If you love the warm, gooey flavors of cinnamon rolls and the creamy richness of cheesecake, this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for you! With layers of velvety cheesecake swirled with a spiced cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious glaze, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something extra indulgent, this dessert is sure to impress. Get ready to bake the most delicious, spiced, and utterly irresistible cinnamon roll cheesecake!
The perfect fusion of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake
The cinnamon roll and cheesecake are two iconic dessert favorites, each beloved for their rich textures and distinct flavors. When combined, they create an indulgent treat that marries the warm, spiced softness of cinnamon rolls with the creamy, decadent texture of cheesecake. This fusion results in a dessert that appeals to both cinnamon roll lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike.
1. The Warm, Comforting Base of Cinnamon Rolls:
- Cinnamon rolls are synonymous with comfort. Their soft, pillowy dough, filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, makes them irresistible. In this recipe, the cinnamon rolls serve as a flavorful and textural base, adding a doughy richness to the cheesecake that’s similar to a crust but with a more melt-in-your-mouth quality. When baked into the cheesecake, the cinnamon rolls absorb some of the creamy cheesecake filling, enhancing the overall gooey, soft texture.
- The touch of cinnamon, sugar, and butter in the cinnamon roll layer also intensifies the spiced flavor profile, offering the warm aroma and flavors that make cinnamon rolls so comforting. This touch of spice provides a perfect contrast to the smooth, rich flavor of the cheesecake.
2. The Creamy, Velvety Cheesecake Filling:
- Cheesecake, on its own, is known for its smooth, rich texture that melts on your tongue. The cheesecake filling adds a luxurious element to the cinnamon roll base, with its tangy cream cheese flavor balancing the sweetness from the cinnamon rolls.
- The blend of sour cream and eggs in the filling ensures a creamy consistency, making the cheesecake layer almost custard-like and giving it a lovely smoothness that contrasts perfectly with the cinnamon rolls’ slight chewiness. It’s the kind of richness that elevates the cinnamon roll flavor, creating a dessert that feels indulgent and satisfying.
3. The Topping – A Sweet Drizzle to Bring It All Together:
- After baking, the topping of the cinnamon roll icing further enhances the fusion of flavors. The icing’s sweetness and slight creaminess add a finishing touch to the entire dessert, ensuring that each bite has just the right amount of sweetness. It also gives the cheesecake a glossy finish that’s reminiscent of the glaze you’d find on a classic cinnamon roll, sealing in the cinnamon roll essence while complementing the smooth texture of the cheesecake.
4. A Perfectly Balanced Dessert:
- The combination of the fluffy cinnamon rolls and velvety cheesecake creates a dessert with different layers of texture: the slight crispiness of the cinnamon roll crust and the soft, creamy filling of the cheesecake. The result is a balance of flavors and textures that provides a new twist on two beloved desserts, making it a delightful experience in every bite. It’s both familiar and surprising, offering the warmth and comfort of a cinnamon roll with the decadence and elegance of a cheesecake.
Ultimately, this fusion brings out the best qualities of both treats—cinnamon rolls with their spiced, comforting warmth, and cheesecake with its smooth, rich tang—and melds them into a single, irresistible dessert. Each bite gives you the comforting, nostalgic feeling of cinnamon rolls with the creamy luxury of cheesecake, making it a showstopper dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Roll Layer:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (look for the ones that come with frosting)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for extra cinnamon flavor)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adds sweetness and depth)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (helps bind and flavor the cinnamon roll layer)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened (this is the base of your cheesecake)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for flavor)
- 2 large eggs (for structure and creaminess)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (adds tang and smooth texture)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps firm up the cheesecake filling)
For the Cinnamon Roll Topping:
- Icing from the cinnamon rolls (for drizzling over the top)
These ingredients combine to make a rich, gooey, and spiced cinnamon roll cheesecake. Perfect for a sweet treat that satisfies both your cheesecake cravings and cinnamon roll love!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Layer:
- Open the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside (you’ll use it later).
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters (about 4 pieces per roll) and place them in the bottom of the springform pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Drizzle this mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces and toss gently to coat the rolls in the cinnamon-sugar butter.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat 2 packages (8 oz each) softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until combined.
- Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add 1/4 cup sour cream and 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, mixing until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cinnamon roll pieces in the pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread the filling over the rolls.
- Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles and ensure the cheesecake mixture is evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake should be set in the center and lightly golden around the edges.
- If the top of the cheesecake begins to brown too much, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
6. Cool the Cheesecake:
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
7. Add the Cinnamon Roll Topping:
- Once chilled, drizzle the icing (from the cinnamon rolls) generously over the top of the cheesecake for a sweet finishing touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Slice and serve! Enjoy this gooey, spiced, and delicious cinnamon roll cheesecake with family and friends!
Tips
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
- For the smoothest cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps in the batter, and cold eggs won’t blend as smoothly into the mixture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Cheesecake Batter:
- When mixing the cheesecake filling, avoid overmixing, as this can lead to cracks in the finished cheesecake. Mix just until the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Chill the Cheesecake Properly:
- After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling the cheesecake helps it set properly and improves the texture, making it easier to slice.
4. Don’t Skip the Sour Cream:
- The sour cream adds a creamy tang to the cheesecake and helps balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls. It’s an important ingredient that helps give the cheesecake its signature texture.
5. Watch the Baking Time:
- Ovens can vary, so start checking your cheesecake around 50 minutes. The center should be mostly set, but slightly jiggly in the middle (it will firm up as it cools). Avoid overbaking, which can lead to cracks or a dry texture.
6. Use a Springform Pan:
- A springform pan makes it much easier to remove the cheesecake from the pan without damaging the edges. If you don’t have one, be sure to line a regular pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
7. Try Homemade Cinnamon Rolls:
- If you have the time, making your own cinnamon rolls from scratch can elevate this dessert even more. The flavor and texture will be more customized to your taste, and you’ll get the bonus of filling your kitchen with a delightful cinnamon scent while baking!
8. Add Extra Spices for Flavor:
- For extra flavor, you can experiment with spices. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of warmth. You can also mix some vanilla extract into the cinnamon rolls for added depth of flavor.
9. Top with a Caramel Drizzle:
- While the cinnamon roll icing is great, a caramel drizzle can take the dessert to the next level. A little drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top will add sweetness and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon rolls and cheesecake.
10. Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature:
- This cheesecake is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you want the cheesecake to be extra creamy, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for a smoother texture.
Other useful information
1. Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
- Yes, using store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls is a convenient option, and it works perfectly for this recipe! Just make sure to use the cinnamon rolls that come with icing, as you’ll need it to drizzle on top later.
2. Can I make the cheesecake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, making the cheesecake a day ahead is recommended. It needs time to cool and fully set in the refrigerator for the best texture. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Can I use a different pan other than a springform pan?
- A springform pan is the best option because it makes it easier to remove the cheesecake from the pan without damaging it. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a regular 9-inch round pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes! You can make this cheesecake gluten-free by using gluten-free cinnamon rolls and ensuring that the rest of the ingredients (like the flour in the cheesecake batter) are gluten-free as well.
5. What can I use instead of sour cream?
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or heavy cream. The sour cream adds tang and richness, but Greek yogurt works similarly to provide the creamy texture.
6. Why does my cheesecake have cracks?
- Cracks can form if the cheesecake is overbaked or if it is cooled too quickly. To avoid cracks, bake at a moderate temperature (350°F) and cool the cheesecake slowly. Let it cool in the oven with the door ajar for about an hour before transferring it to the fridge.
7. How do I prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan?
- To prevent sticking, grease the pan well or use parchment paper lining the bottom of the pan. If you’re using a springform pan, ensure the sides are well-greased, and the cheesecake can be easily released.
8. Can I add other toppings to the cheesecake?
- Yes, you can get creative with toppings! Add a drizzle of caramel sauce, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or top it with fresh fruit for a different twist.
9. What’s the best way to store leftover cheesecake?
- Leftover cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure it’s covered well, either with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
10. Can I freeze the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake?
- Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing.
Table of Contents
Easy Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake The Perfect No-Bake Dessert – labelrecipes.com