Cheesecake lovers and cinnamon roll fans, rejoice! This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup, bringing together the creamy richness of a classic cheesecake and the warm, spiced sweetness of a cinnamon roll. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this show-stopping dessert is bound to impress.
The cheesecake features a cinnamon-spiced vanilla wafer crust, a velvety smooth cream cheese filling swirled with ribbons of buttery cinnamon sugar, and is topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Each bite delivers a harmony of flavors and textures, making it impossible to resist. Plus, with easy-to-follow steps, you can create this bakery-worthy dessert right at home!
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this masterpiece. From tips for a perfect water bath to answering common questions about cheesecake baking, you’ll have all the tools to create the perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups (268g) vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp (84g) salted butter, melted
For the cinnamon sugar:
- 1 cup (207g) brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp (24g) ground cinnamon
- 8 tbsp (112g) salted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
For the cream cheese icing:
- 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, room temperature
- 4 oz (112g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups (230g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp (15-30ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. - Make the Crust:
Combine vanilla wafer crumbs and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix in melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom. - Cinnamon Sugar Mix:
In another bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Set aside. - Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Scrape down the sides.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low after each addition.
- Blend in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
- Layer the Cheesecake:
- Pour 1/3 of the cheesecake filling into the crust. Spread evenly.
- Drizzle 4-5 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the filling.
- Repeat with another 1/3 of filling and cinnamon sugar drizzle.
- Add the remaining cheesecake filling and drizzle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Swirl it in using a knife.
- Water Bath:
Place the springform pan inside a larger pan. Fill the larger pan with warm water halfway up the springform pan’s sides to create a water bath. - Bake the Cheesecake:
Bake for 75-85 minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 30 minutes with the door closed. Then crack the oven door for another 30 minutes. - Cool & Chill:
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Refrigerate for 5-6 hours or overnight. - Cream Cheese Icing:
- Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and milk (adjust consistency as needed).
- Decorate & Serve:
Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate. Pipe or drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. Slice and serve!
FAQs & Notes
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Bake Time: 75 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5-6 hours
- Total Time: ~8 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories per serving: 620 kcal
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a dessert that brings together two beloved treats into one irresistible creation. With its rich cream cheese filling, swirls of spiced cinnamon sugar, and a decadent cream cheese icing, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a special celebration or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cheesecake is worth the effort.
Follow the tips and step-by-step instructions to ensure your cheesecake turns out flawless every time. Serve it as a centerpiece dessert and watch as everyone falls in love with this indulgent, creamy, cinnamon-infused delight. Once you’ve tried it, this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.