Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Recipe

Try This Sweet Fusion: Easy Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Recipe

Cinnamon bun cheesecake promises a decadent fusion of classic pastry and creamy dessert elements.

Sweet spirals of warmth weave through rich, velvety layers that melt on your tongue.

Familiar bakery aromas dance between comfort and indulgence, creating a sensory experience that transcends traditional dessert boundaries.

Soft, pillowy textures contrast against deep caramelized notes, elevating this treat beyond ordinary confections.

Delicate swirls of spice intermingle with smooth cream cheese, crafting a harmonious balance of flavors that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Buttery undertones complement the vibrant cinnamon essence, promising a sophisticated yet approachable dessert.

Each slice delivers a passionate celebration of culinary creativity.

Why Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Is a Must-Try

  • Savor Decadent Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines the beloved warmth of cinnamon buns with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating an irresistible dessert that blends two classic treats into one mouthwatering experience.
  • Master Impressive Baking Technique: Layering a perfectly baked cinnamon bun base with a silky smooth cheesecake filling showcases culinary skills that will wow family and friends, making you feel like a professional pastry chef.
  • Enjoy Make-Ahead Convenience: The cheesecake requires a lengthy chilling time, which means you can prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining, perfect for special occasions or weekend gatherings.
  • Indulge in Textural Delight: Each bite offers a magical contrast between the soft, tender cinnamon bun base and the ultra-creamy cheesecake layer, topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that adds an extra layer of decadence.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Delight

Cinnamon Bun Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for creating soft and tender crust with perfect structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the base rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth dough consistency.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Delivers deep caramel and sweet notes to the base.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Signature spice that gives warm, aromatic flavor.
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Main component creating smooth, rich cheesecake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind ingredients.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates creamy, silky consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings deep, complex flavor enhancement.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Offers subtle molasses undertone.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize and thicken cheesecake mixture.
Icing Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for frosting.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create spreadable consistency.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides layered sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice flavor.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet finishing layer.

How to Make a Rich Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Base

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a springform pan and give it a light butter coating.

Mix these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
Cream together:
  • Softened butter
  • Milk
  • Brown sugar
  • White sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Spread the mixture evenly into the pan. Pop it onto a baking sheet and bake for 23-25 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Lower the oven temperature to 325°F.

Blend until super smooth:
  • Cream cheese
  • White sugar

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each.

Fold in:
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Light brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • All-purpose flour

Pour the mixture over the cinnamon base. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake 80-90 minutes until the surface turns golden and the center sets firmly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dreamy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
Add and mix completely:
  • Brown sugar
  • White sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar

Spread the frosting generously across the cooled cheesecake.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Keep leftovers in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Delight!

Top Tips for Baking Cinnamon Cheesecake

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and spices to ensure the perfect texture and flavor balance.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cream cheese, eggs, and butter sit at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
  • Prevent Cracks: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create humidity and prevent surface cracking.
  • Cool Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause splitting.
  • Slice Cleanly: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between each cut for perfectly clean, smooth slices of cheesecake.

Store and Reheat Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Like a Pro

  • Refrigeration: Tightly wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve its creamy texture. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
  • Reheating: Thaw frozen cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheesecake soggy and compromise its delicate consistency.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake

  • Brew a Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair this decadent cinnamon bun cheesecake with a warm, rich espresso or a creamy latte. The bold coffee flavors will beautifully complement the sweet, spicy notes of the dessert, creating a luxurious taste experience that dances on your palate.
  • Sip a Spiced Chai Delight: Enjoy a fragrant chai tea alongside this cheesecake. The warm, aromatic spices in the chai will echo the cinnamon in the dessert, enhancing the overall flavor profile and providing a comforting, indulgent moment.
  • Refresh with Cinnamon-Infused Milk: Serve a chilled glass of cinnamon-infused milk to balance the richness of the cheesecake. The cool, subtle spice will cleanse your palate and add an extra layer of comfort to your dessert experience.
  • Elevate with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet moscato to accompany this indulgent treat. The wine's sweetness will harmonize with the cheesecake's creamy texture and cinnamon undertones, creating a truly luxurious dessert pairing.

Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Recipe Variations

  • Nutty Cinnamon Swirl: Replace the plain base with a ground almond and pecan crust for extra crunch and depth. Sprinkle chopped nuts between cheesecake layers for added texture.
  • Caramel Cinnamon Dream: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the icing, creating beautiful swirls. Incorporate a thin layer of salted caramel between the cinnamon base and cheesecake filling for rich complexity.
  • Seasonal Pumpkin Fusion: Blend 1/2 cup pumpkin puree into the cheesecake batter, increasing cinnamon quantity. Top with candied pecans and a light pumpkin spice dusting for an autumn-inspired version.
  • Cream Cheese Glaze Alternative: Skip traditional icing and create a lighter cream cheese glaze using Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and a touch of vanilla. Garnish with fresh cinnamon stick shavings for elegant presentation.
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Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Recipe

Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon bun cheesecake marries two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. Creamy cheesecake layers intertwine with classic cinnamon roll flavors, promising a delightful journey of sweet, comforting indulgence that will satisfy your most intense dessert cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

Cinnamon Bun Base:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) milk (full fat preferred)

Sugars and Spices:

  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) light brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) ground cinnamon

Cheesecake Layer:

  • 3 packages (250 grams each) cream cheese, softened
  • 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) all-purpose flour

Icing:

  • 1 package (250 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1.5 tablespoons (22.5

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the bottom and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a soft dry foundation for the cinnamon bun base.
  3. Incorporate softened butter into the dry ingredients, gently blending until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Pour in milk, then fold in brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until a cohesive batter forms.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a uniform base layer for the cheesecake.
  6. Position the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 23-25 minutes until a light golden hue develops.
  7. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for the cheesecake layer.
  8. Whip cream cheese and granulated sugar until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
  9. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, creating a luxurious texture with each addition.
  10. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and all-purpose flour until fully integrated.
  11. Carefully pour the creamy cheesecake mixture over the cinnamon bun base, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  12. Bake for 80-90 minutes, watching for a golden brown top and a set center that no longer wobbles.
  13. Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for one hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
  14. Prepare the icing by blending cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth.
  15. Incorporate brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and confectioners’ sugar into the mixture.
  16. Once the cheesecake has chilled, generously spread the creamy icing across the top.
  17. Refrigerate any remaining cake to maintain its delightful texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Create a stable, golden-brown cinnamon bun base by carefully mixing dry ingredients and avoiding overmixing the dough.
  • Ensure cream cheese is perfectly softened at room temperature for a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer that blends seamlessly.
  • Bake the cheesecake slowly at a lower temperature to prevent cracking and achieve a perfectly set, silky texture.
  • Cool the cheesecake gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its structure and prevent surface cracks.
  • Use a springform pan to easily release the delicate cheesecake without disrupting its beautiful layers.
  • Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal slicing consistency.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 42 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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