Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake** Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the gooey, spicy magic of a cinnamon roll in cheesecake form, Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is about to become your new obsession. This decadent dessert layers everything you adore about both treats: a pillowy-soft cinnamon roll crust, creamy tangy cheesecake, luscious cinnamon sugar swirls, and a generous drizzle of classic icing. It’s the best of breakfast and dessert, rolled into one unforgettable slice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

While the list may look indulgent, each ingredient brings a crucial element to your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, helping mingle cinnamon-laced richness with the airy-smooth texture of traditional cheesecake. Here’s a closer look so you can appreciate exactly why every bite feels like pure comfort.

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: These ready-to-bake rolls make a buttery, fragrant base and an eye-catching spiral top—make sure to save the icing packet!
• Unsalted butter: A touch in both the crust and swirl brings extra richness and helps everything meld together.
• Cream cheese (full-fat): The backbone of the cheesecake layer; full-fat for that luxurious, creamy texture.
• Granulated sugar: The classic sweetener to perfectly balance tangy cream cheese and spicy cinnamon.
• Sour cream: Adds a hint of tang and softness, keeping the cheesecake irresistibly smooth and moist.
• Large eggs: Crucial for binding the filling and giving it that signature custardy set.
• All-purpose flour: A spoonful provides just enough body to hold the filling together.
• Vanilla extract: Bumps up those bakery aromas.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of every cinnamon roll—warming, spicy, and deeply comforting.
• Pinch of salt: Just enough to amplify all the existing flavors.
• Light brown sugar: Blends with cinnamon and butter for a gorgeous gooey swirl.
• Icing packet & milk/cream: For that classic drizzle finish—thin it just enough for swoon-worthy swirls.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and greasing a 9-inch springform pan to make sure everything releases cleanly later. Unroll three of the cinnamon rolls and gently press them into the bottom of the pan—don’t stress about neatness, a little overlap is part of the charm and will bake into a seamless base. Brush with melted butter for extra golden color and flavor, then pre-bake until lightly golden. Let the crust cool, then lower the oven temperature to 160°C (325°F) for the next step.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter—mix until you get a spreadable, aromatic paste. This swirl mixture is like the soul of a cinnamon roll and will give the cheesecake both those beautiful marbled ribbons and a real punch of cinnamon flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and electric mixer for this! First, cream the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until velvety-smooth. Next, blend in the sour cream (for tang), then the eggs one at a time—being gentle here keeps the final texture perfectly creamy. Finish by mixing in flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and just a kiss of salt until just combined. Don’t over-mix; air bubbles are the enemy of a dense, dreamy cheesecake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Pour half of the cheesecake filling onto your cooled cinnamon roll crust and dollop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top. Gently swirl these together using a knife or skewer to create tasty, artistic ribbons. Repeat with the remaining filling and swirl mixture for layers of cinnamon-laced surprise. Finish by spiraling the last two cinnamon rolls on top—start in the center and wind outward, gently nesting them into the batter for a showstopper look.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

Set the assembled pan into a larger roasting pan and pour about an inch of hot water into the outer pan for a steamy water bath—this keeps your cheesecake spectacularly silky. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, watching for the center to look set but still have a lovely, slight jiggle when nudged. That gentle wobble means creamy perfection lies ahead!

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Once baked, let the cheesecake rest with the oven door cracked for an hour (it’ll cool gradually and prevent cracks). Next, move it from the water bath and springform, then cool completely on a wire rack. When fully cooled, cover and chill it in the fridge for at least 6 hours—overnight is even better. Patience is rewarded with the dreamiest texture!

Step 7: Serve

When you’re ready to dazzle, carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan. Warm the reserved icing pouch and thin with a little milk or cream until pourable, then drizzle over the top for that signature cinnamon roll finish. Slice generously—this is a dessert meant for celebration!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, try a little extra powdered sugar dusted over each slice or a sprinkling of chopped toasted pecans for crunch. If you really love cinnamon, a tiny whisper of ground cinnamon sifted over the icing helps highlight every swirl and spiral.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is rich and sweet, so simple sides like fresh strawberries or blueberries really make the flavors pop. A dollop of lightly whipped cream isn’t necessary, but it never gets any complaints. And if you’re feeling breakfast-inspired, a piping-hot mug of coffee or spiced chai is heavenly alongside every slice of Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your cheesecake into slim wedges and tuck a tiny cinnamon stick into the top of each for a bakery-style look. For parties, try cutting into bars or squares (dare to drizzle each one individually with icing for extra flair). If you want to double down on the fun, serve each portion on a mini dessert plate with a swirl of icing and a few sugar pearls for sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake keeps beautifully; simply cover the pan tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will stay moist and delicious for up to five days, and you’ll love having a slice ready for spontaneous cravings or late-night desserts.

Freezing

Want to save some of your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for later? No problem! Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, wrap individual slices snugly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—just be sure to place the drizzle on after thawing for best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your cheesecake just slightly warm (mimicking that out-of-the-oven cinnamon roll magic), microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds. Watch carefully so the filling stays creamy and the icing doesn’t melt away completely. This brings out all the lovely cinnamon aromas!

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for the crust and topping?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough, go for it—just be sure to bake the crust component long enough so it sets before adding the cheesecake filling. The end result will be even more special.

How do I know when my Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is done baking?

The center should look mostly set but still have a gentle jiggle when you nudge the pan. If the edges look puffed and slightly golden, and a thin knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean (just a few moist crumbs are fine), it’s ready to come out.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake gluten free?

Yes! Seek out gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon rolls (they’re popping up more often), and substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in the cheesecake filling. The texture and flavor will be just as dreamy.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

For the neatest slices, dip a sharp chef’s knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This keeps each wedge smooth and prevents those signature swirls from becoming smeared.

Do I need a water bath?

While not strictly mandatory, the water bath is your best friend for an ultra-smooth, crack-free Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake. It keeps the baking gentle and moist, so every forkful is as creamy as possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that delivers cozy warmth and over-the-top decadence, give Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake a try. From its dramatic swirls to its soul-soothing flavors, it never fails to delight—so gather your loved ones and enjoy every last bite!