In case you didn’t get the picture, I’m talking about a cross between creamy, tangy cheesecake and sweet, cinnamon spiced dough, you know, a regular link. This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds, with a buttery graham cracker crust, swirls of cinnamon roll filling, and a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s the dessert these two worlds have been waiting for, and it’s sure to be a showstopper at any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits or Biscoff cookies)
- These form the base of a classic cheesecake. You can also switch out the cookies for other varieties such as Biscoff for added layers of flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- The brown sugar gives the crust a hint of caramel flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Adds warmth and spice to the crust, mirroring the cinnamon roll flavor.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Butter holds the crumbs together and forms a deliciously rich, crunchy crust.
For the Cinnamon Roll Swirl:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- This syrupy, pungent base provides the cinnamon swirl with that sticky, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, warm melted
- The melted butter makes the swirl rich and helps it meld beautifully with the cheesecake.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- The flour serves to thicken the swirl so it doesn’t sink into the cheesecake batter.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- The star of the swirl is cinnamon, which adds warmth and spice.
For the Cheesecake Batter:
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, at room temperature
- The star ingredient of every cheesecake. Soft cream cheese creates a smooth, creamy batter.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Brown sugar gives the cheesecake a deeper, richer sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Assists in offsetting some of the sweetness in the cheesecake.
- ½ cup sour cream
- Sour cream balances the richness with tang and helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- The vanilla, of course, gives flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- Eggs hold the cheesecake together. Eggs are at room temperature for a reason to guarantee a smooth, creamy batter.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Salt counterbalances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the cheesecake.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- The frosting gets a creamy, tangy element from the cream cheese.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- The frosting is sweetened with powdered sugar, which doesn’t leave it grainy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vanilla gives the frosting a subtle note.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Whipped cream lends lightness and airiness to the frosting, queuing it up to be silky and smooth.
- 1-2 iarraidh cinnamon easy (for dusting)
- If a final touch of cinnamon flavor and a pretty presentation.
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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Heat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until all the crumbs are moistened.
- Firmly compress the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, forming an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, flour and ground cinnamon. Add the oil and stir until the mixture is smooth and thick like paste.
- Let cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
Step 3: Make Cheesecake Batter
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it is smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Slowly add in the brown sugar followed by the granulated sugar mixing just until combined and smooth.
- Then stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
- Add the eggs, one by one, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Don’t overmix, though, or you may end up with cracks in the cheesecake.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake and Cinnamon Roll Swirl
- Spoon half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
- Drizzle half of the cinnamon roll swirl mixture over the cheesecake batter, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter.
- Spread half the remaining cheesecake batter on top, then the remainder of the cinnamon roll swirl. Again, use the blade to coat the top with a pretty swirl action.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Put the springform pan in a large roasting pan, then pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the springform pan’s sides (this is called a water bath and helps prevent cracking in the cheesecake).
- Bake the cheesecake at 325 degrees F for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the center is just set, a bit jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in there for 30 minutes (door ajar). This gradual cooling process avoids the formation of cracks.
- Remove cheesecake from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Step 6: Make the Cream-Cheese Frosting
- Using a mixing bowl, mix your room temperature cream cheese until smooth.
- Slowly mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
- Separate a bowl and mix heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks.
- Frantically fold in whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture, producing frosting fluffy as a cloud.
Step 7: Frost the Cheesecake
- When the cheesecake is completely set, pop the cheesecake out of the springform pan and smooth cream cheese buttercream on the top.
- Decorate and add some accent flavor by dusting with cinnamon powder.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve: You can serve this cheesecake cold. To get clean slices, dip a knife into warm water and wipe it off between cuts.
- Storage: The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. You could also freeze individual slices, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Defrost in refrigerator before serving.
Helpful Notes:
Use Room Temp Ingredients: Be sure your cream cheese, eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This will create a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Use low speed when mixing in the eggs to the cheesecake batter, so you don’t add too much air that can lead to cracks when the cake is baking.
- A Water Bath Is Necessary: Not only does this help the cheesecake to bake more evenly, but it also prevents cracking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Chef Martha Stewart: “Always a springform pan — lined on the bottom with parchment paper — and springform sides will get you good results when you’re removing the cheesecake.”
- Chef Duff Goldman: “Mixing sour cream into your cheesecake batter makes it lighter, more velvety, and pairs well with rich flavors, such as cinnamon and caramel.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different kind of crust?
A1: Yes! You can replace the graham crackers with digestive biscuits, Biscoff cookies or even a gingersnap crust for a bump in flavor.
Q2: How can I avoid cracking in my cheesecake?
A2: For baking, use a water bath and as soon as the cheesecake is ready, let it cool slowly in the oven before taking it out.
Q3: Can I prepare this cheesecake in advance?
A3: This cheesecake can be prepared a day or two ahead of time, and stored in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.
Q4: Is the cheesecake freezable?
A4: Absolutely! Tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q5: What if I don’t have a springform pan? What can I use?
A5: You can use a regular 9-inch cake pan, but make sure to line it with parchment paper so you can easily pull it out.
Q6: Can I leave the swirl of cinnamon roll out?
A6: The swirl is a major part of the recipe, but you could tone it down if you’d like a less pronounced flavor.
Q7: Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
A7: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture but low-fat cream cheese would also work in a pinch. The texture will be less buttery.
Q8: Can I include nuts or raisins in the swirl?
A8: Yes! Chopped pecans or raisins can be added to the cinnamon roll swirl for extra texture and flavor in the cheesecake.
Q9: How do I make the frosting sweet less sweet?
Q9: Make less powdered sugar in frosting, or add a bit more cream cheese to have a tangier taste.
Q10: Can I use another type of frosting?
A10: You can use a simple whipped cream topping or a vanilla glaze instead of the cream cheese frosting if you prefer.
It’s an indulgent dessert that combines the best of two worlds – cheesecake meets cinnamon rolls in this delicious Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake. Between the smooth, rich filling and the sweet cinnamon swirl, this is sure to become a new favorite! Serve this incredible dessert at your next celebration or special occasion.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits/Biscoff cookies
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar for the cinnamon swirl
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted for the cinnamon swirl
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour for the cinnamon swirl
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl
- 32 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup brown sugar for the cheesecake batter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract for the cheesecake batter
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 tsp salt for the cheesecake batter
- 6 tbsp cream cheese softened for the frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar for the frosting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for the frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream for the frosting
- 1-2 tsp cinnamon powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until moistened. Press into the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, flour, and cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl. Set aside.
- Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Add sour cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl over it and swirl with a knife. Repeat with remaining batter and swirl.
- Bake in a water bath for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes with the door ajar.
- Cool the cheesecake to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Frost the chilled cheesecake and dust with cinnamon powder.