For our family, this Classic Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake is pure comfort. It has that irresistible cinnamon-sugar aroma that fills the kitchen, bringing back so many cozy memories. The combination of the warm, spiced crust with the cool, creamy filling is a feeling of pure happiness.
Easy cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake with cinnamon swirl and cream cheese layers on graham crust creates the most satisfying dessert you'll ever make. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for that buttery base, then this recipe shows you how to make the easy cinnamon bun cheesecake which is three packs of cream cheese whipped with sugar and vanilla until impossibly smooth. The brown sugar cinnamon swirl gets marbled throughout, creating beautiful ribbons in every slice.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake Recipe
- Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
- How to Make Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
- My Top Tips for This Recipe
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
- Variations on Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
- Equipment for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
- Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
- Olivia's Tip for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
- FAQ about Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- 📖 Recipe
Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake Recipe
Beautiful things happen when you combine the nostalgia of cinnamon rolls with creamy cheesecake, and here's why this cinnamon roll honey bun cheesecake has become our most-requested dessert:
- No baking required - This no bake honey bun cheesecake sets perfectly with an overnight chill-set in the fridge. No oven stress, just pure creamy deliciousness in this cinnamon roll cheesecake no-bake method.
- Tastes like cinnamon rolls and cheesecake had a baby - The cinnamon swirl filling tastes exactly like the center of a cinnamon roll, swirled throughout rich cream cheese layer. It's the best cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe for a reason.
- Impressive presentation - Those hot-knife slices reveal gorgeous cinnamon swirls that look bakery-perfect. This big mama's recipe cinnamon roll honey bun cheesecake style always gets compliments.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
Building this honey bun cheesecake recipe starts with simple ingredients that create bakery-quality results. The graham cracker crust provides the perfect base while the sugary glaze drizzle adds that authentic cinnamon roll finish.
What You'll Need
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups)
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted)
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons)
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed)
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons)
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted)
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese (24 oz, softened, three 8-oz packages)
- Powdered sugar (1 cup)
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
- Heavy cream (1 ½ cups, cold)
- Sour cream (½ cup)
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar (1 cup)
- Heavy cream (2-3 tablespoons)
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
- Pinch of cinnamon
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Three packs of cream cheese create richness - Using 24 oz of cream cheese gives you that thick, luxurious texture. This is what makes this cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipes by lisa style so decadent.
- Brown sugar in the swirl is essential - Brown sugar has molasses that gives you that authentic cinnamon roll flavor. Don't substitute with white sugar in this cinnamon roll cheesecake recipe.
- Heavy cream makes it fluffy - Whipping heavy cream into the filling creates an airy texture that's lighter than traditional cheesecake. Perfect for this no bake cinnamon roll honey bun cheesecake.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make the crust. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan baking dish. Refrigerate while making filling.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla until it forms a thick paste. Set aside.
- Whip the cream. In a large bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Set aside in the fridge.
- Beat cream cheese mixture. In another large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until completely smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in three additions. Keep it light and airy for this cinnamon roll cheesecake with pillsbury cinnamon rolls inspired texture.
- Layer and swirl. Pour half the cheesecake filling over the crust. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture on top. Pour remaining filling over. Drop more cinnamon mixture on top.
- Create the swirl. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the filling in a figure-8 pattern. Don't overmix - you want distinct swirls.
- Chill overnight. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to set completely. This overnight chill-set is crucial for clean slices.
- Make the glaze. Before serving, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and pourable for the sugary glaze drizzle.
- Slice and serve. Run a hot knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice for those perfect hot-knife slices. Drizzle each slice with glaze.
Hint: Warm your knife under hot water between each slice and wipe it clean - this gives you those Instagram-worthy perfect slices!
My Top Tips for This Recipe
Mastering this best cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe comes down to not over-swirling. You want distinct ribbons of cinnamon, not a fully mixed tan filling. Stop swirling when you still see clear stripes.
Gold Tip: Make the cinnamon swirl mixture slightly warm (not hot) when adding it to the filling. It will be easier to drop and will create prettier swirls that don't sink to the bottom in this cinnamon roll cheesecake no-bake preparation. Let the butter cool just until it's still liquid but not hot to the touch.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
Last Sunday when I was making this no bake honey bun cheesecake for brunch guests, Olivia got excited about the swirling process. "Mom, it's like making marble paper in art class but with food!" she exclaimed, watching the cinnamon ribbons form. I explained how the technique creates those beautiful patterns that make each slice unique, similar to how we create special presentations in our honeycomb cheesecake cake with careful topping placement.
When we served it after brunch, one of our guests said it tasted exactly like a cinnamon roll in cheesecake form. Olivia grinned and whispered, "I told you we should make this every weekend, Mom!" Now she calls this her "lazy Sunday fancy dessert" and loves being in charge of the swirling, creating increasingly elaborate patterns in this cinnamon roll honey bun cheesecake masterpiece.
Substitutions for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
With Actual Cinnamon Rolls - Make cinnamon roll cheesecake with pillsbury cinnamon rolls by baking the rolls, chopping them, and layering them in the cheesecake for extra texture.
Baked Version - Turn this into a baked cheesecake by adding 3 eggs to the filling and baking at 325°F for 55-60 minutes. Still add the cinnamon swirl the same way.
Lighter Option - Use light cream cheese and substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious in this honey bun cheesecake recipe.
Chocolate Addition - Add chocolate chips to the cinnamon swirl for a chocolate cinnamon combination in these candy cakes inspired desserts.
Variations on Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
Cinnabon Style - Make a cinnabon cheesecake recipe version by increasing the cinnamon and adding cream cheese frosting on top instead of glaze.
Donut Version - Create a donut cheesecake by adding nutmeg to the filling and using a donut-shaped pan for fun presentation.
Apple Addition - Layer sautéed cinnamon apples between the filling layers for an apple cinnamon roll twist in these sweet cakes.
Pecan Topping - Add chopped pecans to the crust and sprinkle on top with the glaze for extra crunch in this cinnamon roll honeybun cake.
Mini Individual Portions - Make in small jars or ramekins for individual servings perfect for parties in these creamy cheesecake presentations.
These indulgent desserts pair perfectly with other rich treats and work wonderfully alongside our pineapple cloud cake when you want both spiced and fruity dessert options!
Equipment for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
9-inch springform pan - Essential for easy removal and those clean sides. The springform makes serving this cheesecake so much easier.
Electric mixer - Stand or hand mixer for beating cream cheese smooth and whipping cream to stiff peaks for these cheesecake recipes.
Offset spatula - Perfect for spreading filling evenly before swirling in this cinnamon flavor masterpiece.
Sharp knife - Important for creating the swirl pattern without dragging the cinnamon mixture through too much in these graham cracker crumbs based desserts.
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
Refrigeration required - Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get better after a day or two in this honeybun cheesecake recipe.
Freezing option - Freeze individual slices wrapped well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture in this no bake cinnamon roll cheesecake.
Glaze separately - If making ahead, add the glaze right before serving. It stays prettier and doesn't get absorbed into the cheesecake.
Perfect make-ahead - This is ideal for entertaining since it must be made at least 8 hours ahead. One less thing to stress about on party day for these healthy desserts that don't taste healthy.
These stunning desserts work beautifully for special occasions and pair perfectly with other crowd-pleasers like our peanut butter cheesecake balls when you want both elegant and fun dessert options!
Olivia's Tip for Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
"Don't swirl too much or you'll lose the pretty stripes - Mom learned that the hard way on her first try! And save extra glaze to drizzle on your slice right before eating for maximum sweetness!"
FAQ about Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
What is the difference between honeybun and cinnamon roll?
Honey buns are typically fried or baked sweet rolls with a honey glaze, while cinnamon rolls are baked pastries with cinnamon-sugar filling and cream cheese frosting. Honey buns are denser and sweeter, while cinnamon rolls are lighter and flakier. This recipe combines the best of both!
What is cinnamon roll cheesecake?
Cinnamon roll cheesecake combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls with creamy cheesecake. It features a graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling swirled with cinnamon sugar, and is topped with glaze similar to cinnamon roll icing. It captures the essence of cinnamon rolls in cheesecake form.
What are the ingredients in cheesecake factory cinnabon cinnamon swirl cheesecake?
The Cheesecake Factory version features cream cheese filling swirled with cinnamon, a graham cracker crust, topped with cream cheese frosting and caramel. Our homemade version is similar with cream cheese filling, cinnamon swirl, graham crust, and sweet glaze.
Why put cream on cinnamon rolls before baking?
Pouring heavy cream on rolls before baking keeps them moist and creates a caramelized bottom. The cream prevents over-browning and results in softer, more tender rolls. It's a baker's secret for the softest cinnamon rolls.
Conclusion
There is so much comfort and joy in a perfectly baked dessert. This Classic Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake is one of those recipes that feels like home, no matter where you are. We hope you get to experience the wonderful warmth and sweetness of this dish.
Amazing results happen when you take the time to properly layer and swirl, creating those gorgeous ribbons that make each slice a work of art. This works perfectly for brunch gatherings, holiday desserts, or whenever you want something that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. They pair beautifully with other special treats like our pumpkin better than any cake when you want both spiced and unique dessert options. If you love cinnamon roll flavors, you might also enjoy this perfect cinnamon roll icing recipe that you can drizzle over this cheesecake for even more authentic cinnamon roll taste.
Jasmine & Olivia💛
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake:
📖 Recipe
Easy Cinnamon Roll Honey Bun Cheesecake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First, we get our hands a little messy! In a medium bowl, combine the [graham cracker crumbs], [melted butter], [granulated sugar], and [ground cinnamon]. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your [9-inch springform pan]. Olivia loves this part-it's like building a sandcastle but with crumbs! Once it's all packed in, pop it in the fridge while you get the rest ready
- This is where we get the 'cinnamon roll' part of our cheesecake! In a small bowl, we'll make a thick paste by mixing the [brown sugar], [ground cinnamon], [melted butter], and [vanilla extract]. Make sure your butter isn't too hot-we want it warm, not sizzling! Olivia loves helping me with this step because it smells just like the cinnamon rolls we make on lazy Sunday mornings
- Next, we'll make our filling light and airy. In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to whip the cold [heavy cream] until it forms stiff peaks. You'll know it's ready when you can lift the beaters and the peaks stand up on their own! Olivia says it looks like fluffy clouds, and she's right
- In another large bowl, beat the softened [cream cheese] until it's smooth and fluffy-about 3 minutes. Then, beat in the [powdered sugar], [sour cream], and [vanilla extract] until everything is impossibly smooth. This is the heart of our cheesecake, so take your time and make sure there are no lumps
- Now for the secret to a perfect no-bake texture! Gently fold the whipped [heavy cream] into the [cream cheese mixture] in three additions. Use a spatula and a light hand-you want to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. This step makes our cheesecake so much lighter than a traditional baked one
- This is Olivia's favorite part-the swirling! Pour half of the [cheesecake filling] over the crust. Dollop spoonfuls of the [cinnamon mixture] on top. Then, pour the rest of the [cheesecake filling] over and drop more of the cinnamon mixture on top. We're creating a work of art
- Now for the fun part! Take a butter knife and gently swirl the [cinnamon mixture] through the [filling] in a figure-8 pattern. The key here is not to overmix! We want distinct, beautiful ribbons of cinnamon, not a fully mixed tan filling. Olivia is our resident swirling expert and makes sure we don't go too crazy
- Our cheesecake needs its beauty rest! Cover the pan and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This overnight chill is the secret to getting clean, perfect slices when you serve it. The anticipation is half the fun
- The final touch! Just before serving, whisk together the [powdered sugar], [heavy cream], [vanilla extract], and a pinch of [cinnamon] until it's smooth and pourable. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it clean, and make your first slice. Drizzle each slice with our delicious glaze and watch everyone's eyes light up! Don't forget to save a little extra glaze for a final drizzle on your own slice, just like Olivia taught me
Nutrition
Notes
- No-Bake is Key: This recipe is designed to be no-bake. For a baked version, add 3 large eggs to the cream cheese mixture and bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes.
- Perfect Slices: For those bakery-perfect slices, warm your knife under hot water and wipe it clean before each cut. It makes a world of difference!
- Make-Ahead Magic: This cheesecake is perfect for entertaining because it needs to be made at least 8 hours ahead of time. It's one less thing to worry about on a busy day!
- Storage: Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get even better after a day or two!
- Additions: Feel free to sprinkle chopped pecans on top with the glaze for extra crunch, or layer a few baked, chopped cinnamon rolls into the filling for a chewier texture!
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