Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Icing

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Icing combines two favorite desserts—creamy cheesecake and gooey cinnamon rolls—into one decadent treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of rich cinnamon crumble, and a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling, this dessert is truly irresistible. Topped with a luscious cream cheese drizzle, it’s the perfect show-stopping dessert for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Creamy & Rich – The cheesecake filling is smooth, velvety, and indulgent.
• Loaded with Cinnamon Flavor – Layers of sweet cinnamon crumble make this cheesecake extra special.
• Homemade Goodness – Every bite tastes like a bakery-quality dessert made from scratch.
• Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for the holidays, dinner parties, or even as a birthday treat!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted

Cinnamon Crumble:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packs of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 eggs, at room temperature
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream

Cream Cheese Topping:

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Equipment:

• 9-inch springform pan
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Food processor (for graham cracker crust)
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Piping bag (or sandwich bag with a small hole)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
3. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs.
4. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.
5. Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the springform pan.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.

2: Make the Cinnamon Crumble

7. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
8. Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

9. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
10. Add sugar and flour, and mix until combined (1 minute).
11. While mixing on low speed, add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
12. Once eggs are mixed in, increase speed to medium-high and beat for 5 minutes.
13. Add heavy whipping cream and mix for another 1-2 minutes until smooth.

4: Assemble the Cheesecake

14. Pour ⅓ of the cheesecake filling over the crust.
15. Sprinkle ⅓ of the cinnamon crumble evenly over the filling.
16. Repeat this process two more times, layering the cheesecake batter and cinnamon crumble until all ingredients are used.
17. Finish by sprinkling the remaining crumble on top.

5: Bake the Cheesecake

18. Place the cheesecake in the center of the oven and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
19. Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) and continue baking for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
20. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside without opening the door for 30 minutes.
21. Crack the oven door open slightly and let the cheesecake sit for another 5 minutes before removing.
22. Transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

6: Make the Cream Cheese Topping

23. In a small bowl, beat together butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
24. Transfer to a piping bag (or a sandwich bag with the tip cut off) for easy drizzling.

7: Serve & Enjoy!

25. Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, drizzle the cream cheese topping over the top.
26. Slice, serve, and enjoy this decadent cinnamon roll cheesecake!

Pro Tips and Variations

• For a Perfect Slice – Wipe your knife with a warm, damp towel between each cut for clean edges.
• Want Extra Cinnamon Flavor? – Add a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the cheesecake batter for an even richer taste.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free graham crackers and substitute gluten-free flour in the cinnamon crumble.
• Toppings Galore – Add whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or chopped nuts for an extra indulgent touch.
• Make it in Advance – Cheesecake is best after chilling overnight, so make it the day before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Coffee – The warm cinnamon flavors complement a hot cup of coffee or espresso.
• Serve with Whipped Cream – Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra richness.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce – A light caramel drizzle takes this cheesecake to the next level.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigeration: Store cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Do Not Freeze the Topping – Add the cream cheese topping only after thawing for best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, but a homemade crust provides better flavor and holds up better against the creamy filling.

2. Why does my cheesecake crack?

Cracks usually happen if the oven is too hot or the cheesecake cools too quickly. Always cool gradually by keeping the oven door slightly open after baking.

3. Can I make this without a springform pan?

A springform pan is recommended, but if using a regular pan, line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

4. What’s the best way to prevent overbaking?

Check the cheesecake at 1 hour 20 minutes—the center should be slightly jiggly but set around the edges.

5. How do I get a smooth cheesecake texture?

Beating the cream cheese until fluffy and using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a creamy, lump-free batter.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of two classic desserts—cheesecake and cinnamon rolls. With layers of creamy filling, cinnamon crumble, and a sweet cream cheese drizzle, every bite is pure indulgence. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or special gatherings, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress!

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