20/06/2026
🍰 Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake 🌀
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full cracker sheets)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 ounces cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Generously grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For easier removal, you can also cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan.
Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture is evenly moistened and resembles wet sand. Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared springform pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crumbs firmly. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and set it aside on a wire rack to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a large bowl and a hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until it is completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the 1 cup of granulated sugar, the sour cream, the vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is well combined and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl again.
Add the Eggs
Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until the yolk disappears into the batter. It is crucial to mix on low and stop as soon as each egg is combined to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking. Scrape the bowl gently after the last egg is added.
Assemble and Create the Swirl
Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon until a thick paste forms. Transfer this swirl mixture to a small zip-top bag, seal it, and snip off a tiny corner. Pipe the mixture in a spiral pattern over the top of the filling, starting from the center and working outwards. Alternatively, you can drop spoonfuls of the mixture across the surface. Using a skewer or a thin knife, gently drag it through the piped lines in a back-and-forth motion to create a marbled, swirling effect. Do not over-swirl, or the pattern will become muddy.
Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and puffed, but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan—it should wobble like gelatin, not slosh like liquid. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open about 4 inches (using a wooden spoon to hold it ajar), and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks on the surface.
Chill the Cheesecake
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature, about 1 more hour. Once cooled, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight (8 hours or more). Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to set to the proper dense, creamy texture.
Prepare the Glaze and Serve
Just before serving, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan. Run a thin, sharp knife around the edge to loosen it, then release the latch. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife, running it under hot water and wiping it dry between cuts. Serve the cheesecake chilled.