Imagine combining the warm, spiced flavors of a cinnamon roll with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. That’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, blending two beloved treats into one show-stopping creation. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cheesecake is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake takes everything you love about cinnamon rolls and cheesecake and elevates it to a new level. The buttery, cinnamon-spiced crust pairs perfectly with the creamy, cinnamon-laced cheesecake filling, while the cream cheese frosting adds a sweet and tangy finish. With its beautiful layers and spiral frosting design, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients Breakdown
Crust
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Vanilla Wafer Crumbs | 1 1/2 cups (201g) | Forms the crunchy base |
Sugar | 1/4 cup (56g) | Adds sweetness |
Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Infuses warm spice into the crust |
Butter (melted) | 5 tbsp (70g) | Binds the crust together |
Cheesecake Filling
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Cream Cheese (softened) | 24 oz (678g) | Forms the creamy filling |
Sugar | 1 cup (207g) | Sweetens the cheesecake |
All-Purpose Flour | 3 tbsp (24g) | Stabilizes the filling |
Sour Cream | 1 cup (230g) | Adds tang and creaminess |
Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp | Enhances flavor |
Ground Cinnamon | 2 tsp | Adds warm spice |
Large Eggs (room temp) | 4 | Binds the ingredients together |
Cinnamon Filling
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Light Brown Sugar | 1 1/4 cups (281g) | Adds sweetness and caramel notes |
Ground Cinnamon | 5 tbsp | Provides bold cinnamon flavor |
All-Purpose Flour | 3/4 cup (98g) | Stabilizes the filling |
Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup (112g) | Combines the ingredients into a paste |
Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Cream Cheese (softened) | 2 oz | Adds tangy creaminess |
Butter (softened) | 6 tbsp (84g) | Creates a smooth frosting base |
Vanilla Extract | 1/2 tsp | Enhances flavor |
Powdered Sugar | 1 1/2 cups (173g) | Sweetens and thickens the frosting |
Heavy Cream | 4-5 tbsp | Adjusts consistency |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- In a small bowl, mix the vanilla wafer crumbs, sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to prepare for the water bath.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth and well combined. Use low speed to minimize air bubbles.
- Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms a paste-like consistency.
4. Layer the Cheesecake
- Sprinkle 1/4 of the cinnamon filling over the crust.
- Pour 1/3 of the cheesecake filling over the cinnamon layer and spread evenly.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with the cinnamon filling on top.
5. Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with warm water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the door closed for 30 minutes to allow the cheesecake to cool gradually.
- Crack the oven door and let the cheesecake cool for another 30 minutes. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracking.
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for 4-5 hours or overnight.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the heavy cream until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
7. Assemble the Cheesecake
- Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Pipe the cream cheese frosting in a spiral design on top of the cheesecake.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and butter for a smooth batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter on low speed to prevent air bubbles, which can cause cracks.
- Water Bath: Use a water bath to keep the cheesecake moist and prevent cracking.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours to set the flavors and texture.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~450 |
Fat | 30g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Protein | 6g |
Sugar | 30g |
Serving Suggestions
- For Celebrations: Add colorful sprinkles or edible gold flakes for a festive touch.
- With Coffee: Pair with a latte or cappuccino to balance the sweetness.
- As a Gift: Slice and package in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
FAQ: Your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Questions Answered
1. Can I use graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers?
Yes, graham crackers work well as an alternative crust base.
2. How do I store leftover cheesecake?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
4. What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a deep cake pan, but lining it with parchment paper will help with removal.
5. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Use a water bath, avoid overmixing, and cool the cheesecake gradually.
6. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers for the crust.
Conclusion: Your Next Must-Try Dessert
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a dessert lover’s dream come true. Its layers of spiced cheesecake, cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting make it an unforgettable treat. Ready to impress your family and friends? Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and create a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious!
PrintCinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Decadent Twist on Two Classic Desserts
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Combine the warm, spiced flavors of a cinnamon roll with the creamy decadence of cheesecake in this show-stopping Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake. Complete with a buttery crust, cinnamon swirls, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (201g) vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup (56g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (230g) sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups (281g) light brown sugar
- 5 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (173g) powdered sugar
- 4–5 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- Combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan. Use a measuring cup to compact the crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool. Wrap the pan with aluminum foil for the water bath later.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles.
- Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until just combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour.
- Stir in the melted butter until a paste-like consistency forms.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Sprinkle 1/4 of the cinnamon filling over the prepared crust.
- Pour 1/3 of the cheesecake filling over the cinnamon layer and spread evenly.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with the cinnamon filling on top.
5. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with warm water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes with the door closed.
- Crack the oven door and allow the cheesecake to cool for another 30 minutes.
- Remove from the water bath and cool completely before refrigerating for 4-5 hours or overnight.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the heavy cream until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
7. Decorate the Cheesecake:
- Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate.
- Pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting in a spiral design on top of the cheesecake.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Water Bath: This helps keep the cheesecake moist and prevents cracks.
- Chill Time: Allowing the cheesecake to chill overnight enhances its flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American