Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or sour cream
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs or flour with melted butter and brown sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the base of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator briefly to set while you prepare the filling.
- Mix the Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue mixing. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract, heavy cream (or sour cream), and ground cinnamon to infuse the batter with signature cinnamon flavor.
- Create the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small separate bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon to form the swirl mixture. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the mixture throughout the batter to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter over the chilled crust, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still slightly jiggles when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracking.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and to achieve an ideal creamy texture. Remove from the springform pan before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to keep the cheesecake light and creamy.
- Baking in a water bath helps prevent cracking and creates an ultra-smooth texture but is optional.
- Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to avoid over-blending.
- Chilling the cheesecake thoroughly makes slicing cleaner and enhances the flavors.
- For gluten-free crust, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free alternatives.
- Add chopped nuts, fruit purees, or a vanilla glaze as variations for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
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