Imagine the warm, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake—that’s exactly what you get with Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake! This decadent dessert brings together two beloved treats into one irresistible masterpiece.
What Is Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake?
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a layered dessert featuring:
✔ A buttery graham cracker or cinnamon roll crust
✔ A smooth, tangy cheesecake filling
✔ Swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness throughout
✔ A luscious cream cheese glaze drizzled on top
You’ll have a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced dessert that’s just as great for holiday gatherings as it is for a weekend indulgence.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe
Course: Breakfast, DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium12 slices
servings20
minutes50
minutes450-550 kcal per slice
kcalThis Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake combines the best of two desserts—a rich, creamy cheesecake with warm cinnamon swirls and a buttery crust, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafers)
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (180g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for stability)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Directions
- Prepare the–Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a nine inch springform pan, and line the bottom, with parchment paper.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar,, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until combined In a mixing-bowl
Press the mixture into, the bottom of-the prepared pan.
Bake for8 to 10minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined. Set aside. - Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
Beat the cream-cheese, sugar-until it smooth-and-creamy (about 2minutes) In a-large-bowl
Mix in the-sour-cream, vanilla-extract, and flour until-well combined.
Beat in the eggs one-at a time, mixing on low-speed after each-addition to avoid-overmixing. - Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour half of the cheesecake-batter over the-cooled crust.
Drizzle half-of the cinnamon swirl-mixture over the-batter and gently swirl-with knife.
Repeat with the remaining cheesecake batter and cinnamon mixture, swirling again for a beautiful marbled effect. - Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan in a larger-baking dish and fill-with hot water (about 1 inch dep) to create-a-water bath.
Bake for 50 to-60 minutes, or until the edges-are set but the-center is slightly-jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. - Chill Make the Glaze
Remove the cheesecake-from the oven and let-it cool-completely at-room-temperature.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight) for best results.
To make the glaze, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk as needed for consistency. - Serve Enjoy!
Drizzle the glaze over the chilled cheesecake.
Slice with a-sharp knife-dipped in hot-water for-clean-cuts.
Serve with extra cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream! - Storage Freezing Tips
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly-in plastic wrap-and freezefor up to 3months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulgent & Flavorful – The perfect blend of warm cinnamon spice and velvety cheesecake.
Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, brunch, or birthdays, this cheesecake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Customizable – You can tweak the crust, filling, or topping to make it uniquely yours.
For me, this cheesecake is a taste of comfort and celebration. I first made it for a family gathering, and from the very first bite, everyone was hooked. Now, it’s a must-have at holiday brunches and special occasions, bringing together the best flavors of breakfast and dessert in one slice.
A Fusion of Two American Classics
Both cinnamon rolls and cheesecake have a long-standing place in American dessert culture. Cinnamon rolls, with their gooey centers and sweet frosting, are a breakfast staple, while cheesecake has been a beloved dessert for centuries. Combining these two flavors creates a dessert that feels nostalgic yet new—a true show-stopper on any dessert table.
Tips & Variations for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Once you’ve mastered the classic Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, it’s time to get creative! Whether you want to enhance the flavors, adjust it for dietary needs, or elevate the presentation, here are some delicious ways to customize your cheesecake.
Flavor Variations
Want to add more depth and texture to your cheesecake? Try these irresistible mix-ins and enhancements:
✔ Nutty Crunch – Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for a crunchy contrast.
✔ Caramel Drizzle – Swirl in ¼ cup of caramel sauce before baking for a rich, buttery sweetness.
✔ Apple Pie Twist – Fold in ½ cup of apple pie filling for a fall-inspired cinnamon-apple flavor.
✔ Cookie Crust – Swap the graham cracker crust for shortbread, vanilla wafers, or even Biscoff cookies for a unique base.
✔ Extra Cinnamon Goodness – Mix ½ teaspoon of cinnamon directly into the cheesecake batter for a warm, spiced touch.
Dietary Adjustments
Need a gluten-free, lighter, or plant-based version? Here’s how to tweak the recipe:
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or almond flour crust.
✔ Healthier Version – Swap full-fat cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
✔ Vegan Cheesecake – Use dairy-free cream cheese and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg).
Tip: Vegan and gluten-free cheesecakes may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be deliciously creamy!
Presentation Ideas
Make your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake look as stunning as it tastes with these finishing touches:
✔ Extra Cinnamon Sugar – Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon and sugar over the top before serving for a classic cinnamon roll touch.
✔ Fresh & Festive – Garnish with sliced strawberries, raspberries, or edible flowers for an elegant finish.
✔ Drizzle It Up – Add extra caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, or cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgent treat.
✔ Serve with a Side – Pair each slice with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a bakery-style experience.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is already a show-stopping dessert, but these variations allow you to make it uniquely yours! Whether you love classic flavors or want to experiment with fun add-ins, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress and delight.
Which variation will you try first? Comment below and let us know!
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Even the most experienced bakers can run into cheesecake troubles, but don’t worry—these simple fixes will help you achieve a smooth, creamy, and picture-perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake every time!
Problem: The Cheesecake Cracks
🔴 Issue: The top of the cheesecake develops deep cracks.
✅ Solution:
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – Too much air in the batter can cause cracks as the cheesecake bakes and cools.
✔ Use a water bath (bain-marie) – Wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger baking dish filled with hot water to prevent sudden temperature changes.
✔ Cool gradually – Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door slightly open for about an hour before removing it.
Problem: The Crust is Soggy
🔴 Issue: The graham cracker or cookie crust turns out too soft or wet.
✅ Solution:
✔ Pre-bake the crust – Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling to create a firmer base.
✔ Let it cool completely before pouring in the cheesecake batter.
✔ Wrap the springform pan tightly in foil if using a water bath to prevent leaks.
Problem: The Filling is Lumpy
🔴 Issue: The cheesecake has small lumps instead of a smooth, creamy texture.
✅ Solution:
✔ Use room-temperature ingredients – Cold cream cheese won’t blend properly. Before using let it sit out, for at least 30 minutes.
✔ Beat the cream cheese first – Mix until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.
✔ Strain the batter – If lumps remain, pour the batter through a fine-mesh strainer before baking.
Problem: The Cheesecake is Overbaked
🔴 Issue: The texture turns out dry or slightly curdled.
✅ Solution:
✔ Bake just until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly – It will firm up as it cools.
✔ Use an oven thermometer – Many ovens run hotter than the set temperature, which can lead to overbaking.
✔ Avoid opening the oven door too often – Sudden temperature changes can overcook the edges while leaving the center underdone.
Problem: The Glaze is Too Thick or Too Thin
🔴 Issue: The cream cheese glaze doesn’t drizzle properly.
✅ Solution:
✔ Too thick? Add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
✔ Too thin? Add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
By keeping these fixes in mind, you’ll achieve a smooth, crack-free, and creamy Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake every time!
Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is an indulgent dessert, but it also contains ingredients that provide nutritional benefits. Below is a breakdown of calories, macronutrients, health benefits, and ways to make it a bit healthier while still keeping it delicious!
Caloric Breakdown (Per Slice)
These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion size, ingredients, and glaze.
✔ Calories: ~450-550 kcal
✔ Total Fat: 30-35g (mostly from cream cheese and butter)
✔ Carbohydrates: 40-45g (from sugar and crust)
✔ Protein: 6-8g (from cream cheese and eggs)
✔ Sugar: 30-35g (from sugar and glaze)
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Although this cheesecake is a rich treat, it contains some beneficial ingredients:
✔ Cream Cheese – A source of calcium for bone health and protein for muscle maintenance.
✔ Eggs – Provide high-quality protein, vitamin B12, and choline, essential for brain function.
✔ Cinnamon – Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help support heart health.
✔ Greek Yogurt (if used as a substitute) – Adds probiotics for gut health and extra protein.
Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Healthier Alternatives
Want to enjoy this cheesecake while making it a little lighter? Try these simple swaps:
✅ Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese – Reduces saturated fat while keeping the cheesecake creamy.
✅ Reduce Sugar by ¼ Cup – The natural sweetness of cinnamon and vanilla can help balance flavors.
✅ Swap the Crust for a Nut-Based Option – Use ground almonds or walnuts instead of graham crackers for added fiber and healthy fats.
✅ Opt for Natural Sweeteners – Replace refined sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a more natural alternative.
✅ Lighter Topping – Instead of a thick cream cheese glaze, try a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a Greek yogurt drizzle.
Source: American Heart Association
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert, but with a few modifications, you can enjoy it with a little less guilt. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a lighter version, it’s guaranteed to be a show-stopping treat!
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Got questions about baking and storing Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake? Whether you’re making it ahead, freezing leftovers, or looking for the best slicing technique, this FAQ guide has all the answers!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time
Yes! Cheesecake actually tastes even better when made in advance.
Chill overnight – This allows the flavors to develop and the texture to set properly.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.
Best practice: Bake the cheesecake a day before your event for the best flavor and consistency.
Tip: If adding the cream cheese glaze, apply it just before serving for the freshest look and texture.
Can I Freeze Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake?
Yes! Freezing is a great way to preserve leftovers or prep in advance.
How to freeze a whole cheesecake:
Let it cool completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Keep in the freezer for up-to 3 months.
How to freeze slices:
Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container.
This makes it easy to thaw one slice, at a time.
How to thaw:
Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator, overnight before-serving.
Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent condensation from making the crust soggy.
Tip: Freeze the cheesecake without the glaze, then add it after thawing.
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! You don’t have to stick to a graham cracker crust.
Oreo Crust – For a chocolatey, contrast to the cinn_amon flavors.
Shortbread Crust – A buttery, crumbly option that pairs beautifully with the rich filling.
Nut-Based Crust – Blend almonds, walnuts, or pecans with a bit of sweetener and butter for a gluten-free, low-carb alternative.
Tip: No matter which crust you choose, pre-baking for 8-10 minutes helps prevent sogginess.
What’s the Best Way to Slice Cheesecake?
Use this trick for clean, bakery-style slices:
Dip a sharp knife, in hot water, wipe it dry and slice.
Repeat after each cut to prevent sticking.
Use dental floss (unflavored) for super smooth slices—just pull it through the cheesecake!
Tip: Chilling the cheesecake for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) makes slicing easier.
If you Got More Cheesecake Questions, Drop them in the comments below! Whether you’re a cheesecake beginner or a pro baker, we’d love to hear your favorite tips and variations.
Enjoy Your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake!
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the perfect dessert fusion—rich, creamy cheesecake infused with warm cinnamon spice and a buttery swirl, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, brunch, or special occasion, this cheesecake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
We’d Love to Hear From You!
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Enjoy your slice of cinnamon-spiced heaven! 🍰✨