Heavenly Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

Sweet Bite-Sized Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

These delectable miniature cinnamon roll cheesecakes bring a delightful twist to classic dessert favorites.

Creamy cheesecake meets the warm, swirling comfort of cinnamon rolls in one irresistible bite-sized treat.

The rich, velvety filling nestles perfectly atop a buttery graham cracker crust.

Swirls of cinnamon dance through each mini cheesecake, creating a mesmerizing marbled effect that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Compact yet indulgent, these little delights pack a serious flavor punch that will make any gathering feel special.

The delicate balance of smooth cream cheese and spicy cinnamon creates a harmony that’s simply impossible to resist.

Dive into this decadent recipe and treat yourself to a miniature dessert that promises big, bold flavors in every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20-22 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

For Crust:
  • Graham Crackers: Provides a crisp, sweet base that complements the creamy cheesecake with a classic cookie texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps bind the crust ingredients together with a rich caramel-like sweetness.
  • Butter: Creates a moist, cohesive crust that holds its shape and adds rich flavor.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that creates the smooth, luxurious texture of the cheesecake.
  • White Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
  • Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevents cracking.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the cheesecake filling.
For Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
  • Butter: Softens the mixture and adds rich, creamy texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness with a caramel undertone.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the swirl mixture.
  • Cinnamon: Delivers a warm, spicy flavor that's quintessential to classic cinnamon rolls.
For Cream Cheese Topping:
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides smooth sweetness and helps create the right frosting consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a creamy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a subtle, aromatic sweetness to the topping.
  • Cream Cheese: Gives the topping a tangy, smooth base.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps adjust the consistency of the frosting for the perfect drizzle.

Tools to Build Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

  • Food Processor: Perfect for grinding graham crackers into fine, even crumbs.
  • Muffin Tin: Essential for creating individual miniature cheesecakes.
  • Muffin Liners: Helps with easy removal and clean presentation.
  • Medium Mixing Bowls: Two needed for cheesecake and cream cheese topping preparation.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Helps blend cream cheese and ingredients smoothly.
  • Tablespoon or Small Cap: Used for pressing down graham cracker crust.
  • Toothpick: Key for creating beautiful cinnamon sugar swirls.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape and mix ingredients thoroughly.

Steps to Make Mini Cinnamon Cheesecakes at Home

Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake Bites

  • Crust Foundation

A delightful graham cracker base forms the perfect platform for these mini desserts. Crush crackers into fine particles and blend with brown sugar and melted butter, creating a buttery, crumbly foundation.

  • Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Blend room temperature cream cheese with white sugar until silky smooth. Gently incorporate vanilla, flour, and a lightly beaten egg, ensuring a velvety texture without overmixing.

  • Cinnamon Magic

Create a luscious cinnamon mixture by combining softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon into a rich, aromatic paste. This swirl will transform ordinary cheesecakes into extraordinary treats.

  • Layering and Swirling

Carefully spoon cheesecake batter into muffin liners, alternating with delicate dollops of cinnamon mixture. Use a toothpick to create mesmerizing swirls, blending flavors and textures.

  • Baking Perfection

Bake until edges turn golden and centers maintain a gentle wobble. Allow the miniature delights to cool gradually, letting flavors meld and settle.

  • Dreamy Topping

Whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla into a cloud-like frosting. Generously crown each cheesecake bite with this decadent finishing touch.

  • Chill and Savor

Refrigerate for a few hours, allowing the cheesecakes to set and flavors to intensify. Serve chilled and watch eyes light up with pure delight.

Flavor Tips for That Signature Cinnamon Swirl

  • Swap graham crackers for crushed gingersnaps or shortbread cookies to add unexpected flavor depth and unique texture to your miniature cheesecakes.
  • Create intricate marble patterns by using a thin skewer or toothpick to draw delicate spirals through the cinnamon-sugar layer, transforming each cheesecake into a mini work of art.
  • Allow cream cheese and eggs to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother, lump-free batter and more consistent baking results.
  • Experiment with alternative toppings like caramel drizzle, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the classic cinnamon roll cheesecake flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
  • Keep these miniature cheesecakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze individual cheesecakes wrapped separately for up to 3 weeks for quick dessert emergencies.

How to Serve Mini Cheesecakes for Dessert

  • Dessert Companions
  • Fresh Fruit Garnish: Brighten the rich cheesecakes with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Their tart sweetness perfectly complements the creamy cinnamon rolls.
  • Coffee Pairing: Serve these miniature cheesecakes alongside a warm espresso or cappuccino. The coffee's bold flavors enhance the delicate cinnamon and cream cheese notes.
  • Afternoon Tea Presentation: Create an elegant dessert platter by arranging the cheesecakes with delicate tea cups and small pastry forks. This setup transforms the treat into a sophisticated mini-dessert experience.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Position these bite-sized delights as a stunning centerpiece during weekend brunch gatherings. Their miniature size makes them perfect for sharing and sampling among friends and family.

Storing Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

  • Chill & Savor Strategy: Refrigerate these delightful miniature cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Quick Freezer Rescue: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before serving. Keep the cream cheese topping separate and add just before presenting to maintain optimal texture and taste.
  • Portion Control Trick: Store cheesecakes with small sheets of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking and make grab-and-go moments super easy for quick dessert enjoyments.
Print
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Heavenly Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

Heavenly Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Miniature cinnamon roll cheesecakes blend classic dessert favorites into one irresistible treat. Creamy cheesecake layers nestled between sweet cinnamon swirls promise delightful indulgence that satisfies all dessert cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup butter (unsalted or salted), softened (not melted)
  • 4 full sheets of graham crackers
  • 2 tbsps butter (unsalted or salted), melted
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsps white flour
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp white flour
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 oz (57 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsps butter, at room temperature
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 11.5 tbsps heavy cream or whole milk (only if needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm oven to 350°F and arrange muffin tin with 9 liners, strategically filling half the empty spaces with water for consistent heat distribution. Lightly mist liners with non-stick spray.
  2. Crust Formation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine granules, blending with brown sugar and melted butter until cohesively integrated. Firmly press the mixture into each liner’s base using a tablespoon’s back.
  3. Cheesecake Base: Whisk cream cheese and white sugar until velvety smooth, then gently fold in vanilla extract, flour, and egg, stirring minimally to maintain a delicate texture.
  4. Cinnamon Swirl Creation: Craft a rich cinnamon-sugar paste by thoroughly mixing softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon into a thick, uniform consistency.
  5. Layering and Marbling: Delicately deposit a tablespoon of cheesecake filling into each cup, topping with a half teaspoon of cinnamon-sugar swirl. Artfully intertwine the mixtures using a toothpick to generate a mesmerizing marbled effect.
  6. Final Assembly and Baking: Complete the layers with remaining cheesecake filling, generously dust with residual cinnamon-sugar mixture, and perform a second swirling technique. Bake for 20-22 minutes, monitoring for a slightly trembling center and gently bronzed edges.
  7. Cooling and Chilling: Rest miniature cheesecakes at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to set completely.
  8. Frosting Finesse: Whip cream cheese frosting by blending powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cream cheese until silky. Adjust consistency with heavy cream if necessary.
  9. Garnishing: Once thoroughly chilled, lavish each miniature cheesecake with cream cheese frosting, optionally embellishing with an extra decadent drizzle.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir cheesecake batter gently to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause cracking and uneven texture.
  • Master Swirling Technique: Use a toothpick to create delicate marbled patterns, ensuring even distribution of cinnamon-sugar mixture throughout the cheesecake.
  • Water Bath Hack: Adding water to empty muffin tin spaces helps maintain consistent oven temperature and prevents cheesecakes from drying out.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow cheesecakes to set completely, enhancing flavor and achieving the perfect creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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