiar taste experience.
½ cup brown sugar, packed
Brown sugar contributes moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cinnamon swirl, enhancing its depth and complexity. It also complements the cinnamon for a perfect match.
¾ cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar is used for the cream cheese frosting, creating a smooth, spreadable consistency. It sweetens the frosting while ensuring a luscious texture.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
Additional cream cheese in the frosting contributes to a creamy texture and tangy flavor, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
1 tablespoon milk
Milk adds a slight creaminess and helps adjust the consistency of the frosting, making it easy to spread over the cheesecake.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).

Preheating the oven is crucial for ensuring an even bake. This temperature allows the cheesecake to set properly without cracking, yielding a smooth surface.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined.

Tossing the crumbs in melted butter creates a paste-like consistency that holds together when pressed into the pan. Ensure all crumbs are coated for even texture.

Step 3: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.

Pressing the crust firmly is important to prevent it from crumbling when sliced. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands for even pressure.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Beating cream cheese until smooth is vital to avoid lumps in the cheesecake. Start on low speed to bring it together, then increase to medium.

Step 5: Add granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated and fluffy.

Mixing in sugar aerates the cream cheese, creating a light texture while ensuring that the sweet flavor is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.

Incorporating eggs individually allows for better mixing and helps achieve a smooth texture. This gradual process prevents the batter from becoming too dense.

Step 7: Mix in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until combined.

Adding these flavors at this stage infuses the batter with warmth and sweetness, setting the foundation for the cinnamon roll aspect of the cheesecake.

Step 8: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust, then dollop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.

Layering the batter and cinnamon mixture creates beautiful swirls and encourages a marbled effect in the final product. Don’t overmix to maintain the pattern.

Step 9: Repeat with the remaining cheesecake batter and cinnamon swirl, swirling lightly with a knife.

Creating swirls adds visual appeal and ensures each slice showcases a distinct pattern. This step is also critical to achieving an even distribution of flavor.

Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Monitoring the bake time is essential; overcooking can result in cracks or a dry texture. The jiggly center indicates a creamy finish once chilled.

Step 11: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually.

Gradual cooling prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking. Allowing it to cool in the oven retains moisture and aids in texture.

Step 12: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.

Cooling to room temperature before chilling helps set the cheesecake without introducing excess moisture from condensation, preserving its creamy texture.

Step 13: Once chilled, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.

Making the frosting while the cheesecake sets keeps the workflow efficient. Aim for a thick yet spreadable consistency, ensuring it can be easily applied.

Step 14: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.

This step allows the creamy frosting to complement the richness of the cheesecake, providing a contrast in flavor and texture. Make sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 15: Optional: garnish with cinnamon or caramel sauce if desired before slicing and serving.

Garnishing adds an extra visual touch while enhancing the flavor profile. Cinnamon or caramel highlights the dessert’s unique cinnamon roll character.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting step photo

Creating the Perfect Swirl

Mastering the cinnamon swirl is key to defining the character of your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake. To achieve a beautiful effect, allow your cinnamon filling to be dolloped onto the cheesecake in generous spoonfuls. Using a knife, gently swirl the mixture into the batter, but avoid overdoing it. This creates a harmonious blend of flavors without losing the distinct layers.

Chilling is Key

Patience is essential when it comes to your cheesecake. After baking, it’s crucial to allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven and then refrigerate for a minimum of four hours. This chilling period ensures that your cheesecake firms up adequately, setting the ideal texture and enabling it to be sliced cleanly. A well-chilled cheesecake reveals a smoother, creamier center.

Frosting Variations

Feel free to customize the cream cheese frosting to fit your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor, contributing additional depth to the frosting. For a twist, consider incorporating a drizzle of maple syrup for a hint of caramel notes that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

FAQs

What should I do if my cheesecake cracks while baking?

If your cheesecake cracks, it may have overcooked or cooled too quickly. Next time, ensure you're not overbaking it, and consider cooling it gradually.

Can I make this cheesecake without eggs?

While eggs help with structure, you can use a commercial egg substitute or flaxseed mixture as a binder, though the texture may differ slightly.

Why does my cheesecake have a grainy texture?

A grainy texture often results from under-mixed cream cheese or cold ingredients. Ensure everything is at room temperature and thoroughly blended.

How can I adjust the sweetness if the frosting is too sweet?

If the frosting turns out too sweet for your liking, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

What if my cheesecake is too dense?

A dense cheesecake can result from overmixing or too many eggs. In the future, mix ingredients just until combined.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes! You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreos or any other favorite cookies for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert but an experience, blending warmth and comfort in every bite. The marriage of classic flavors makes it a versatile treat for family gatherings or a cozy evening at home.

With a little patience and love, you can impress your loved ones with this stunning dessert. Every slice offers the delightful nostalgia of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, enhanced by the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, making it a truly unforgettable finish to any meal.

Recipe Card

Print Pin