If you’re craving something that combines the richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes are the perfect dessert! These individual-sized cheesecakes are the ideal balance of creamy, sweet, and a hint of spice. With a graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a delightful swirl of cinnamon sugar, these mini cheesecakes are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
For the cinnamon swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or grease the muffin cups with cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press about one tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to compact it. Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden and slightly firm. Remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add the sour cream and mix until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This cinnamon mixture will be used to create the signature swirl in your mini cheesecakes.
4. Assemble the Cheesecakes:
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling into each muffin cup, on top of the graham cracker crust. Drizzle a teaspoon of the cinnamon mixture over the cheesecake filling in each cup. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cheesecake filling, creating a marbled effect. Don’t overmix—just a few swirls should be enough to create the cinnamon roll effect.
5. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecakes are set and the centers have a slight jiggle. You don’t want them to be too firm, as they’ll continue to set as they cool. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to the fridge. Chill the cheesecakes for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for the best results.
6. Serve:
Once your mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes are fully chilled, remove them from the muffin tin and peel away the cupcake liners. Top each mini cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and cinnamon-infused flavors!
Why These Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Are Perfect
These mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes combine the best of both worlds: the rich, smooth texture of cheesecake and the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls. They’re perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a dessert table at a party.
The individual-sized servings make these mini cheesecakes convenient and easy to serve, and the cinnamon swirl adds a touch of spice that everyone will love. You can even customize them by adding toppings like caramel sauce, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a fun twist!
Variations and Tips for Customization
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or a gluten-free cookie of your choice.
- Add Pecans or Walnuts: For a nutty crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top of each cheesecake adds a delicious contrast to the cinnamon flavor.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: If you want even smaller servings, you can use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized cheesecakes that are perfect for snacking or sharing.
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a holiday dinner, or a family get-together, these Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes are guaranteed to be a hit. Their small size makes them perfect for portion control, while the irresistible flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds. The combination of the rich cheesecake filling and the warm cinnamon swirl makes these treats impossible to resist
Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes are a delightful, indulgent dessert that combines two beloved flavors—cheesecake and cinnamon rolls—into one unforgettable treat. These individual-sized cheesecakes are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their creamy texture, cinnamon swirl, and graham cracker crust, these mini cheesecakes are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Enjoy the best of both worlds with these Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes—creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious
