If you’re a fan of honeybuns and creamy cheesecake, this Honeybun Cinnamon Cheesecake delivers the best of both worlds in one irresistible bite. With a buttery graham cracker crust, rich cinnamon sugar swirl, and velvety cheesecake filling, this dessert is a guaranteed showstopper at any gathering.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Combines the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon honeybuns with classic cheesecake
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Rich, creamy texture with a spiced swirl throughout
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No water bath needed – beginner-friendly and bake-stable
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Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and weekend baking
Ingredients Breakdown:
Crust:
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Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 ½ cups): Base for the crust, offering a sweet, crunchy texture.
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Sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness to the crust.
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Butter, Melted (½ cup): Binds the crumbs and gives richness and flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl:
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Butter, Melted (¼ cup): Creates a smooth, pourable texture for the swirl.
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Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
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Cinnamon (1 tbsp): The warm spice that mimics the classic honeybun flavor.
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Vanilla (1 tsp): Enhances and rounds out the cinnamon flavor.
Cheesecake Filling:
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Cream Cheese (16 oz): The rich and creamy base of the cheesecake.
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Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and balances the tang of the cream cheese.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds depth to the filling.
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Eggs (3): Provide structure and a smooth, custardy texture.
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Sour Cream (¼ cup): Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
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Flour (1 tbsp): Helps stabilize the filling and prevents cracking.
Topping:
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Powdered Sugar (1 tbsp): Sweet base for the drizzle.
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Milk (1 tbsp): Thins the powdered sugar to a glaze consistency.
Tips for Success
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Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter
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Swirl gently to avoid sinking the cinnamon to the bottom
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Let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent cracking
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Line the pan with parchment paper if you want clean slices
Customizations and Variations
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for crunch
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Use a gingersnap or cinnamon cookie crust for a spicier base
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Add a splash of maple extract to the glaze for a unique twist
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Top with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a more decadent finish
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with coffee or a chai latte for a cozy dessert
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Serve chilled with a dusting of cinnamon
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Top with caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months (without glaze). Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually better the next day. Prepare up to 48 hours in advance.
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Can I use store-bought crust?
You can, but homemade graham cracker crust adds better flavor and texture.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set, and the center slightly jiggly—like gelatin, not liquid.
PrintHoneybun Cinnamon Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
Honeybun Cinnamon Cheesecake – A decadent mashup of creamy cheesecake and spiced honeybun swirls, on a graham cracker crust. Topped with powdered sugar glaze—rich, gooey, and irresistible!
Ingredients
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 large eggs
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon powdered sugar
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1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
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In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
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Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, then allow to cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
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In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
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In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
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Beat in eggs one at a time.
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Add sour cream and flour, mixing just until incorporated—do not overmix.
4. Assemble and Swirl
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Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust.
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Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the top.
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Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon through the top layer of the filling.
5. Bake the Cheesecake
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Bake at 325°F for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
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Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) before removing from the pan.
6. Add the Glaze
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In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
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Drizzle over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
Notes
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This recipe works well as bars too—use a 9×13 pan and reduce bake time slightly
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For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar in the swirl
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Let the cheesecake come to room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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