Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: A Decadent Delight for Dessert Lovers

When it comes to indulgent desserts, few can rival the combination of rich, creamy cheesecake and the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls. Imagine the best of both worlds in a single bite: a luscious, velvety cheesecake infused with a swirl of cinnamon, all sitting atop a buttery, crisp crust, and topped with a drizzle of smooth cream cheese frosting. This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake brings together the heartwarming flavors of a cinnamon roll with the decadent, smooth texture of a cheesecake, making it the perfect treat for any special occasion—or just because you deserve something extraordinary.

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What makes this dessert so captivating is its ability to blend two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible creation. The contrast between the tangy, creamy cheesecake filling and the sweet, spiced cinnamon ribbon running through it creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The golden, crumbly crust provides just the right amount of texture, complementing the smoothness of the filling. And then, there’s the cream cheese frosting—rich and creamy, with just enough tang to perfectly cut through the sweetness. This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that will transport your taste buds to a place of pure bliss.

Whether you’re planning a special dinner, hosting a party, or simply looking for a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake will become your go-to recipe. Not only does it look impressive, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make with just a few key ingredients and some patience. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can make this mouthwatering dessert yourself.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust:

The crust is the foundation of any great cheesecake, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Made from vanilla wafer crumbs, it’s sweet and buttery, with just the right amount of crunch to support the creamy filling without overpowering it. A touch of cinnamon in the crust ties it all together and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• 1 1/2 cups (201g) vanilla wafer crumbs: These provide a sweet, buttery base for the cheesecake, with a slight crunch that complements the creamy filling.
• 1/4 cup (56g) sugar: Sweetens the crust and helps it hold together. You could also substitute this with brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that sets the tone for the cinnamon roll theme. It gives the crust an aromatic quality and complements the cinnamon in the filling.
• 5 tbsp (70g) butter, melted: Binds the crumbs together and creates a crisp, golden crust.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

The filling is the heart of this dessert. It’s rich, creamy, and slightly tangy, thanks to the combination of cream cheese and sour cream. The addition of cinnamon enhances the flavor and gives it that signature cinnamon roll taste, while the eggs provide structure, ensuring the cheesecake sets perfectly.

• 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature: The base of the cheesecake, giving it its rich, creamy texture. Using room temperature cream cheese helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth filling.
• 1 cup (207g) sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the tang of the cream cheese. You could use granulated or even a natural sweetener like maple syrup for a different flavor.
• 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the filling and prevent it from cracking during baking.
• 1 cup (230g) sour cream: Adds a subtle tanginess and creaminess to the filling, making it even more luscious.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic sweetness.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with a deep, aromatic spice. This is a key ingredient that really brings the cinnamon roll element into the cheesecake.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature: These are essential for giving the cheesecake its rich, smooth texture and helping it set during baking.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

The cinnamon filling is what takes this cheesecake to the next level. It’s a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, which creates a gooey, sweet filling that swirls throughout the cheesecake, giving it that iconic cinnamon roll flavor.

• 1 1/4 cups (281g) packed light brown sugar: This gives the cinnamon filling its rich, molasses-like sweetness. Brown sugar also helps to create a deeper, more complex flavor.
• 5 tbsp ground cinnamon: Provides the iconic cinnamon flavor that makes this cheesecake so irresistible.
• 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the cinnamon filling and give it structure, preventing it from becoming too runny when mixed with the cream cheese filling.
• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, melted: Combines with the sugar and cinnamon to create a gooey filling that swirls through the cheesecake. The melted butter also helps bind everything together.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

The frosting is the finishing touch that takes this dessert from great to extraordinary. It’s rich, tangy, and sweet, with just enough creaminess to balance out the richness of the cheesecake. You can pipe it onto the cheesecake in a decorative swirl or spread it evenly for a smoother finish. Either way, it’s the perfect complement to the cinnamon-infused cheesecake.

• 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature: Adds a tangy base for the frosting, complementing the richness of the cheesecake.
• 6 tbsp (84g) butter, room temperature: Creates a creamy, smooth texture for the frosting.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting with a hint of sweetness and warmth.
• 1 1/2 cups (173g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it too heavy. You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar depending on how sweet you want the frosting to be.
• 4–5 tbsp heavy cream: Adjusts the consistency to make the frosting smooth and pipeable. If you prefer a thicker frosting, use less cream, and if you want it thinner, add more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides to prevent sticking.
2. In a small bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter will help bind the crumbs together and ensure a crisp, golden crust.
3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the springform pan, working it up the sides a bit to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool. The crust will firm up as it cools.

Cheesecake and Cinnamon Filling:

1. Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C) to prevent overbaking the cheesecake.
2. To prepare the cheesecake filling, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and flour in a large bowl on low speed until smooth. This helps to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
3. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mixture and beat again until smooth and well-combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. The eggs provide structure to the cheesecake, ensuring it sets perfectly during baking.
5. In a separate bowl, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Stir in the melted butter until it forms a thick, sticky paste.

Assembling the Cheesecake:

1. Layer the cinnamon and cheesecake fillings: Start by sprinkling a quarter of the cinnamon filling over the cooled crust. Then, add one-third of the cheesecake filling on top, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers until all of the cinnamon filling and cheesecake filling are used up, finishing with the remaining cinnamon filling on top.
2. Prepare the water bath: Place the springform pan inside a larger pan and fill the outer pan with warm water, halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Be careful not to let the water go above the foil that covers the sides of the springform pan.
3. Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will continue to cook as it cools, which is why it’s important to leave it in the oven for 30 minutes after turning it off.
4. Once the cheesecake is done, turn off the oven and leave the door closed for 30 minutes. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
5. Crack the oven door and let the cheesecake cool for another 30 minutes before removing it from the oven. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge to chill for 4-5 hours or overnight.

Preparing the Frosting:

1. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and mix until fully incorporated. The frosting should be thick and smooth, with a slight tang from the cream cheese.
3. Gradually add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If you want a thicker frosting, use less cream; for a thinner, more spreadable frosting, add more.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is delicious on its own, but you can also customize it to suit your preferences or the occasion. For a festive touch, consider topping it with additional cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. If you’re looking for an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few fresh berries on top for a burst of color.

If you want to make the cheesecake a bit lighter, you can substitute the full-fat cream cheese with a lower-fat version or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also experiment with different types of crust, such as a graham cracker crust or even a chocolate cookie crust, for a unique twist.

For a more decadent experience, try adding a swirl of chocolate or peanut butter to the cinnamon filling or topping the cheesecake with whipped cream before serving. The possibilities are endless, and this dessert is versatile enough to adapt to many different flavor combinations.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of creamy cheesecake and warm, spiced cinnamon rolls. The layers of rich cheesecake filling, cinnamon swirl, and buttery crust come together in a way that is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this dessert will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully, and don’t rush the cooling process—patience is key to achieving the perfect texture. Once it’s ready, top it with the luscious cream cheese frosting and enjoy every creamy, cinnamon-infused bite. This dessert is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!