Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

Irresistible Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe for Sweet Lovers

These delectable mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

Creamy cheesecake meets swirled cinnamon goodness in a bite-sized delight that melts in your mouth.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with warm cinnamon undertones, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Compact and adorable, each miniature dessert brings a burst of comfort and sweetness to any gathering.

Guests will absolutely fall in love with these charming little indulgences that look as impressive as they taste.

Whipping up these delightful mini cheesecakes is easier than you might expect, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal baking skills.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious morsel of these decadent little treasures.

Meet Your New Favorite: Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Individual-sized cheesecakes ensure everyone gets their own perfectly portioned dessert without messy cutting or serving.
  • Ideal for parties, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, these mini cheesecakes can be dressed up with different toppings or decorations to match any occasion.

Ingredients That Make Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Work

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crunchy foundation for the cheesecake crust, provides a classic sweet cookie base.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to both crust and cheesecake filling, balances other flavors.
  • Butter (Melted): Binds crust ingredients and adds rich, smooth texture.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Thick, creamy base that creates the signature cheesecake texture and taste.
  • Eggs: Helps bind and stabilize the cheesecake filling, provides structure.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cheesecake, creates smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, spicy note to the cheesecake filling.
Topping and Swirl Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness for cinnamon swirl.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for final topping.
  • Milk: Thins powdered sugar to create drizzle consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the final glaze.

The Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Assembly Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set oven temperature to 325F (160C).

Step 2: Create Crunchy Graham Crust

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Mix ingredients until well combined. Distribute evenly into cupcake liners, pressing firmly. Bake for 5 minutes, then cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until silky smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Incorporate:
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend until mixture becomes velvety and uniform.

Step 4: Craft Cinnamon Swirl Topping

Combine in a separate bowl:
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Melted butter

Step 5: Assemble Cheesecake Layers

Pour cheesecake filling into prepared crusts. Add small dollops of cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a toothpick to create beautiful swirling patterns.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-20 minutes until centers set firmly.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Allow cheesecakes to reach room temperature. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight.

Step 8: Drizzle Sweet Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Drizzle glaze over chilled cheesecakes before serving.

Smart Shortcuts for Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

  • Perfect Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly into liners for a compact, stable base that holds together beautifully when serving.
  • Control Cheesecake Texture: Beat cream cheese and sugar slowly to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a silky smooth and creamy final result.
  • Swirl Like a Pro: Use a toothpick to create gentle, elegant cinnamon swirls by moving in small circular motions for a professional-looking design.
  • Prevent Cracking Secrets: Avoid overmixing eggs and bake at a lower temperature to maintain a crack-free, velvety cheesecake surface.
  • Room Temperature Magic: Let ingredients like cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature before mixing for better incorporation and smoother consistency.

Keeping Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Just Right

  • Store mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them covered with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm cheesecakes gently at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwave to maintain creamy texture and prevent cracking.
  • Add fresh glaze after reheating to restore the original delicious appearance and enhance flavor just before serving.

What to Serve with Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

  • Create a rich, complementary beverage that echoes the cinnamon roll cheesecake's warm spices and creamy texture. The caramel notes will enhance the dessert's sweetness while the espresso provides a delightful contrast.
  • Scoop a cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside these mini cheesecakes. The cool, creamy texture will balance the warm cinnamon flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich dessert.
  • Brew a fragrant chai tea with its blend of warming spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. This drink will harmonize perfectly with the cheesecake's spice profile and offer a comforting, aromatic experience.
  • Garnish the cheesecakes with lightly toasted pecans for a nutty crunch. These nuts will add textural contrast and bring out the deeper, caramelized notes in the dessert's cinnamon swirl.

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes — Switch It Up!

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese made from cashews or almonds. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and plant-based milk for the glaze.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap graham cracker crust with crushed pecans or almond flour. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Use full-fat cream cheese and reduce overall carbohydrate content for a low-carb dessert.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Create a crust using crushed nuts and dates. Use cashew-based cream cheese and replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer. Top with coconut whipped cream for a plant-based version.

Curious About Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes? Check These FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even Oreo cookies for a different flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my mini cheesecakes?

Avoid overmixing the batter, don’t overbake, and let the cheesecakes cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent cracking.

  • Is it necessary to use a hand mixer for this recipe?

While a hand mixer or stand mixer makes the process easier, you can use a whisk and mix by hand, though it will require more effort to achieve a smooth consistency.

  • Can I make these mini cheesecakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cheesecakes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for advance party preparation.

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Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

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

Description

Creamy mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes blend classic dessert magic with modern twist. Sweet graham cracker crusts and silky cream cheese filling invite sweet moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl and Glaze:

  • ¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Establish a warm environment for baking by heating the oven to 325F (160C) and preparing a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Craft a robust crust by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then distributing the mixture evenly across liners and compressing firmly.
  3. Briefly toast the crust for 5 minutes, allowing it to cool and set while preparing the filling.
  4. Create a silky cheesecake base by gently beating cream cheese and sugar until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
  5. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing minimally to maintain a delicate texture.
  6. Enhance the filling with sour cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, stirring until achieving a luxurious, uniform mixture.
  7. Prepare a decadent cinnamon swirl by combining brown sugar, additional cinnamon, and melted butter in a separate vessel.
  8. Carefully distribute the cheesecake mixture across the prepared crusts, ensuring even coverage.
  9. Add artistic flair by dotting each cheesecake with cinnamon swirl and gently marbling the surface using a toothpick.
  10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until centers stabilize and edges appear set.
  11. Allow cheesecakes to cool naturally at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to solidify.
  12. Construct a delicate glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  13. Finish by drizzling the glaze over chilled cheesecakes just before serving, creating an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie and diabetic-friendly version.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
  • Use a water bath technique by placing the muffin tin in a larger pan with hot water to prevent cracking and create silky-smooth cheesecake texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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