Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Cinnamon roll cheesecake: just the name alone conjures up images of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls swirled together with the creamy, decadent goodness of cheesecake. But what if I told you that you could have both in one glorious dessert? Prepare to have your mind blown because this recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence!

While the exact origins of combining these two iconic desserts are somewhat shrouded in mystery, the concept itself speaks to our inherent love of comfort food mashups. Cinnamon rolls, with their Scandinavian roots and widespread popularity in American bakeries, represent warmth, home, and cozy mornings. Cheesecake, on the other hand, boasts a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, evolving into the creamy, sophisticated dessert we know and love today. Marrying these two culinary traditions creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

People adore this cinnamon roll cheesecake because it offers the best of both worlds. You get the soft, pillowy texture of a cinnamon roll, infused with that unmistakable cinnamon-sugar spice, alongside the smooth, tangy richness of a classic cheesecake. The combination is a textural masterpiece, and the flavors complement each other perfectly. Plus, let’s be honest, who can resist a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant? Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cinnamon roll cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients:

• For the Cinnamon Roll Base:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Cheesecake Layer:
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons milk, or more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on your stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with a dough hook in your stand mixer for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the cinnamon rolls.

Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

1. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy. Make sure your butter is truly softened for easy mixing.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to get the filling all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
4. Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls. You should get about 12-15 rolls.
5. Arrange in Pan: Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. Arrange the cinnamon rolls evenly in the pan. They don’t need to be perfectly spaced, as they will expand during the second rise.
6. Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly.

Preparing the Cheesecake Layer:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. It’s essential that your cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake.
3. Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and beat until combined. The sour cream adds a lovely tang and richness to the cheesecake.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air into the batter and cause the cheesecake to crack.

Assembling and Baking the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake:

1. Pour Cheesecake Batter: Gently pour the cheesecake batter over the risen cinnamon rolls in the springform pan. Spread it evenly to cover all the rolls.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
3. Cooling Process: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking by allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually.
4. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set properly and develop its flavor.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Again, make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened for easy mixing.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar all at once, as it can create a cloud of dust.
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less milk depending on the humidity and the consistency of your cream cheese and butter.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Frost the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, remove it from the springform pan. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
2. Optional Garnish: If desired, drizzle with extra melted butter or sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for added flavor and texture.
3. Serve: Slice and serve the cinnamon roll cheesecake. Enjoy! This cheesecake is best served cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a delightful fusion of two beloved classics that will leave you and your guests utterly speechless. The creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, swirled with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar goodness and nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply divine. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves baking and appreciates a truly exceptional treat. Why is this cheesecake a must-try? Because it’s more than just the sum of its parts. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, the comforting warmth of cinnamon, and the satisfying richness of cheesecake, all rolled into one unforgettable dessert. It’s surprisingly easy to make, too! Don’t let the “cheesecake” part intimidate you. I’ve broken down the steps to ensure even beginner bakers can achieve cheesecake perfection. But the best part? The versatility! While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm it up! A slightly warmed slice of this Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is pure bliss. The cinnamon swirl becomes even more fragrant, and the cheesecake filling melts in your mouth. * Add a drizzle: A simple cream cheese glaze, made with powdered sugar, cream cheese, and a touch of vanilla extract, adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. Or, for a richer flavor, try a salted caramel drizzle. * Go nuts! Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch and nutty flavor. Toasted nuts are even better! * Fruit forward: A dollop of fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, provides a bright and refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake. * Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor profile. * Individual cheesecakes: For a fun and elegant presentation, bake the cheesecake in individual ramekins. This is perfect for parties or special occasions. * Crust variations: While I love the classic graham cracker crust, you could also use a shortbread crust or even a gingersnap crust for a different flavor dimension. * Cinnamon Roll topping: For a truly decadent experience, top the cheesecake with mini cinnamon rolls before baking. This will create a beautiful and delicious topping that everyone will love. I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m always excited to share it with friends and family. It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of indulgence. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable cinnamon roll cheesecake. I promise you won’t regret it! And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Share your tips, variations, and any photos of your beautiful creation. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking!

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