Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base
- Sweet dough or crescent roll dough (enough to press into the bottom of a springform pan)
- Melted butter (about 1/4 cup)
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Melted butter (1/4 cup)
Cheesecake Batter
- 24 oz (3 packages) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional Toppings
- Cream cheese frosting or glaze
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Press the sweet dough or crescent roll dough evenly into the bottom of a greased springform pan to form the base layer that mimics cinnamon roll dough texture.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will create the signature cinnamon swirl.
- Whip the Cheesecake Batter: Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and flour until just combined for a creamy, stable batter.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared dough base. Spoon dollops of the cinnamon filling over the batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Add the remaining cheesecake batter on top, then repeat the swirling with remaining cinnamon filling to create a beautiful cinnamon roll pattern.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 55-70 minutes until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Optionally, bake the pan in a water bath to avoid cracks and ensure even baking.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop and the texture to firm up.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Avoid overmixing the eggs to prevent cracking during baking.
- Swirl the cinnamon filling gently to maintain distinct cinnamon roll patterns.
- Baking in a water bath helps keep the cheesecake moist and crack-free but is optional.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough or crust)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake, Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake, Dessert, Cheesecake, Cinnamon Roll, Holiday Dessert, Comfort Food