Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press into Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down evenly to form a firm, compact crust.
- Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cheesecake filling. This helps the crust firm up and hold its shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Swirl
- Mix Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture: Once your cheesecake batter is ready (step 4), swirl in this cinnamon filling. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the cinnamon mixture will create a beautiful, marbled swirl in the cheesecake as it bakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This will usually take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and continue to mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs One at a Time: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Add Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream, one at a time, until everything is well incorporated. The sour cream will add extra richness, while the heavy cream will make the batter nice and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour Cheesecake Filling Over the Crust: Pour the cheesecake batter over the chilled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Cinnamon Roll Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon roll filling over the top of the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon filling through the cheesecake, creating a marble effect. Don’t overdo it; you want to see the swirl but keep some areas more densely packed with cinnamon.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is almost set. It should have a slight jiggle in the middle. The top may crack slightly, but that’s okay.
- Cool: Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar. This will help prevent the cheesecake from cracking too much. After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill the Cheesecake: After the cheesecake has cooled, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Glaze
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until you achieve a drizzling consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, carefully remove it from the springform pan.
- Drizzle with Glaze: Drizzle the cinnamon roll glaze over the top of the cheesecake for a sweet finish.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve! Each bite will be a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-sugar goodness, and buttery crust.
Tips for Success
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, always use full-fat cream cheese in the cheesecake filling.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the eggs, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
- Let It Set: Be patient and allow the cheesecake to set in the fridge for several hours. The flavors will meld together, and the cheesecake will have the perfect creamy texture.
- Cinnamon Swirl Variation: If you want a more pronounced cinnamon roll flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon filling, but be careful not to overwhelm the cheesecake.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake brings together the best of two beloved desserts. The creamy, indulgent cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the sweet, spiced cinnamon swirl and the crunchy, buttery graham cracker crust. The addition of the glaze on top adds that final touch of sweetness, making this dessert simply irresistible. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for any occasion — from family gatherings to special holidays — and will leave everyone asking for seconds!