Few desserts can match the comforting flavors of a warm cinnamon bun or the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake. But what if you could combine the two into a single, show-stopping dessert?
Meet the Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake—a luxurious fusion of buttery cinnamon rolls and silky cheesecake, all swirled together in a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. This dessert is perfect for holidays, brunches, birthdays, or whenever you crave something extraordinary.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything you need to make a perfect Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake from scratch. We’ll explore the origins of this delicious hybrid, cover step-by-step instructions, discuss expert baking tips, and offer delicious variations to help you create a version that suits your taste.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake
The Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake is a modern take on two classic desserts:
- Cinnamon Rolls (Buns) – Originating from Sweden (where they’re called “kanelbullar”), cinnamon rolls have been a beloved pastry for centuries, with their warm, spiced flavors making them a favorite breakfast treat worldwide.
- Cheesecake – Dating back to ancient Greece, cheesecake has evolved into countless variations, from classic New York-style cheesecake to fruit-infused and chocolate-dipped creations.
Bringing these two desserts together was a stroke of genius, combining the gooey cinnamon layers of a roll with the tangy, creamy filling of a traditional cheesecake. The result? A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust, a velvety cheesecake center, and ribbons of cinnamon sugar swirled throughout.
This fusion dessert gained massive popularity in the 2010s, particularly in artisan bakeries and social media food trends. Today, it’s a staple in home baking, thanks to its irresistible texture, comforting flavors, and endless customization options.
What Makes This Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake Special?
Here’s why this cheesecake stands out from traditional recipes:
✔ Soft, Cinnamon-Swirled Base – Unlike standard graham cracker crusts, this recipe features a homemade cinnamon roll dough base.
✔ Velvety Cheesecake Filling – The cream cheese filling is smooth, rich, and balanced, preventing it from being overly sweet.
✔ Signature Cinnamon Sugar Swirl – The layers of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter create a warm, caramelized depth of flavor.
✔ Topped with Cream Cheese Glaze – Just like classic cinnamon rolls, a drizzle of cream cheese frosting enhances every bite.
This recipe is perfect for all skill levels, and we’ll guide you through each step to ensure perfect results every time.
Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake
A great cheesecake starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cinnamon Roll Crust
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (55g) butter, melted
Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional but Recommended)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake
Step 1: Making the Cinnamon Roll Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk, egg, and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 5 minutes until smooth, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, roll into a log, and slice into rounds.
- Press the cinnamon roll rounds into a greased springform pan, covering the base.
Step 2: Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar together until creamy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
Step 3: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cinnamon roll base.
- Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl and gently swirl with a knife.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
Step 4: Baking the Cheesecake
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, then cool gradually for 1 hour.
Step 5: Adding the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle over the cooled cheesecake before serving.
Advanced Baking Tips & Troubleshooting
How to Prevent Cheesecake Cracks
✔ Use a Water Bath – Placing the springform pan in a larger pan of hot water keeps moisture levels balanced.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Too much air can cause cracks. Mix until just combined.
✔ Slow Cooling Process – Let the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door slightly open for a gradual temperature drop.
How to Get the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl
✔ Layer in Intervals – Swirl the cinnamon mixture between layers, not just on top.
✔ Avoid Over-Swirling – A light swirl creates defined layers rather than blending everything together.
cinnamon bun cheesecake recipe
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Roll Crust:
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ¼ cup 50g sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 120ml warm milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup 55g unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz 450g cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup 120ml sour cream
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ½ cup 100g brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup 55g butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz 115g cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup 55g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 120g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Roll Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk, egg, and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, roll into a log, and slice into rounds.
- Press the cinnamon roll rounds into the bottom of a greased springform pan, covering the entire base.
- Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cinnamon roll crust.
- Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top, then add the rest of the cinnamon swirl.
- Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open.
- Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Drizzle over the cooled cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- Use a water bath to prevent cracks. Wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water.
- Chilling is key! Let the cheesecake set in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) before slicing.
- For a shortcut, you can use pre-made cinnamon roll dough instead of making the crust from scratch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Storage & Freezing Tips
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat for the Best Flavor
- Microwave: Heat a slice for 10-15 seconds.
- Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Dessert
The Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. With its buttery, spiced crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and gooey cinnamon swirls, this recipe will impress anyone who tries it.
Try it today, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade treat!
FAQ – Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake
1. What is Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake?
Cinnamon Bun Cheesecake is a fusion of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake, featuring a buttery cinnamon swirl base, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet cream cheese glaze.
2. Do I Need a Water Bath for This Cheesecake?
Yes, a water bath helps prevent cracks and keeps the cheesecake moist. Wrap the pan in foil and place it in a larger pan with hot water.
3. Can I Use Pre-Made Cinnamon Roll Dough?
Yes! You can press store-bought cinnamon rolls into the pan as the crust and proceed with the cheesecake recipe as usual.
4. How Long Should I Chill the Cheesecake Before Serving?
Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the perfect texture and flavor.
5. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
6. Can I Customize This Recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or toasted nuts for extra flavor.
