This Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake is a dreamy fusion of three dessert classics: the fluffy comfort of cinnamon rolls, the gooey sweetness of honeybuns, and the creamy richness of cheesecake. I love how each bite delivers a swirl of cinnamon sugar, a smooth cheesecake center, and a soft, indulgent crust that melts in my mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I find this dessert to be the ultimate comfort bake. It’s perfect for special occasions, weekend treats, or whenever I’m craving something both nostalgic and indulgent. The layers bake together beautifully, creating a gooey, cinnamon-kissed cheesecake that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. I also love how versatile it is—ideal for breakfast or dessert!
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cream cheese
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Cinnamon
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Brown sugar
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Sour cream
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Milk
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Powdered sugar
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Store-bought or homemade cinnamon roll dough
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Butter
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Honey
directions
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I preheat my oven to 325°F and line a springform pan with parchment paper.
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I press the cinnamon roll dough into the bottom of the pan to form the crust, pinching seams if using pre-made rolls.
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For the cheesecake filling, I beat together cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. I add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
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I pour half the cheesecake filling over the crust.
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In a separate bowl, I mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then swirl half of it into the filling.
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I repeat the layers: remaining cheesecake mix, then cinnamon sugar swirl.
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I bake it for about 55–65 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
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Once out of the oven, I let it cool completely before chilling it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
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Before serving, I drizzle the top with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of honey.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10–12 servings. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake, with at least 4 hours of chilling time for best results.
Variations
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I sometimes swap the cinnamon roll crust for a graham cracker base if I want more crunch.
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Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl gives it extra texture.
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A dash of nutmeg or clove adds a warming, spiced depth.
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For a shortcut, I use store-bought cinnamon rolls instead of making dough from scratch.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds. It also freezes well—I wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
What kind of cinnamon roll dough works best?
I like using refrigerated store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade dough makes the flavor even richer if I have time.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely. I find it tastes even better after chilling overnight, so it’s perfect to prepare a day in advance.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
I always bake it in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the oven rack below to help keep the air moist and prevent cracking.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
I’ve tried it with low-fat cream cheese, but the texture isn’t quite as creamy. I recommend full-fat for the best results.
What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon sugar?
I use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl it through the cheesecake batter. I don’t overmix so I can see the lovely marbled effect.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that blends familiar flavors in a unique and irresistible way. Whether I’m treating myself or sharing with loved ones, it’s always a hit and one of my personal favorites to make when I want something sweet, rich, and totally satisfying.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes + 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake recipe is a decadent dessert mashup that combines the gooey sweetness of honeybuns, the soft spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls, and the creamy richness of classic cheesecake. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or indulgent dessert cravings, this cheesecake is layered with cinnamon sugar swirls and topped with a honey glaze for the ultimate sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package store-bought cinnamon roll dough (or homemade)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a springform pan with parchment paper.
- Press cinnamon roll dough into the bottom of the pan, sealing any seams.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the dough crust.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and swirl half into the batter.
- Repeat layers with remaining cheesecake batter and cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, until center is just set.
- Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and honey to create a glaze and drizzle over cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl.
- Nutmeg or clove can be added for deeper spice flavor.
- Use a water bath or steam pan in the oven to reduce cracking.
- Cheesecake slices can be frozen for later enjoyment.