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Rich Swirled Cheesecake

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

This luscious dessert mixes the best of cheesecake and cinnamon rolls. Features a buttery crust, rich cinnamon swirl, and smooth cream cheese topping.

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Hannah Author
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:29:16 GMT
A perfectly elegant cheesecake with smooth cinnamon swirls on top, garnished with mini cinnamon rolls, on a rustic wooden board. Pin it
A perfectly elegant cheesecake with smooth cinnamon swirls on top, garnished with mini cinnamon rolls, on a rustic wooden board. | recipesbyhannah.com

My favorite dessert mashup is this swirled wonder that combines cinnamon rolls and cheesecake into one treat. I whipped it up when my daughter couldn't pick between these two classics for her birthday. Everyone's jaw drops when they see those gorgeous cinnamon spirals in the creamy filling. It's now the dessert my family begs for at every holiday gathering.

Extraordinary Cheesecake Creation

There's something magical about how the spicy cinnamon mixes with the velvety cheesecake center. The crunchy graham base works perfectly underneath, while the rich cream cheese topping makes everything feel fancy. Nothing makes me happier than when guests wonder if I grabbed it from a fancy shop - I just smile and say thanks.

Ingredients List

  • Graham Cracker Crust: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 5 tbsp melted butter.
  • Cinnamon Swirl Filling: ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 2 tsp cinnamon, 3 tbsp melted butter.
  • Cheesecake Batter: 24 oz cream cheese (room temperature), 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup sour cream, 3 large eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ cup heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks).
  • Optional Toppings: Cinnamon for sprinkling, cream cheese frosting swirl.

Cooking Instructions

Create Your Crust
Warm up your oven while combining graham crackers, butter, sugar and cinnamon. Push the mixture into your pan and bake until you smell that lovely aroma.
Prepare Your Cinnamon Mix
Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter until you get a yummy crumbly texture.
Whip Up Your Cheesecake
Beat cream cheese until completely smooth, then add sugars, sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs one by one, mixing just enough to blend.
Build Your Layers
Here comes the creative part: switch between pouring cheesecake and sprinkling cinnamon filling. Lightly swirl everything together at the end.
Bake To Perfection
Cover your pan with foil, place in a water bath, and cook slowly at low heat. Cooling matters just as much as baking.
Top It Off
After fully cooling, spread cream cheese frosting on top and dust with cinnamon.

Helpful Hints

Success comes from taking your time. Don't rush with cold ingredients - they need to warm up first. The water bath isn't just extra work, it'll keep your cheesecake from cracking. And don't peek during cooling time! Your dessert will come out smoother if you leave that oven door shut.

A creamy cheesecake with a cinnamon swirl and cinnamon roll toppings, placed on a wooden serving board. Pin it
A creamy cheesecake with a cinnamon swirl and cinnamon roll toppings, placed on a wooden serving board. | recipesbyhannah.com

Storage Advice

You can keep this treat in your fridge for about five days if you can stop yourself from eating it all. I often make it a day or two before parties. You can also freeze single slices that'll thaw perfectly overnight in the fridge, which is great for surprise visitors or when you want something sweet at midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What steps stop cracks in cheesecake?

Make sure to grease the pan, avoid overmixing eggs, bake with a water bath, and cool slowly in the oven as it cools. This avoids cracking.

→ Is cheesecake good to freeze?

Yes! Freeze it up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic, then seal in an airtight container once frozen solid.

→ Why is a water bath necessary?

A water bath gives gentle heat and moisture, which keeps the texture smooth and prevents cracks from forming.

→ How can I tell it’s done baking?

The edges should firm up, but the center will still have a slight jiggle when you move the pan. It’ll firm up more while cooling down.

→ Can this dessert be made earlier?

Absolutely, it needs a minimum of 6 hours to cool, plus it stores well in the fridge for 4-5 days. Great to prep before a big event!

Conclusion

This incredible combo blends cinnamon roll flavors with creamy cheesecake for an indulgent and unforgettable treat.

Swirled Cinnamon Cheesecake

Lush cheesecake with a cinnamon swirl, a buttery graham crust, and a rich, velvety cream cheese topping. It’s like a cinnamon roll in a cake.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, used for the filling.
02 6 tablespoons (85g) melted butter, for the crust.
03 1½ cups (180g) crushed graham crackers.
04 ⅓ cup (39g) plain flour.
05 ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar, for making the crust.
06 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder.
07 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, added to the crust.
08 ⅓ cup (76g) melted butter, mixed into the swirl.
09 ¼ cup (50g) white sugar.
10 32 oz (907g) room temperature cream cheese.
11 4 eggs, brought to room temperature.
12 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for flavor.
13 ½ teaspoon salt to balance the flavors.
14 6 tablespoons (85g) softened cream cheese, for topping.
15 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar, used for frosting.
16 1 cup (240ml) chilled heavy whipping cream.
17 ½ cup (120g) sour cream to add creaminess.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together crushed graham crackers, melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Press into your pan and bake for 10 minutes at 325°F.

Step 02

Mix together melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.

Step 03

Blend cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugars and sour cream. Add eggs one by one, finishing with salt and vanilla.

Step 04

In your pan, pour in layers of the batter with the swirl mixture in between each layer.

Step 05

Put in a water bath and bake for 60-75 minutes at 325°F until the edges are firm but the center is wobbly.

Step 06

Switch off oven and let it rest inside for one hour. Chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.

Step 07

Whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, and some vanilla until fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped cream, then pipe and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Notes

  1. A water bath keeps it from cracking.
  2. This can be frozen or made a day ahead.
  3. Store in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Springform pan, 8 or 9 inches.
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer.
  • Large roasting pan for the water bath.
  • Food processor for crumbs.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy included (cream cheese, butter, sour cream).
  • Contains eggs.
  • Has wheat (from graham crackers, flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 8 g