Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe

If you're a fan of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake, you're in for a real treat! Combining two of the most beloved desserts into one indulgent creation, this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for special occasions or when you just need a sweet fix, this dessert is a marriage of creamy, tangy cheesecake and gooey, cinnamon-spiced rolls. Make sure you read through the whole article to get all the tips and tricks you need to create this delightful dessert at home, including how to avoid common mistakes and how to serve it like a pro.

What is Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake?

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a decadent fusion dessert that blends the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the sweet, spiced warmth of cinnamon rolls. The base is usually made from a cinnamon roll-inspired dough, while the cheesecake layer is smooth and velvety. The end result is a multi-layered dessert that gives you the best of both worlds. Whether it's the cream cheese frosting drizzle, the swirl of cinnamon sugar, or the buttery dough, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

To make this dessert, you will need two sets of ingredients: one for the cinnamon roll base and another for the cheesecake filling. Below are the ingredients for both components, so be sure to check your pantry before starting.

For the Cinnamon Roll Base:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 3 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! There are some easy substitutions and variations you can try.

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure the flour blend contains xanthan gum for the best results.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free versions, such as those made from coconut milk or almond milk. Similarly, use a plant-based milk for the dough, like almond or oat milk, and swap out the butter for a dairy-free margarine.
Sugar Alternatives: You can swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit for a lower-glycemic version. Just note that these changes can slightly alter the taste and texture.
Spices: While cinnamon is the star of this dish, feel free to add a dash of nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar filling to make it more festive.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

The key to a perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is following each step carefully. The process involves making the cinnamon roll dough, prepping the cheesecake filling, and assembling it all together before baking. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

How to Cook Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Heat the milk until warm (around 110°F) and add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. While the dough is rising, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, blending until everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Base

1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x9 inches).
2. Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (brown sugar and cinnamon).
3. Roll the dough tightly, starting from the long edge, to form a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls.

Step 4: Build the Cheesecake

1. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Arrange half of the cinnamon roll slices on the bottom of the pan, pressing them slightly to flatten.
2. Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the cinnamon roll layer.
3. Arrange the remaining cinnamon roll slices on top of the cheesecake mixture. These will rise and bake into the cheesecake as it cooks.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the cinnamon rolls are golden.
3. Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Cheesecake Batter: Be sure to mix the cheesecake batter just until smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in the cheesecake during baking.
Not Allowing Dough to Rise: Patience is key. If the dough doesn't rise properly, the cinnamon rolls won’t be as fluffy.
Skipping the Refrigeration Step: While it may be tempting to dig in right away, cheesecake needs time to set. Skipping the refrigeration step can result in a runny cheesecake.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A dessert as eye-catching as Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake deserves an equally impressive presentation. Here are some tips to make sure it looks as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Temperature: For best results, serve the cheesecake slightly chilled. It should be firm but creamy, with the cinnamon roll layers still soft.
Cutting: Use a sharp, warm knife to slice through the cheesecake cleanly. To warm the knife, simply run it under hot water for a few seconds, then dry it off before cutting.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

Cream Cheese Drizzle: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk to create a drizzly icing. Drizzle this over the top of the cheesecake for extra sweetness.
Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the cheesecake with cinnamon powder or a mix of cinnamon and powdered sugar for a beautiful, rustic finish.
Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice before serving for a light, airy contrast to the dense cheesecake.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for smoother blending and a creamier texture.
Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging its structure. Make sure to grease it well before assembly.
Refrigerate Overnight: For the best texture, let the cheesecake chill overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake?
Yes! Once fully cooled and set, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

2. How long will this cheesecake last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake can last up to 5 days. The cinnamon rolls may soften over time, but the flavors will remain delicious.

3. Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cinnamon rolls as the base. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as pre-made dough may cook faster.

4. Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cheesecakes can crack if overmixed or if the oven temperature fluctuates. To minimize cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, bake the cheesecake in a water bath, and let it cool gradually.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is a mouthwatering fusion of two iconic desserts. By following the step-by-step guide in this recipe, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. From its rich cheesecake filling to its soft, gooey cinnamon roll base, every bite of this dessert is a taste of pure indulgence. Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! Your perfect Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake awaits.

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