Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe: A Heavenly Blend of Creamy and Gooey

If you love the soft, gooey richness of cinnamon rolls and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the perfect fusion of both! Imagine biting into layers of rich cream cheese filling, swirled with a buttery cinnamon roll center, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. It's the ultimate dessert dream come true, perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because.

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my house, a show-stopping treat that I first found on the Recipes by Lisa Facebook Page. I’m excited to share this with you today—this cheesecake never fails to impress! Its layers of cinnamon-swirled cheesecake with a smooth cream cheese frosting on top create a beautiful combination of textures and flavors that will make you crave another bite.

A Little Backstory

I was introduced to this recipe at a family gathering when someone brought a dessert that looked like a cheesecake but smelled like freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Intrigued, I had to try it, and the flavor blew me away! The warmth of the cinnamon paired with the velvety cheesecake was a match made in heaven. From that day, I knew I had to recreate this delightful dessert and share it with others.

Cultural Origins

Cinnamon rolls date back to Northern Europe, where they are beloved for their warm spices and sweet, buttery filling. Cheesecake, on the other hand, is an ancient dessert that has been enjoyed since the times of the Greeks. Combining these two classics—cinnamon rolls and cheesecake—brings together the best of both worlds, and it's sure to be a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 6 tbsp melted butter

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (for desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.

2. Make the Crust:
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and set it aside.

3. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon swirl mixture. Set aside.

4. Make Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each until just incorporated.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour half of the cheesecake filling into the crust. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the batter. Repeat with the remaining cheesecake filling and cinnamon swirl for extra flavor and texture.

6. Bake:
Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the door cracked, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for 1 hour.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cheesecake cools, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the cream amount to get your desired frosting consistency.

8. Frost and Chill:
Once the cheesecake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.

9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice, serve, and savor every bite of this delicious cinnamon roll cheesecake! Each bite is like a warm hug of cinnamon sweetness combined with creamy cheesecake perfection.

Pro Tips:

• Perfect Swirls: When swirling the cinnamon filling into the cheesecake batter, use a toothpick or knife to create beautiful, intricate designs.
• Chill Time is Key: Be sure to chill your cheesecake long enough to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. It tastes even better the next day!
• Garnishing Idea: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is sure to become a favorite at your table. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share it with your friends, and be sure to follow me for more delicious recipes. You can also check out the original inspiration for this recipe at the Recipes by Lisa Facebook Page.