Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

Dreamy Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Bliss

These delectable mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes combine two beloved desserts in one irresistible bite.

Creamy cheesecake nestled atop a buttery graham cracker base, swirled with rich cinnamon goodness.

Soft cream cheese blends perfectly with sweet spice, creating a miniature masterpiece that melts in you mouth.

Each tiny treat promises a symphony of textures and flavors waiting to surprise you.

Delicate and indulgent, these mini cheesecakes pack an incredible punch of comfort and excitement.

Whipping up this dessert becomes a delightful adventure that transforms an ordinary afternoon into something magical.

Let’s embark on a culinary journey that promises pure, sweet bliss in every single bite.

Why Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Are So Fun

  • Swirl with Delight: These mini cheesecakes offer a playful cinnamon roll-inspired twist that transforms an ordinary dessert into a spectacular treat.
  • Perfectly Portioned Pleasure: Individual mini cheesecakes ensure everyone gets their own personal dessert without messy cutting or uneven slices.
  • Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Creation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy home bakers who want to impress family and friends.
  • Texture Triumph: The combination of creamy cheesecake, crisp graham cracker crust, and swirled cinnamon creates a multi-dimensional sensory experience that delights with every bite.

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Ingredients Needed

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet base for the cheesecake. Choose fine, evenly ground crumbs for a smooth texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust. Granulated white sugar works best.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds richness. Melted butter ensures even mixing.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates the creamy, smooth base of the cheesecake. Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling. Granulated white sugar is standard.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set. Use large eggs at room temperature.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, spicy note to the cheesecake filling.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Unsalted Butter: Create a sweet and spicy swirl. Dark brown sugar provides deeper flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Make a smooth, drizzling icing. Sifted powdered sugar prevents lumps.

Steps To Make Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

Step 1: Crush and Press the Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Mix thoroughly until the ingredients stick together. Evenly distribute the mixture into each liner, pressing down firmly to create a solid base. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Whip the Cheesecake Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and blend cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until silky smooth. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Pour in:
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and uniform.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a separate small bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Stir until the ingredients form a rich, fragrant mixture.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Carefully pour the cheesecake filling into each prepared crust. Dot the top of each mini cheesecake with small amounts of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a toothpick to create beautiful swirling patterns throughout the filling.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the centers look set but slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.

Step 6: Chill and Decorate

Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Drizzle the glossy icing over the chilled cheesecakes for a gorgeous finishing touch.

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Smart Tips

  • Crush Crust Perfectly: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, uniform base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Prevent Cheesecake Cracks: Beat cream cheese and sugar slowly, add eggs gently, and avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth, crack-free surface.
  • Swirl Like a Pro: Use a toothpick or skewer to create beautiful, delicate cinnamon swirls by making gentle figure-eight movements across the cheesecake filling.
  • Chill for Optimal Texture: Refrigerate cheesecakes for at least 2 hours to allow them to set completely and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of these mini desserts.

How To Store Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

  • Refrigerate: Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always place a paper towel on top to prevent condensation from dripping onto the surface.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Reheat: These mini cheesecakes taste best served cold. If you prefer a slightly warmer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the texture rubbery.
  • Serving Tip: Drizzle fresh icing just before serving to maintain the best flavor and presentation. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to serving for optimal taste and texture.

Pair Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes With These

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Coffee: Complement the cinnamon roll cheesecake's sweet and creamy profile with a steaming mug of medium-roast coffee infused with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a small scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream alongside the mini cheesecakes, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast beautifully with the warm cinnamon notes.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Apple Cider: Enhance the dessert's autumnal essence by serving a chilled caramel apple cider, which echoes the cinnamon's warmth and adds a delightful fruity undertone to each bite.
  • Complement with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a creamy chai latte with its robust blend of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, mirroring the cheesecake's spiced characteristics and providing a comforting, aromatic beverage.

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Flavor Ideas

  • Nutty Crunch Remix: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed pecans or almonds in the crust for added texture and rich, toasted flavor.
  • Chocolate Swirl Edition: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter and create chocolate swirls instead of cinnamon for a decadent alternative.
  • Maple Pecan Fusion: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup in the cinnamon swirl and sprinkle chopped pecans on top after baking for a warm, autumnal profile.
  • Berry Burst Version: Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry compote beneath the cheesecake filling for a fruity, tangy counterpoint to the creamy base.

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes FAQ Section

  • Why do I need to press the graham cracker crust firmly into the muffin liners?

Pressing the crust firmly ensures a compact, stable base that holds together when you bite into the mini cheesecake, preventing crumbling and creating a solid foundation for your delicious dessert.

  • Can I use a different type of milk for the icing?

While the recipe calls for regular milk, you can substitute with alternative milks like almond or oat milk. Just adjust the quantity slightly to achieve the right drizzling consistency for your icing.

  • What's the purpose of adding sour cream to the cheesecake filling?

Sour cream adds a tangy richness and helps create a smoother, creamier texture in the cheesecake. It also contributes to the soft, velvety consistency that makes these mini cheesecakes so irresistible.

  • How do I know when the cheesecakes are perfectly baked?

The cheesecakes are done when the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to maintain that creamy, delicate texture.

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Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes deliver classic comfort in bite-sized bliss. Swirled with warm spices and topped with delicate cream cheese frosting, these little desserts bring bakery magic right to kitchen counters.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a buttery foundation by pulverizing graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into cupcake liners nestled within a muffin tin. Toast the crust briefly in a 325F (160C) oven to enhance its golden, crisp texture.
  2. Whip cream cheese and sugar into a silky, luxurious blend, incorporating eggs gradually to maintain a velvety consistency. Infuse the mixture with sour cream, vanilla, and a whisper of ground cinnamon, creating a luscious, aromatic filling.
  3. Concoct a decadent cinnamon swirl by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter into a rich, fragrant sauce that will marble through the cheesecake’s creamy landscape.
  4. Carefully ladle the cream cheese mixture into each prepared crust, leaving a slight margin at the top. Dot the surface with strategic drops of the cinnamon swirl, then use a slender implement to create elegant, meandering patterns throughout the filling.
  5. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven, allowing the mini cheesecakes to bake until their centers achieve a delicate, barely set firmness. This typically requires 18-20 minutes of gentle heat transformation.
  6. Once removed from the oven, permit the delicate treats to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill and set for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm.
  7. Moments before serving, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth, glossy icing. Drizzle this sweet embellishment over the chilled cheesecakes, creating an enticing final flourish that beckons indulgence.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Press the graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid base that won’t crumble when serving mini cheesecakes.
  • Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles and maintain a silky, creamy texture.
  • Swirl the cinnamon mixture gently to create beautiful marbled patterns without completely mixing it into the cheesecake filling.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
  • Prevent cracks by baking cheesecakes in a water bath or placing a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven.
  • Customize the icing by adding a touch of ground cinnamon or using cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
  • Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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