Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: A Sweet Swirl of Two Iconic Desserts

Creamy, spiced, and swirled with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is what dessert dreams are made of. This show-stopping dessert combines everything you love about fluffy cinnamon rolls and rich, velvety cheesecakelayered and baked into one glorious creation. It’s indulgent, yes, but also surprisingly easy to make for birthdays, holidays, or those “just because” baking moments.

The flavor profile? Think tangy cream cheese filling marbled with cinnamon roll swirl, baked on top of a graham cracker crust and topped with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. Each bite offers a perfect balance of warm spice and cool, creamy texture comfort food meets classy dessert. It’s like brunch and dessert got married, and this was their beautiful baby.

Whether you’re a cheesecake fan, a cinnamon roll devotee, or both, this dessert brings the best of both worlds into a single slice. And trust us everyone will ask for seconds.

What is Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake?

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a decadent fusion dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the bold, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls. It features layers of cinnamon-sugar swirl baked right into the cheesecake and is usually topped with a tangy glaze or frosting. Basically, it’s two comfort classics rolled into one unforgettable dessert. Because really, who says you have to choose between brunch and dessert? Not us.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking to impress a crowd or just treat yourself, this cheesecake delivers:

• Two desserts in one – A perfect mash-up of cheesecake and cinnamon roll
• Rich, creamy texture with warm cinnamon spice in every bite
• Eye-catching layers that look as good as they taste
• Freezer-friendly – Great for make-ahead occasions
• Customizable – Add pecans, glaze, or a graham or cinnamon roll crust

This is the kind of dessert that steals the spotlight at any gathering—especially when you say the words “cheesecake” and “cinnamon roll” in the same sentence.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Quick Overview

You’ll start with a simple graham cracker crust, make a velvety cheesecake filling, and swirl in a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake low and slow for the perfect texture, then finish with a creamy glaze.

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Graham cracker crumbs	1 ½ cups	For crust
Melted butter	5 tbsp	For crust
Cream cheese	3 (8 oz) blocks	Softened
Granulated sugar	1 cup	Sweetener for cheesecake
Sour cream	½ cup	Adds tang and creaminess
Eggs	3 large	Room temp
Vanilla extract	1 tbsp	Flavor enhancer
All-purpose flour	2 tbsp	For texture

Cinnamon Swirl Mixture:

Ingredient	Quantity
Brown sugar	⅓ cup
Ground cinnamon	1 ½ tsp
All-purpose flour	1 tbsp
Melted butter	2 tbsp

Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional):

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese	2 oz
Powdered sugar	½ cup
Milk	2–3 tbsp
Vanilla extract	½ tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter until it forms a thick, grainy paste. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, flour, and vanilla, and mix until fully combined. Add sour cream, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and creamy. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Spoon dollops of the cinnamon swirl mixture and swirl gently with a knife or skewer. Repeat with remaining batter and swirl again.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

Bake in a water bath (or place a pan of hot water on the rack below) for 55–65 minutes or until edges are set but the center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool with the door cracked for 1 hour.

Step 6: Chill and Glaze

Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the top.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

This rich dessert pairs beautifully with lighter, complementary sides or drinks. Here are five options from your recipe collection to round out the occasion:

Toasted Marshmallow Syrup – Drizzle a little over each slice or use it to flavor your coffee for a cozy dessert pairing.

Lemon Cookie Recipe – Bright and citrusy, these cookies balance the richness of the cheesecake with a zesty pop.

Pumpkin Banana Bread – For fall gatherings or brunch tables, this bread complements the spiced notes of the cheesecake.

Protein Milkshake Recipe – A chilled shake adds contrast in temperature and can balance the indulgence with a lighter drink option.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken – Planning a full meal? This sweet-savory main pairs surprisingly well before ending with a cinnamon roll cheesecake.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
2. Don’t Overmix – Too much air in the batter can cause cracking.
3. Use a Water Bath – Keeps baking even and prevents the top from splitting.
4. Chill Overnight – Allows the texture to fully set and flavors to meld.
5. Add Swirl Layers – For more cinnamon flavor, layer the swirl mix throughout instead of just the top.
6. Line Your Pan – Use parchment on the bottom of the springform for easier removal.
7. Freeze for Later – Wrap individual slices in plastic and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Refrigerator:
Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best texture, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Freezer:
Slice, wrap in plastic and foil, and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month.

To Thaw:
Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for 1–2 hours. Add fresh glaze before serving if desired.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

What are the three types of cheesecake?

The three main types are New York-style, no-bake, and classic baked cheesecake. Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a classic baked version with added swirl and topping.

Why put heavy cream on cinnamon rolls before baking?

Heavy cream makes cinnamon rolls extra soft and gooey by adding moisture. It soaks into the dough, enhancing the richness especially when baked from store-bought rolls.

What is the best cheesecake in the world?

That’s subjective! Many consider New York cheesecake the gold standard for its rich, dense texture. But desserts like Basque cheesecake and creative twists like this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake are just as worthy.

What does adding an extra egg to cheesecake do?

Adding more egg can make cheesecake firmer and more structured. But too many can make it rubbery or lead to cracks so balance is key.

What is the secret ingredient in Cinnabon?

The signature flavor in Cinnabon cinnamon rolls comes from Makara cinnamon, a specific, extra-fragrant variety of Indonesian cinnamon that’s sweet and rich in oils.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake brings the best of two iconic desserts into one stunning creation perfect for holiday tables, birthday parties, or weekend baking sprees. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or cinnamon roll fanatic, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.

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