Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe

I’ve often found myself torn between baking a comforting cinnamon roll and a creamy cheesecake for family dessert night.

But why choose when you can have both? This cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe delivers golden, spiced sweetness layered with rich, velvety cheesecake, offering the ultimate easy dessert for any family dinner.

The aroma alone, with hints of cinnamon and honey, promises pure comfort. It’s a fantastic solution for those busy weeks when I want a show-stopping, stress-free dessert that’s also family-friendly.

This amazing cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe brings together two beloved treats into one irresistible, easy-to-make dish, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Ingredient Roles & Measured List

Crafting our delightful cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe starts with understanding each ingredient’s role in creating this ultimate fusion dessert. Quality ingredients elevate this family-friendly treat to something truly special.

• For the Cinnamon Roll Base:
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) warm full-fat milk: Activates yeast.
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: For fluffy dough.
• 40 g (3 tablespoons) granulated sugar, divided: Feeds yeast, sweetens dough.
• 300 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour: Dough structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances flavors.
• 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to dough.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Enriches dough, aids binding.
• For the Cardamom-Cinnamon Filling:
• 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Binds spices for spread.
• 100 g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar, packed: Deep, molasses-rich sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Classic warm spice.
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom: Fragrant, elevated twist.
• For the Cheesecake Layer:
• 680 g (24 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened: Rich, creamy cheesecake base (ensure microbial rennet used).
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake.
• 2 large eggs: Provides structure, helps set.
• 120 g (1/2 cup) full-fat sour cream: Adds tang, moisture, prevents cracks (or full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer tang).
• 1 tablespoon alcohol-free vanilla extract: Enhances sweet flavors (or vanilla bean paste for more intense flavor).
• For the Honey Glaze:
• 180 g (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar, sifted: For a smooth, pourable glaze.
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) full-fat milk: Thins glaze to perfect consistency.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Adds shine and honeybun flavor.
• For the Pistachio Crumble (Twist & Garnish):
• 50 g (1/2 cup) shelled unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped, divided: Adds crunch, color, nutty flavor.
• 30 g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour: Binds crumble, creates texture.
• 30 g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumble.
• 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cold and diced: Creates crisp, buttery crumbs.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom: Complements filling with spice.

For healthier eating, consider organic cream cheese or farm-fresh eggs. To cater to dietary needs, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dough, or reduce powdered sugar for a lower-sugar glaze. Fresh, quality cream cheese and real vanilla extract make a huge difference. Good Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon adds extra warmth and depth. Culinary entities here include cream cheese, vanilla extract, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cardamom, pistachios, and powdered sugar.

Prep & Cook — Clear Steps with Cues

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough (10-15 minutes active, 1-1.5 hours rise): Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar in a large bowl. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy; it should smell yeasty and active. Whisk flour, remaining sugar, and salt in another bowl. Add softened butter and beaten egg to yeast mixture, then gradually mix in dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled and puffy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, your milk might not have been warm enough (or too hot), or your yeast is old. Start fresh.
2. Form the Rolls (15-20 minutes): Lightly grease a 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan; this 9-inch pan will hold your delicious cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe perfectly. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 30×40 cm (12×16 inch) rectangle. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom for the filling until smooth and spreadable. Spread evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Tightly roll up the dough. Slice into 10-12 equal pieces (approx. 3-4 cm / 1.5 inches thick); the swirls should be visible. Arrange rolls in a single layer in the prepared pan.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer (15 minutes): Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; there should be no lumps. For the best bake, I always make sure my cream cheese is really softened; sometimes I’ll even pop it near the warm oven for a few minutes to ensure it beats up perfectly smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl. Mix in sour cream and alcohol-free vanilla extract until just combined. The batter should be thick and glossy.
4. Bake the Cheesecake (55-65 minutes bake, 1 hour in-oven cool, 4+ hours chill): Pour cheesecake batter evenly over the arranged cinnamon rolls in the springform pan. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips; I always use a standard metal sheet pan for this. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles only slightly. The top should appear lightly golden. Turn off oven, prop door open slightly, and let cool in oven for 1 hour. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before glazing.
5. Make the Pistachio Crumble (15-20 minutes): While the cheesecake cools, prepare the crumble. In a small bowl, combine 30g (1/4 cup) pistachios, flour, granulated sugar, diced cold butter, and 1/4 tsp cardamom. Rub with fingertips until coarse crumbs form, resembling wet sand. Spread on a small baking sheet and bake alongside the cheesecake for 10-12 minutes at 175°C (350°F), or until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool completely; it will crisp up as it cools.
6. Prepare the Honey Glaze (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, milk, and honey until smooth and pourable. The glaze should drizzle easily from a spoon. If too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
7. Assemble and Garnish (10 minutes): Once thoroughly chilled, run a thin knife around the pan edge before releasing the springform collar. Drizzle the honey glaze generously over the cheesecake. Sprinkle the cooled pistachio crumble evenly. Reserve remaining 20g (1/4 cup) pistachios and sprinkle strategically, perhaps forming a border, to add visual interest to this delicious cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe. Serve chilled slices, allowing the golden-brown base, creamy white cheesecake, glossy glaze, and vibrant green pistachios to stand out.

Serving Ideas, Pairings & Leftover Transformations

Perfect for celebrations or make-ahead weeknight treats.

• Pairings: Whipped cream, ice cream, caramel. Enjoy with coffee, milk, or chai.
• Leftovers: Lunchbox squares, parfait layers. I freeze slices (plastic then foil) for cravings.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Fit for Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe

• This indulgent cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe fits a balanced diet with mindful portions.
• Ideal for family dinners; can be gluten-free. Customize glaze for lower sugar.

Time & Budget Snapshot

• Prep: 30 min (hands-on)
• Cook: 60-75 min
• Chill: 4-6 hrs (overnight best)
• Total: ~7 hrs

Cost: ~$2.00-$3.50/serving. Save using store-brand cream cheese, skipping pecans. Great make-ahead dessert.

Shopping Guide by Budget Tier

• Good: Conventional brands for cream cheese, crackers, sugar, offering great value.
• Better: High-quality dairy, organic vanilla, farm-fresh eggs, reputable cinnamon.
• Best: Organic, local, premium ingredients for luxury in your cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe.
• Sources: Local grocery, organic markets, online delivery.

Pro Tips, Flavor Paths & Safety Notes

• Technique: Use room temperature ingredients. I find a 9-inch springform pan in a water bath prevents cracking. Cool slowly.
• Flavor: Classic, extra spice, or smoked paprika in the swirl for adventure in your cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe.
• Allergy Swaps: Dairy-free cream cheese/sour cream. Nut-free graham crackers.

Refrigerate; consume within 5-7 days.

FAQs

Is cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe good for weight goals or weekly meal prep?

Small slices fit balanced diets. For lower sugar, reduce glaze powdered sugar by ¼ cup and use 1 tsp liquid stevia. Excellent for make-ahead meal prep.

Healthiest substitute for cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe?

Try a cinnamon-spiced yogurt parfait with honey and toasted oats. A ‘lightened-up’ baked apple with cinnamon oat crumble also offers a similar flavor profile.

Where to buy cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe online or via grocery delivery?

Ingredients are widely available. However, finding a pre-made cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe online is rare; it’s truly best when made fresh at home.

How long does cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe keep and how to reheat for best texture?

It keeps 5-7 days refrigerated, tightly covered. Cheesecakes are served chilled and do not require reheating. Great for easy meal prep during the week.

Can I make this cheesecake in a different size pan?

Yes, use an 8-inch pan (bake time may increase) or muffin tins for mini cheesecakes (bake time decreases significantly). I often use silicone muffin liners for easy release.

How do I know when my cheesecake is fully baked?

Edges should be set, but the center (2-3 inches) should still have a slight jiggle. Don’t overbake! It continues to set as it cools, achieving that perfect creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This amazing cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake recipe brings family-friendly comfort and convenience to your table! Print or pin this recipe for easy meals, add ingredients to your list, and create sweet family memories!

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