Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Heat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until all the crumbs are moistened.
Firmly compress the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, forming an even layer.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Swirl
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, flour and ground cinnamon. Add the oil and stir until the mixture is smooth and thick like paste.
Let cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
Step 3: Make Cheesecake Batter
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it is smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Slowly add in the brown sugar followed by the granulated sugar mixing just until combined and smooth.
Then stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
Add the eggs, one by one, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Don’t overmix, though, or you may end up with cracks in the cheesecake.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake and Cinnamon Roll Swirl
Spoon half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
Drizzle half of the cinnamon roll swirl mixture over the cheesecake batter, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it into the batter.
Spread half the remaining cheesecake batter on top, then the remainder of the cinnamon roll swirl. Again, use the blade to coat the top with a pretty swirl action.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
Put the springform pan in a large roasting pan, then pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the springform pan’s sides (this is called a water bath and helps prevent cracking in the cheesecake).
Bake the cheesecake at 325 degrees F for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the center is just set, a bit jiggly.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in there for 30 minutes (door ajar). This gradual cooling process avoids the formation of cracks.
Remove cheesecake from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Step 6: Make the Cream-Cheese Frosting
Using a mixing bowl, mix your room temperature cream cheese until smooth.
Slowly mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
Separate a bowl and mix heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks.
Frantically fold in whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture, producing frosting fluffy as a cloud.
Step 7: Frost the Cheesecake
When the cheesecake is completely set, pop the cheesecake out of the springform pan and smooth cream cheese buttercream on the top.
Decorate and add some accent flavor by dusting with cinnamon powder.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe
Pin
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve: You can serve this cheesecake cold. To get clean slices, dip a knife into warm water and wipe it off between cuts.
Storage: The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. You could also freeze individual slices, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Defrost in refrigerator before serving.
Helpful Notes:
Use Room Temp Ingredients: Be sure your cream cheese, eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This will create a smooth, lump-free batter.
Don’t Overmix: Use low speed when mixing in the eggs to the cheesecake batter, so you don’t add too much air that can lead to cracks when the cake is baking.
A Water Bath Is Necessary: Not only does this help the cheesecake to bake more evenly, but it also prevents cracking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
Chef Martha Stewart: “Always a springform pan — lined on the bottom with parchment paper — and springform sides will get you good results when you’re removing the cheesecake.”
Chef Duff Goldman: “Mixing sour cream into your cheesecake batter makes it lighter, more velvety, and pairs well with rich flavors, such as cinnamon and caramel.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different kind of crust?
A1: Yes! You can replace the graham crackers with digestive biscuits, Biscoff cookies or even a gingersnap crust for a bump in flavor.
Q2: How can I avoid cracking in my cheesecake?
A2: For baking, use a water bath and as soon as the cheesecake is ready, let it cool slowly in the oven before taking it out.
Q3: Can I prepare this cheesecake in advance?
A3: This cheesecake can be prepared a day or two ahead of time, and stored in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.
Q4: Is the cheesecake freezable?
A4: Absolutely! Tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q5: What if I don’t have a springform pan? What can I use?
A5: You can use a regular 9-inch cake pan, but make sure to line it with parchment paper so you can easily pull it out.
Q6: Can I leave the swirl of cinnamon roll out?
A6: The swirl is a major part of the recipe, but you could tone it down if you’d like a less pronounced flavor.
Q7: Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
A7: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture but low-fat cream cheese would also work in a pinch. The texture will be less buttery.
Q8: Can I include nuts or raisins in the swirl?
A8: Yes! Chopped pecans or raisins can be added to the cinnamon roll swirl for extra texture and flavor in the cheesecake.
Q9: How do I make the frosting sweet less sweet?
Q9: Make less powdered sugar in frosting, or add a bit more cream cheese to have a tangier taste.
Q10: Can I use another type of frosting?
A10: You can use a simple whipped cream topping or a vanilla glaze instead of the cream cheese frosting if you prefer.
It’s an indulgent dessert that combines the best of two worlds – cheesecake meets cinnamon rolls in this delicious Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake. Between the smooth, rich filling and the sweet cinnamon swirl, this is sure to become a new favorite! Serve this incredible dessert at your next celebration or special occasion.
