Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe for Cozy Bakers

Decadent desserts reach new heights with this irresistible cinnamon roll cheesecake that blends creamy textures and warm spices.

The classic comfort of a cinnamon roll meets the luxurious richness of cheesecake in every delectable bite.

Layers of sweet cinnamon swirl through a velvety cream cheese base, creating a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Soft, tender, and packed with incredible flavor, this cheesecake transforms an ordinary evening into a special celebration.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet cinnamon warmth.

The buttery graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch that complements the smooth filling.

You’ll want to savor every moment of this show-stopping dessert that brings together two beloved treats in one unforgettable slice.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that redefines sweet perfection.

FAQs

  • Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides better texture and richer flavor for cheesecake.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use a water bath during baking and avoid overmixing the batter. Cool the cheesecake gradually by leaving it in the oven after baking.

  • What type of graham crackers work best?

Standard honey or cinnamon graham crackers are perfect for this recipe. Avoid flavored or chocolate varieties.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake 1-2 days before serving, and the flavors will actually improve with refrigeration.

Sweet Swirled Dessert: What Makes It Special

  • Swirl and Savor: A delightful cheesecake that combines classic creamy texture with a mesmerizing cinnamon swirl, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed dessert.
  • Bake with Ease: Straightforward recipe with simple steps that even novice bakers can master, requiring basic ingredients and minimal technical skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations, this dessert offers a warm, inviting flavor profile that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
  • Customize and Personalize: Flexible recipe allows for easy modifications like adding nuts, experimenting with spice levels, or creating decorative frosting designs to match your style.

What You’ll Need for a Sweet Swirled Dessert

Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
  • Cinnamon: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
Cheesecake Batter:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide different levels of sweetness to the batter.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a silky smooth consistency.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help the cheesecake set properly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors.
Swirl and Topping:
  • Brown Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon, Butter: Create a rich, spiced swirl mixture throughout the cheesecake.
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Used to make a light and creamy frosting.
  • Whipped Cream: Adds a fluffy texture to the frosting.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides a final dusting of warm spice on top of the dessert.

Simple Steps for Making Sweet Swirled Dessert

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Crust

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs.

Mix the crumbs with sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pour in melted butter and stir until everything comes together like a sandy paradise.

Press this mixture firmly into your baking pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Pop it into the oven and bake until it turns golden and smells heavenly.

Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Blend until you have a rich, fragrant mixture that will dance through your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Batter

Grab your mixer and beat cream cheese until it’s silky smooth.

Gradually add in sugars, creating a luxurious base.

Fold in sour cream for extra tang.

Crack eggs one by one, mixing gently after each addition.

Splash in vanilla and a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors.

Step 4: Layer with Artistic Flair

Pour the cheesecake batter into your prepared crust.

Drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture in beautiful, random patterns.

Use a knife to create elegant swirls that will look stunning when sliced.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure even, gentle cooking.

Slide into the oven and bake until the edges are set but the center still has a gentle jiggle.

The surface should look smooth and slightly golden.

Step 6: Patience is a Virtue

Once baked, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside.

Let it rest for an hour to prevent cracking.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for several hours until completely set.

Step 7: Decorate with Dreamy Frosting

Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Fold in whipped cream for extra volume.

Use a piping bag to create beautiful swirls on top of the cooled cheesecake.

Dust with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for the final touch of elegance.

Sweet Swirled Dessert – Pro Baker Tips

  • Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to create a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
  • Wrap pan's exterior with foil to prevent water seepage and ensure even, gentle baking for a creamy texture.
  • Use a toothpick or knife to create beautiful, intricate swirl patterns when layering brown sugar mixture.
  • Chill cheesecake completely before cutting and clean knife between slices for perfect, clean edges.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly dessert.

Ways to Change Up Your Sweet Swirled Dessert

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for all other components.
  • Vegan Transformation: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content by 50% while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Seasonal Berry Remix: Fold fresh seasonal berries into cheesecake batter. Top with berry compote instead of traditional frosting for a fruity variation.

Serving Sweet Swirled Dessert with Flair

  • Cinnamon Sprinkle Delight: Dust extra ground cinnamon on top of the frosted dessert for a warm, aromatic finish that enhances the sweet flavor profile.
  • Caramel Drizzle Magic: Pour rich, golden caramel sauce in elegant zigzag patterns across each slice, creating a luxurious and decadent presentation.
  • Candied Nut Crunch: Scatter finely chopped candied pecans or walnuts around the edges of the cheesecake, adding delightful texture and nutty undertones.
  • Fresh Berry Burst: Arrange fresh strawberry or raspberry slices strategically on top, providing a bright color contrast and tangy complement to the creamy dessert.

Keeping Sweet Swirled Dessert Fresh

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the dessert away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cheesecake can last up to 2 months without losing its creamy texture.
  • Remove frozen cheesecake from the freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain the best quality and prevent bacterial growth.
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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent cinnamon roll cheesecake merges classic bakery comfort with rich, creamy dessert magic. Smooth cream cheese layers swirl with sweet cinnamon ribbons, creating a delectable experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 32 ounces (907 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (55 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter, melted

Swirl and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar for swirl
  • 1/3 cup (39 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup (76 grams) butter, melted for swirl
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) cream cheese for frosting
  • 1 cup (125 grams) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Craft a graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press firmly into a springform pan, then bake at 325F for 10 minutes to create a crisp base.
  2. Prepare a rich swirl mixture by whisking brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Create the creamy cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese until silky. Gradually incorporate granulated and brown sugars, followed by sour cream. Add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla and salt until perfectly integrated.
  4. Construct the dessert by gently pouring cheesecake batter into the pre-baked crust. Artfully drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture across the surface, using a knife to create elegant marbled patterns.
  5. Carefully place the pan in a water bath and bake at 325F for 60-75 minutes. The cheesecake is ready when edges appear set but the center remains slightly wobbly.
  6. Remove from oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with door closed for one additional hour. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for 6 hours to set completely.
  7. Whip up a luxurious topping by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla. Gently fold in whipped cream for a light texture. Pipe decorative swirls across the surface and dust with a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

  • Achieve Perfect Crust by ensuring graham crumbs are evenly mixed and firmly pressed to create a solid, uniform base that won’t crumble when serving.
  • Create Smooth Swirl Patterns by gently drizzling brown sugar mixture using a toothpick or knife, creating beautiful marble-like design without overmixing.
  • Prevent Cheesecake Cracking by using room temperature ingredients, avoiding overmixing, and baking in water bath which provides gentle, even heat distribution.
  • Customize Diet Options by substituting graham crumbs with gluten-free alternatives, using low-fat cream cheese, or replacing sugar with natural sweeteners for healthier version.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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