Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake

Indulgence at its finest a creamy, dreamy cheesecake with layers of cinnamon-sugar swirls and a sweet drizzle of icing!

Imagine combining two of your favorite desserts: a warm, gooey cinnamon roll and a rich, velvety cheesecake. That’s exactly what this Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake offers a decadent, cinnamon-swirled treat with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet icing drizzle that brings it all together.

It’s the kind of dessert that turns heads at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend brunch. And while it may look like it came from a fancy bakery, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cheesecake

This cheesecake isn’t just about indulgence it’s about creating something that’s both comforting and impressive. Here’s why it stands out:

• Cinnamon Roll Vibes: You get all the warm, spiced goodness of a cinnamon roll but with the rich creaminess of a cheesecake.
• Show-Stopping Dessert: Perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or when you want to impress your guests with something spectacular.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Cheesecakes are best made in advance, giving you one less thing to worry about on the day of your event.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Ingredients 📝

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect cheesecake.

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: This forms the base of the cheesecake, providing a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy filling.
• 1/3 cup melted butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together and adds a rich flavor.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust, enhancing its flavor.

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened: The heart of the cheesecake. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• 3 large eggs: Adds structure to the cheesecake, helping it set properly.
• 1 cup sour cream: Provides a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this dessert its warm, cozy flavor.
• 1/4 cup melted butter: Helps create a smooth, pourable cinnamon mixture that’s easy to swirl.

For the Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar: The perfect finishing touch, adding a sweet glaze on top.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjust to reach the desired consistency for drizzling.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of flavor to the icing, tying everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to make magic happen in the kitchen. Follow these simple steps to create your own Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake.

1. Prepare the Crust

Every great cheesecake starts with a solid foundation.

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press it down evenly.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

The filling is where the magic happens smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet.

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
3. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and well combined.

3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl

This is where the cinnamon roll magic comes in.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a smooth, syrupy mixture.
2. Set it aside for swirling into the cheesecake.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake

Now it’s time to layer and swirl!

1. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
3. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top and repeat the swirl process with the remaining cinnamon mixture.

5. Bake the Cheesecake

Baking a cheesecake requires a bit of patience, but it’s worth it.

1. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.
3. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.

6. Make the Icing

The icing is the cherry on top or, in this case, the drizzle on top.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Finally, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle the icing over the top in a zigzag pattern for a bakery-style finish.
2. Slice, serve, and watch as your family and friends marvel at this cinnamon-swirled masterpiece.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream blend more easily, resulting in a smoother, creamier filling.

2. Don’t Overmix

Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

3. Cool Gradually

Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth, even texture.

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Chocolate Cinnamon Cheesecake

Swap the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust and add a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top.

2. Maple Pecan Swirl

Replace the cinnamon swirl with a mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, and chopped pecans for a fall-inspired twist.

3. Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust to make this cheesecake gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake is rich and indulgent, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.

• Serve with Coffee or Tea: The warm cinnamon flavors pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai.
• Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake is more than just a dessert it’s a show-stopping masterpiece that combines the best of two beloved treats. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a slice on a cozy evening, it’s sure to impress.

Happy baking!