If you love the irresistible duo of creamy cheesecake and gooey cinnamon rolls, this Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake might just be the dessert of your dreams. With a buttery graham cracker crust, ribbons of cinnamon swirl, and luscious cheesecake filling, each bite is a celebration of comfort and indulgence. Drizzled with a simple glaze and perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat, this showstopping cheesecake truly delivers on both flavor and charm. Whether you’re a cheesecake pro or a first-time baker, prepare to fall in love with every cinnamon-swirled slice!

Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how it transforms everyday pantry staples into something spectacular. Each ingredient plays a role, whether it’s building a sturdy base, contributing a dreamy texture, or adding that signature cinnamon roll flavor in the swirl.

Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a classic crust with just the right hint of honey sweetness and crunch.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the cheesecake filling to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Cinnamon: Delivers warmth and spice that defines every “cinnamon roll” experience.
Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust and swirl together while adding rich flavor.
Light brown sugar: Brings a caramel note and extra depth to the cinnamon swirl filling.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the cinnamon swirl perfectly so it bakes up into gorgeous pockets in every slice.
Cream cheese, softened: The star of the show! Provides that creamy, dreamy base all great cheesecakes have.
Eggs: Bind everything together while giving the cheesecake a rich, velvety structure.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and helps keep the filling extra smooth.
Vanilla extract: Infuses comforting aroma and rounds out the overall flavor.
Powdered sugar: The secret to a silky, crackly glaze that’s reminiscent of cinnamon roll icing.
Milk: Loosens the glaze to drizzle consistency—add it gradually to get it just right.

How to Make Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly greasing a 9-inch springform pan. For perfect baking and easy removal, wrap the outside of the pan with foil. This keeps water out during baking and guarantees a smooth, even cheesecake.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust

In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan, making sure it’s packed tight for a sturdy base. Bake for 10 minutes and then let it cool—this little step keeps your crust crisp under all that creamy filling!

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

While your crust cools, grab a small bowl to stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter. This magical mixture is what gives the Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake its iconic swirls, infusing every forkful with gooey, cinnamon-laced sweetness.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is silky and has no lumps—this extra step is key for a smooth texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract. The finished filling should be rich, creamy, and pourable, with a gentle vanilla fragrance.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the cheesecake filling over your baked crust. Drop half of the cinnamon swirl mixture in small spoonfuls on top, then use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon through the cheesecake. Repeat with the remaining cheesecake batter and cinnamon filling, swirling once more for those signature beautiful ribbons.

Step 6: Bake Slowly and Cool Gently

Bake your cheesecake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. To avoid cracks, turn the oven off, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour. This slow cooling helps the Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake set with a picture-perfect finish.

Step 7: Chill and Glaze

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable, then drizzle the glaze liberally over the top. The glaze brings that final cinnamon roll touch, with a glossy sweetness that ties everything together.

How to Serve Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! A classic white glaze drizzle screams cinnamon roll, but you can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or add a few curls of white chocolate to dial up the indulgence even more. If you’re feeling playful, toss a handful of toasted pecans on top for crunch.

Side Dishes

Since the Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is already a celebration on its own, keep sides simple and light. Fresh berries balance the richness beautifully, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it firmly into dessert heaven territory. If you’re serving this at brunch, a mug of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk is all you need!

Creative Ways to Present

This cheesecake is so stunning it doesn’t need much, but if you want to impress, cut it into thin wedges and stack on a tiered dessert tray. Try serving mini cheesecake squares topped with individual drizzle patterns for a party platter, or pipe extra glaze in a crisscross on each slice for that bakery-style look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake stays fabulous for up to 4 days when tightly covered and refrigerated. Store slices in an airtight container, and if you’ve already glazed, place parchment between stacked pieces to prevent sticking.

Freezing

If you have extra, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to one month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw in the fridge overnight and add a fresh drizzle of glaze if desired.

Reheating

While this cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, you can bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes for a softer, creamier bite. For a just-baked feel, microwave a slice (without glaze) for 10-15 seconds—then glaze and savor the warm cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought crust instead?

Absolutely! If you’re pressed for time, a ready-made graham cracker crust works well (just note you might have a bit of leftover batter if using a smaller, shallower pan).

What makes this Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake different from regular cheesecake?

It’s all about those luscious cinnamon sugar swirls and the drizzle of glaze on top, which turns an ordinary cheesecake into a fun, bakery-inspired treat bursting with the flavor and nostalgia of a cinnamon roll.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Baking the Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake slowly and letting it cool gradually in the oven are key. If you want extra insurance, you can also bake it in a water bath, but wrapping the pan in foil usually does the trick.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cinnamon layer?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in a handful of finely chopped pecans or raisins to the swirl before layering for extra texture and flavor, just like your favorite cinnamon rolls.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The edges should be set, but the very center should wobble slightly when gently shaken; it will firm up as it cools. Overbaking can make the texture dry, so trust the “jiggle test!”

Final Thoughts

The Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience that brings together the best of two beloved classics. Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly at your next gathering! Bake it, share it, and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of pure comfort food magic.

Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the heavenly combination of cinnamon rolls and creamy cheesecake with this decadent cinnamon roll cheesecake recipe. Perfect for a special occasion or holiday dessert, this treat will impress your guests with its swirls of cinnamon and rich, velvety texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons melted butter

Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil.
Prepare Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press into pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Make Cinnamon Swirl: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter in a bowl.
Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
Layer Batter: Pour half of the batter over crust. Drizzle half of the cinnamon mixture and swirl. Repeat with remaining batter and swirl mixture.
Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until set. Cool in oven, then chill for at least 4 hours.
Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over chilled cheesecake.