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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – Creamy, Spiced & Irresistible

Imagine the flavors of a gooey cinnamon roll baked into the creamy decadence of cheesecake — that’s exactly what this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake delivers. With a buttery graham cracker crust, swirls of cinnamon-sugar filling, and a silky cheesecake base topped with cream cheese frosting, every bite is pure indulgence. This dessert is perfect for brunch tables, holidays, or whenever you want something that looks like it took all day but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
bake & Cooling & Chilling time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 14 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥚 Fresh Produce:
  • 4 large eggs
🌾 Dry & Pantry:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ cups brown sugar divided
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon for swirl
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ⅓ tbsp vanilla extract
🧈 Dairy:
  • 4 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
  • 11 ⅓ tbsp unsalted butter melted for crust + swirl
  • 6 tbsp cream cheese for frosting
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup sour cream

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Saucepan (for melting butter)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Piping bag (optional for frosting swirls)
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1 – Make the Crust
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with 5 tbsp melted butter and 2 tbsp brown sugar.
  3. Press into bottom of springform pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
Step 2 – Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 6 tbsp melted butter. Set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Cheesecake Batter
  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
  2. Add sour cream, flour, vanilla, and salt; beat until combined.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
Step 4 – Layer & Swirl
  1. Pour half the cheesecake batter over crust.
  2. Drizzle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  3. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon swirl.
  4. Use a knife to gently swirl layers together.
Step 5 – Bake
  1. Place pan in water bath (optional, prevents cracks).
  2. Bake 55–65 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
  3. Turn oven off, crack door, and rest cheesecake 1 hour.
  4. Remove, cool, then refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight best).
Step 6 – Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. Beat 6 tbsp cream cheese with powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and heavy cream until fluffy.
  2. Pipe or spread over chilled cheesecake

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate up to 5 days, covered.
Freeze (without frosting) up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.
Best served chilled — no reheating required.
🥄 Variations
Sticky Bun Cheesecake: Drizzle caramel sauce before frosting.
Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: Stir ½ cup pumpkin purée into the batter with pumpkin spice.
Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for individual portions.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I need a water bath?
Not required, but it helps prevent cracks.
Why is my cheesecake cracked?
Overbaking or sudden cooling — cover with frosting or swirl for beauty.
Can I use light cream cheese?
Full-fat gives best texture; light versions may be softer.
Can I skip the sour cream?
Greek yogurt works as a substitute.
Do I have to prebake the crust?
Yes, it helps set it.
What’s the texture like?
Creamy cheesecake with gooey cinnamon roll-style swirls.
Can I double the cinnamon swirl?
Yes, for extra gooey cinnamon flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely — best made a day in advance.
Do I need to chill it overnight?
Yes, at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use GF graham crackers and flour.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. With a spiced swirl layered through creamy cheesecake and topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s everything you love about cinnamon rolls in an indulgent cheesecake form. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious dessert.