Introduction
A Dreamy Dessert Mashup Youβll Want on Repeat
If youβve ever stood torn between choosing a cinnamon roll or a slice of cheesecake, this is your answer: Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes. These bite-sized delights are creamy, sweet, and spiced to perfection β a dessert that tastes like a cozy hug. Whether youβre hosting brunch, planning a holiday spread, or just need a little pick-me-up treat, these cheesecakes are guaranteed to impress.
These mini treats come together surprisingly fast and require no fancy ingredients. They bake in muffin tins, making them perfect for portion control (if you can stop at one π). You're going to love this recipe for its rich flavor, soft cinnamon swirl, and creamy texture β all packed into one adorable handheld cheesecake!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
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Ready in under 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
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Perfectly portioned β no slicing needed!
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Made with easy pantry staples
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A guaranteed hit at parties, brunch, or as a gift
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Combines the best of two classic desserts
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Customizable with nuts, caramel drizzle, or even pumpkin spice
Ingredients Youβll Need
For the Cinnamon Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoon melted butter
Pro Tip: Use digestive biscuits or gingersnaps for a twist on flavor.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- Β½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ΒΌ cup sour cream
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ΒΌ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Optional Topping:
- Cream cheese glaze or whipped cream
- Crushed pecans or walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325Β°F (160Β°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Make the crust: Combine graham crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press about 1 tablespoon into each liner. Bake for 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream until creamy.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a small bowl.
- Assemble: Pour cheesecake filling over each crust (about ΒΎ full). Add Β½ teaspoon of cinnamon swirl mixture to each and swirl gently with a toothpick.
- Bake: Bake for 18β20 minutes or until centers are set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving.
- Optional: Top with cream cheese glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze (without toppings) for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Best served cold, but can be brought to room temp for 10β15 minutes.
Variations:
- Add a swirl of caramel or chocolate.
- Sprinkle crushed nuts on top.
- Try adding pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon for a fall twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
---|---|---|---|
280 | 5g | 24g | 18g |
Values are approximate and based on one mini cheesecake. Always calculate based on actual brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
β Can I make these ahead of time?
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Absolutely! Theyβre even better the next day after chilling.
β Can I use a pre-made crust?
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Yes, you can use mini store-bought crusts, but homemade adds extra cinnamon flavor.
β Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
β It wonβt yield the same creamy texture. Full-fat is best for richness.
β Do I need a water bath?
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No! Since these are mini cheesecakes, they bake evenly without one.
β Can I make them gluten-free?
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Yes β use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust.
β Why did my cheesecakes crack?
β Overbaking or mixing too aggressively may cause cracks. Be gentle and remove from the oven when slightly jiggly in the center.
Conclusion
If youβre looking for a dessert that checks all the boxes β cute, creamy, spiced, and crowd-pleasing β then these Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes are a must-try. Theyβre easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for special occasions.
Give them a try and tag us @Simple Recipes on Pinterest to show off your creations!
Print
Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes π©
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, spiced, and bite-sized, these Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes combine the rich texture of classic cheesecake with the warm swirl of a cinnamon roll. Perfect for brunch, parties, or a comforting treat at home, theyβre easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Crust
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1 cup graham cracker crumbs
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
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16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
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Β½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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ΒΌ cup sour cream
For the Cinnamon Swirl
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ΒΌ cup brown sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tbsp melted butter
Optional Toppings
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Cream cheese glaze
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Whipped cream
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Crushed pecans or walnuts
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Extra cinnamon sprinkle
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325Β°F (160Β°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
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Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press 1 tablespoon into each liner. Bake for 5 minutes and set aside.
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Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
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Prepare the cinnamon swirl: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl.
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Assemble: Pour cheesecake filling into each muffin liner (ΒΎ full). Spoon Β½ teaspoon cinnamon swirl into each and swirl with a toothpick.
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Bake for 18β20 minutes, until centers are set but slightly jiggly.
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Cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
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Top with glaze or whipped cream before serving, if desired.
Notes
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For a richer swirl, double the cinnamon swirl mix.
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Cheesecakes can be made a day ahead β theyβre even better after chilling overnight.
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Use gingersnap crumbs or digestive biscuits for a flavor variation.
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To freeze: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes, cinnamon cheesecake, mini cheesecakes, cinnamon dessert, easy cheesecake