If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a warm, gooey cinnamon roll and a rich, velvety cheesecake, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert fusion—featuring a buttery cinnamon swirl, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Every bite melts in your mouth, bursting with cinnamon-spiced sweetness.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the perfect crust to mastering the water bath cheesecake method to prevent cracks. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this homemade cinnamon roll cheesecake recipe is easy to follow and guarantees show-stopping results.
So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s create a cheesecake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
- The perfect balance of flavors – Creamy cheesecake meets warm cinnamon roll goodness.
- A show-stopping dessert – Impress guests with its beautiful cinnamon swirls and decadent frosting.
- Customizable – Choose your crust, adjust sweetness levels, or add fun toppings.
- Ideal for any occasion – Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy night in.
If you’re a fan of unique cheesecake flavors, you’ll love our Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake, which blends chocolate, caramel, and fruity goodness for an irresistible treat!
Ingredients for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or use vanilla wafer crust for extra sweetness)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
🔹 Alternative: Try a Biscoff cheesecake crust for a caramelized flavor or use canned cinnamon roll crust for an extra cinnamon punch!
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Batter:
- 3 packages (24 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
🔹 Pro Tip: To prevent a dense crust with cinnamon rolls, press and pinch the cinnamon roll dough together before baking if using canned cinnamon rolls.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon.
- Stir until well-mixed and set aside.
🔹 Pro Tip: For even cinnamon distribution, chill the filling for 10 minutes before layering.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, then mix until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon.
🔹 Avoid Overmixing! Overmixing introduces air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to crack.
Step 4: Layer & Swirl the Cheesecake
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust.
- Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
- Repeat with the remaining cheesecake batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.
- Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cinnamon filling through the cheesecake.
Step 5: Bake Using the Water Bath Method
For a smooth, crack-free cheesecake, use a water bath:
- Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
- Place the pan in a larger roasting pan.
- Pour hot water into the roasting pan, about 1 inch up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake at 300°F (148°C) for 70-80 minutes or until the center has a slight jiggle.
🔹 Not sure why this is necessary? Check out Why You Should Use a Water Bath for Cheesecake to learn how it ensures a perfect texture!
Step 6: Cool & Chill Properly
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 30 minutes.
- Crack the oven door and allow it to cool for another 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate for 4-8 hours or overnight.
🔹 Cheesecake Jiggle Test: The center should jiggle slightly, but the edges should be set.
Step 7: Frost & Serve
- Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Pipe or spread the frosting over the cheesecake.
- Drizzle with cinnamon roll icing or homemade caramel sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with whipped cream topping for cheesecake.
- Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or coffee.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil; freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
❌ Cheesecake Cracks: Overmixed batter? Overbaked? Sudden temperature changes? Use a slow cooling cheesecake method.
❌ Sinking Cinnamon Filling: Let the filling cool slightly before layering.
❌ Dense Crust with Cinnamon Rolls: Flatten the dough for a more even crust.
Variations & Customizations
- Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – Use a gluten-free cookie crust.
- Keto Cinnamon Cheesecake – Swap sugar for monk fruit sweetener.
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Cheesecake – Add pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired twist.
- Caramel Cinnamon Cheesecake – Drizzle homemade caramel sauce on top.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for cinnamon lovers. Whether you serve it at a family gathering, a holiday party, or just as a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients and let’s get started on making your new favorite dessert. Happy baking!
FAQs
- Can I make this cheesecake without a water bath? Yes, but the texture might be less creamy and more prone to cracking.
- Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for the crust? Absolutely! Just press them into the pan before baking.
- What’s the best way to get clean cheesecake slices? Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.
- Can I make this cheesecake in advance? Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
- How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking? Chill the cinnamon mixture slightly before swirling it in.