Indulging in a slice of Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake is like wrapping yourself in a warm, fluffy blanket on a crisp autumn day. The rich, creamy filling swirls with tantalizing notes of cinnamon and sugar, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your tongue. Churro Cheesecake Cookies Each bite is a delightful contrast between the smooth cheesecake and the crumbly crust, making it nearly impossible to resist going back for seconds—or thirds. Cranberry Orange Cookies.
Picture this: it’s a chilly Sunday afternoon, and you decide to whip up this decadent dessert while sipping on spiced cider. The aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen, instantly transporting you to a cozy café where the baristas are serving up pumpkin spice lattes. As friends gather around the table, anticipation builds for that first taste of your homemade masterpiece. Trust me; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake combines ease with gourmet flavors, making it perfect for any occasion
- The visual appeal of swirling cinnamon creates an eye-catching centerpiece for gatherings
- It boasts versatility, allowing you to serve it at casual get-togethers or fancy dinner parties
- Plus, the flavors deepen overnight, ensuring leftovers taste just as divine
I vividly remember the first time I made this cheesecake; my family couldn’t stop raving about how incredible it tasted!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta recipe.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Opt for finely crushed crumbs for a smooth crust that holds together nicely.
- Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter to bind the crust ingredients and add richness.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the tanginess of the cream cheese beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture; beat until smooth before using.
- Sour Cream: Adds depth and tanginess; choose full-fat for optimal flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile; avoid imitation for best results.
- Cinnamon: Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more aromatic and flavorful experience.
- Eggs: Ensure eggs are at room temperature before mixing for better incorporation into the batter.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar not only sweetens but adds a lovely caramel note to the cheesecake swirl.
- Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts can be added to the crust for extra crunch and flavor if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar until crumbly yet cohesive. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sour cream and vanilla extract while mixing until well combined without lumps.
Add Eggs: One by one, beat in each egg until just incorporated; avoid overmixing as this can lead to cracks during baking.
Create Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In another small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Gently fold half of this mixture into your cheesecake batter until just swirled—do not fully blend.
Bake Your Cheesecake: Pour batter over prepared crust. Bake in preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes or until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
Cool Down: Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside with door ajar for an hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks from forming. Chill in refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serve slices drizzled with caramel sauce or accompanied by fresh fruit to elevate your dessert game even further! Enjoy every creamy bite of this irresistible Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake! Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake. Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa.
You Must Know
- The secret to a perfect Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake lies in the balance of creaminess and spice
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending and a velvety texture
- The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare the crust while mixing the filling, ensuring everything flows smoothly. Bake the cheesecake until just set, which will help avoid cracks.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Add chocolate chips or nuts if you want to jazz it up a bit. You can also experiment with different spices alongside the cinnamon.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in the oven at a low temperature to prevent dryness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always sift your dry ingredients together before mixing to ensure even distribution, especially cinnamon
- Also, use a water bath while baking for better texture
- This helps prevent cracking and yields a creamier cheesecake
- Lastly, let it cool completely before slicing; patience pays off!
It was my cousin’s birthday when I first made this Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake. The look on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite was priceless—like I had just handed them a slice of heaven!

FAQ
Can I make Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s best when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to deepen.
What type of cream cheese should I use?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
How can I avoid cracks on my cheesecake?
Bake it slowly in a water bath and avoid overmixing the batter.
Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake is a heavenly dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar. Each bite features a delightful swirl that adds both visual appeal and an irresistible taste. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this cheesecake is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream, full-fat
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sour cream and vanilla until well combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, avoiding overmixing.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon; fold half into the batter.
- Pour batter over crust; bake for 55-60 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an hour to cool gradually. Chill overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added texture, mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter. Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavor twists.