Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

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Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a decadent and irresistible dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake. The buttery, flaky cinnamon roll base is topped with a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling and a swirl of cinnamon sugar that perfectly balances the richness. It’s a heavenly dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an indulgent treat any time of the day. This cheesecake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and is sure to impress guests at your next gathering.

I remember the first time I made this for a special brunch. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, and the moment everyone took a bite, the compliments poured in. What’s amazing about this dessert is how versatile it is—you can enjoy it warm straight from the oven, or chilled for a refreshing twist. The combination of soft cinnamon roll dough and creamy cheesecake filling creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist. Plus, the cinnamon sugar swirl adds that perfect touch of sweetness.

Despite its impressive appearance, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a show-stopping treat that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy brunch or a festive gathering, Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

  • Brunch or breakfast
  • Special occasions
  • Dessert for family gatherings
  • Cinnamon roll lovers
  • Celebrations or holidays

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

  • Rich, Creamy Filling: The cheesecake layer is smooth, creamy, and indulgent, complementing the soft, sweet cinnamon roll base.
  • Flaky Cinnamon Roll Crust: The cinnamon roll dough creates a buttery, flaky crust that contrasts beautifully with the cheesecake.
  • Perfect Blend of Flavors: The cinnamon swirl combines with the rich cheesecake filling, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
  • Impressive Yet Easy: This cheesecake looks like a showstopper but is relatively simple to make, using ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • Versatile: It can be served for a casual brunch or as a dessert at a special occasion, making it a flexible treat for any gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 1 hour
  • Cooling Time: 2 hours
  • Servings: 12-16 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake:

For the Cinnamon Roll Base:

  • 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cinnamon Roll Dough: The soft, buttery dough provides the base and the signature cinnamon flavor of this dessert.
  • Cream Cheese: Essential for the rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake filling.
  • Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Add extra smoothness and richness to the cheesecake filling.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: This mixture brings the signature cinnamon roll flavor and adds texture to the cheesecake.
  • Glaze: The glaze gives the cheesecake an extra sweet touch, making it feel like a true cinnamon roll.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake:

Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Base:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.
  2. Arrange the Cinnamon Roll Dough: Open the cinnamon roll dough cans and unroll the dough. Place the cinnamon rolls in the bottom of the prepared pan, arranging them in a single layer, making sure they cover the entire bottom.
  3. Press and Flatten: Gently press down on the dough to ensure it sticks together and forms a crust. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
  4. Bake the Cinnamon Roll Base: Bake the dough for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

  1. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Add the Vanilla, Sour Cream, and Heavy Cream: Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth and well combined.
  4. Pour the Cheesecake Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled cinnamon roll base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Create the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

  1. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
  2. Swirl the Mixture into the Cheesecake: Drizzle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cheesecake filling and use a knife or toothpick to swirl the mixture through the cheesecake for a marbled effect.

Bake the Cheesecake:

  1. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. If the edges begin to brown too quickly, you can cover the cheesecake with aluminum foil and continue baking.
  2. Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

Prepare the Glaze:

  1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  2. Glaze the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is chilled and set, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cheesecake just before serving.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve: Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy the perfect combination of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake in every bite!

How to Serve

  • With a Hot Beverage: Serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
  • With Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fresh, sweet contrast.
  • As a Dessert for Special Occasions: Perfect for holiday meals, birthdays, or brunches.
  • A Slice of Heaven for Breakfast: Why not indulge in this dessert as a luxurious morning treat or brunch item?

Additional Tips

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
  • You can make the cinnamon roll base ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the cheesecake.
  • The cinnamon sugar swirl can be adjusted for more or less sweetness based on your preference.
  • For a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon in both the filling and the swirl.

Recipe Variations

  1. Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  2. Apple Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  3. Nutella Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  4. Pecan Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  5. Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  6. Banana Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  7. Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  8. Lemon Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  9. Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
  10. Raspberry Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Knife or toothpick for swirling
  • Whisk for the glaze

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for the base? Yes, homemade dough works just as well.
  2. Can I use a different pan? A 9-inch round cake pan can be used if you don’t have a springform pan.
  3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare it the day before and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Can I skip the glaze? Yes, the cheesecake is still delicious without it, but the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.
  5. Can I freeze this cheesecake? Yes, freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the perfect sweet indulgence for those who can’t decide between cheesecake and cinnamon rolls. With its rich, creamy filling paired with a buttery cinnamon roll base, this dessert combines two beloved treats into one irresistible masterpiece. It’s ideal for brunch, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness.

Every bite is a comforting, decadent experience, with the warm cinnamon swirl melting into the smooth, velvety cheesecake. This dessert is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table, offering the best of both worlds in every forkful.

I’d love to see how your Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy every indulgent bite!

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