Sugar: Sweetens and balances the rich cream cheese base.
Corn Starch: Ensures perfect smooth consistency and prevents cracking.
Eggs, Egg Yolk: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the filling together.
Vanilla: Adds depth and warm aromatic undertones to the cheesecake.
Heavy Cream: Introduces luxurious creaminess and soft texture.
For Cinnamon Swirl:
Butter: Creates glossy, rich base for the swirl mixture.
Dark Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness with complex caramel notes.
Cinnamon: Introduces warming, spicy ribbon throughout the cheesecake.
What You’ll Need For Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake
Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese, sugar, and creating smooth, creamy cheesecake batter.
9-inch Springform Pan: Essential for easy cake removal and clean slices.
Aluminum Foil: Helps line the pan and prevents water from seeping into the crust during baking.
Large Baking Dish or Roasting Pan: Used for creating a water bath during baking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
Rubber Spatula: Great for scraping bowl sides and gentle mixing.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing crust, batter, and cinnamon filling.
Whisk: Helpful for combining ingredients smoothly.
Sharp Knife: Useful for clean cutting after chilling.
Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake Step-by-Step
Cracker Foundation Cozy base that sets the stage for deliciousness. Crush graham crackers into fine sandy texture, blend with melted butter and warm cinnamon. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan, creating a solid and inviting crust.
Creamy Cheesecake Heart Silky smooth mixture that becomes the soul of the dessert. Blend cream cheese until incredibly soft, incorporate eggs gently, and fold in vanilla for depth of flavor. Mixture should feel luxurious and light.
Cinnamon Ribbon Magic Swirling element that brings dramatic flair to the dessert. Create a rich mixture of butter, brown sugar, and fragrant cinnamon. Alternate layers of cheesecake and cinnamon filling, using a knife to create beautiful marble patterns.
Gentle Baking Technique Careful cooking process that ensures perfect texture. Place cheesecake in warm water bath, bake at moderate temperature. Allow slow cooling in oven, then complete cooling on counter before chilling in refrigerator.
Finishing Touch Resting period that develops complex flavors. Refrigerate for several hours, allowing cheesecake to set and develop rich, creamy consistency. Serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.
Flavor Add-Ins For Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake
Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when slicing the cheesecake.
Use a thin knife or toothpick to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing the cinnamon filling into the cheesecake batter.
Wrap the springform pan in double layers of aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the delicate cheesecake during baking.
Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to prevent cracking – first in the oven, then at room temperature, and finally in the refrigerator.
Experiment by adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or replacing some cinnamon with cardamom for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
How To Serve Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake
Savor Alongside Suggestions
Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, cool contrast to the warm cinnamon notes.
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice to enhance the decadent sweetness and add a luxurious touch.
Garnish with fresh whipped cream and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon to elevate the visual appeal and add a delicate flavor accent.
Serve chilled with a steaming cup of chai tea or strong espresso to complement the rich, spiced cheesecake profile.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 381 kcal
Servings: 13
Keep Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake Fresh
Protect Your Delightful Dessert: Smart Storage Solutions
Refrigerate Wisely: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it sealed in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The tight covering prevents moisture loss and keeps the texture creamy.
Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Thaw Gently: Move frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator 24 hours before serving. Slow thawing prevents condensation and maintains the delicate swirl patterns.
Serve at Perfect Temperature: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This slight warming enhances the flavors and creates a luxuriously smooth texture.
Rich cinnamon swirl cheesecake delight combines creamy textures with warm spices for an irresistible dessert. Classic New York style meets sweet cinnamon layers, promising pure comfort when you slice into this heavenly treat.
Ingredients
Scale
31 oz (879 g) cream cheese
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 stick (113 g) butter
1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (220 g) dark brown sugar
½ cup (100 g) sugar
2 tbsps (25 g) light brown sugar
3 tbsps corn starch
1 ½ tsps cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, blending with melted butter, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and brown sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand.
Pan Setup: Line a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil, pressing the crumb mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a solid foundation.
Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese until silky, gradually incorporating granulated sugar, cornstarch, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to form a luxurious, lump-free batter.
Cinnamon Swirl Creation: Combine melted butter, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until glossy, creating a rich, aromatic filling.
Layering Technique: Pour one-third of the cheesecake batter into the crust, strategically dotting with cinnamon filling and creating gentle swirls using a knife. Repeat layering, finishing with an artistic cinnamon marbling on top.
Baking Process: Place the cheesecake in a larger pan filled with hot water, then bake at 325°F (163°C) for 40-45 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly.
Cooling Method: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour. Remove and let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
Crumb Precision: Process graham crackers thoroughly to avoid large chunks that disrupt the smooth cheesecake texture.
Butter Melting Technique: Melt butter gently to prevent burning, ensuring a uniform binding agent for the crust.
Egg Incorporation Strategy: Add eggs individually and mix completely to prevent lumpy batter and maintain a silky, consistent cheesecake base.
Temperature Control Mastery: Use water bath and controlled cooling to prevent surface cracking and guarantee a creamy, professional-quality cheesecake.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.