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Ultimate Swirled Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Close-up of a rich slice of cinnamon roll cheesecake topped with thick white icing.
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Combine the creamy texture of baked cheesecake with the warm, spiced sweetness of a cinnamon roll. This recipe features a buttery crust, a rich cream cheese filling, a distinct cinnamon swirl, and a glossy cream cheese glaze topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Cinnamon Swirl: 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • For the Cheesecake Filling: 3 (8 ounce) packages full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • For the Cream Cheese Glaze: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Cut in the 1/4 cup softened butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse, wet sand. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in the 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each egg is incorporated. Mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix once the eggs are added.
  4. Assemble and Swirl: Pour about two-thirds of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top layer. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter in figure-eight motions, being careful not to scrape the bottom crust.
  5. Bake the Cheesecake: Wrap the outside bottom of the springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pan into a large roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until the water reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this is a water bath). Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
  6. Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and foil. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
  7. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until combined. Add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If it is too thick, add a few more drops of milk.
  8. Finish and Serve: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving your showstopping baked good.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting the filling.
  • If you want a richer cinnamon flavor, you can use a store-bought cinnamon roll icing instead of making the homemade glaze.
  • To prevent cracking, do not open the oven door during the first 45 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/cinnamon-roll-cheesecake-recipe/