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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

A showstopping dessert combining the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the elegant richness of New York-style cheesecake. Features a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and stunning cinnamon swirl ribbons throughout.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
  • 32 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
Cinnamon Swirl
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
Topping
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Large roasting pan
  • Electric mixer or mixing bowl with whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small bowl
  • Toothpick or thin skewer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and position rack in the lower third. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan completely with aluminum foil, pressing firmly around the sides and bottom.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a bowl until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of prepared springform pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
  3. Beat cream cheese in a large bowl with electric mixer on low speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl frequently.
  4. Add 3/4 cup sugar, flour, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla to cream cheese, mixing on low speed until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low after each addition. Add 1/4 cup sour cream and mix until smooth.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon melted butter until a thick paste forms.
  6. Pour two-thirds of cheesecake batter into prepared crust. Drizzle half of cinnamon-sugar mixture in thin lines across surface. Use toothpick to drag through lines creating swirl pattern. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
  7. Place foil-wrapped springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of springform pan.
  8. Bake at 325°F for 50 to 55 minutes, until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
  9. Mix together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Spread over warm cheesecake and return to oven for 5 minutes.
  10. Turn off oven and crack door open about 2 inches. Let cheesecake sit in residual heat for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove from oven and water bath. Cool completely to room temperature on wire rack for about 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, or overnight for best results.

Notes

Room-temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth filling. Don't open oven door during baking. The slight jiggle in center when finished is normal. Cut slices with a thin knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.