Craving something that’s both cozy and indulgent? Look no further than Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake. This delightful fusion dessert blends the soft, spiced swirl of cinnamon rolls with the creamy richness of classic cheesecake, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly versatile for gatherings, birthdays, or festive weekends.

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Cinnamon lovers will also want to try these cinnamon roll French toast bites for a breakfast-inspired snack with serious dessert energy.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Let’s break down each component of this cinnamon roll cheesecake into manageable layers:

For the Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
5 tbsp melted butter

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp flour
3 tbsp melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 oz cream cheese
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

2. Mix the Cinnamon Swirl

Blend brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter into a thick paste.
Set aside for layering later.

3. Make the Cheesecake Batter

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and vanilla. Mix well.
Add eggs one at a time.
Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.

4. Assemble the Layers

Pour ⅓ of the cheesecake batter into the crust.
Drizzle spoonfuls of cinnamon swirl mixture and swirl lightly with a knife.
Repeat layering until the pan is filled.

5. Bake

Wrap the pan in foil and place in a water bath.
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60–70 minutes or until the center is almost set.
Let cool gradually, then refrigerate overnight.

6. Finish with Icing

Mix icing ingredients until smooth.
Drizzle generously over the cooled cheesecake before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

To elevate your cinnamon roll cheesecake:

Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
Don’t overmix the filling to avoid air bubbles.
Wrap tightly when baking in a water bath to prevent leaks.
Chill at least 6 hours before slicing to set properly.

Creative Variations to Try

Looking to make it your own? Try these:

Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in a muffin tin with liners for individual servings.
No-Bake Version: Use gelatin to firm up the filling, skip the water bath.
Vegan Friendly: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and flax eggs.
Gluten-Free Crust: Swap graham crackers for GF cookies or oats.

And if you’re a fan of dramatic, show-stopping sweets, the cream puff cake will definitely earn a spot on your dessert table.

How to Serve and Style It

Presentation matters — especially with a dessert this gorgeous:

Serve chilled with a cinnamon stick garnish.
Pair with chai tea or vanilla coffee.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar or extra swirl of icing on each slice.

Storing & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerate: Covered cheesecake lasts 4–5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in cling film and foil; freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bring to room temperature or warm gently for a gooey finish.

FAQs – Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls as a base?
Yes! Bake them slightly first, then layer cheesecake batter on top.

Why did my cheesecake crack?
Most likely due to overbaking or skipping the water bath.

Can I skip the water bath?
Technically yes, but you risk cracks and uneven baking.

Is it too sweet?
You can reduce sugar in the swirl or icing to balance the richness.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Definitely! It tastes better after chilling overnight.

Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

When you blend two dessert legends — the soft, spiced swirl of a cinnamon roll and the creamy depth of cheesecake — magic happens. This cinnamon roll cheesecake is not just a sweet treat; it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that sparks joy in every slice.