Dreamy Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe

As a baker, I’m always looking to craft recipes that bring warmth, nostalgia, and just the right balance of indulgence. This Dreamy Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake is exactly that. I created this dessert out of a love for the rich, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll and the smooth, decadent texture of cheesecake. One day, I was experimenting in the kitchen and layered a cinnamon-spiced honeybun swirl into a creamy cheesecake base—and it turned out to be one of the most requested treats by my customers, friends, and family.

It’s the kind of dessert that makes people pause after the first bite. The soft cinnamon roll layer melts into the velvety cheesecake, all drizzled with a luscious glaze that completes the experience. The aroma while it bakes alone will fill your home with that cozy, bakery-style scent. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just craving something special, this recipe never disappoints.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This cheesecake is a dreamy blend of textures and flavors that feels like a cross between two comfort classics: cinnamon rolls and cheesecake. It’s sweet but not overwhelming, warm with cinnamon spice, and smooth as silk in every bite. It’s not your ordinary cheesecake—it’s layered, flavorful, and made to impress.

Versatile

What makes this recipe shine is how easily it fits into any occasion. Serve it for brunch gatherings, special birthdays, cozy Sunday mornings, or even at holiday tables. You can top it with nuts, drizzle it with caramel, or serve it chilled with whipped cream. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting, you’ll love how this base recipe allows for so many variations.

Affordable

This cheesecake is made from simple pantry and fridge ingredients that most bakers already have on hand. Nothing fancy, no complicated techniques—just real, affordable ingredients put together to create something truly memorable. Instead of buying an expensive bakery-style dessert, you can whip this up yourself with minimal cost and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for the Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dreamy dessert to life:

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon

• Brown sugar

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Milk

• Unsalted butter (melted)

• Honey

• Powdered sugar

• A pinch of salt

These ingredients come together to create a rich, spiced batter layered with cheesecake filling and finished with a honey glaze. The combination is simply irresistible.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making this Dreamy Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake might sound complex, but it’s surprisingly simple. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll transform everyday ingredients into a decadent dessert. This recipe blends the soft, cinnamon-laced taste of a honeybun with the creamy richness of cheesecake—all baked together in one glorious pan.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning, this recipe is easy to follow, requires no fancy tools, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Roll Base
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup milk, 1 large egg, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, beat 450g (16 oz) of softened cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add in 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix again until the filling is fully combined and silky.
Carefully pour this cheesecake mixture over the cinnamon roll base in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Honeybun Swirl
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 2 tbsp honey.
Use a spoon to drop dollops of the mixture across the surface of the cheesecake.
Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the honeybun mixture into the cheesecake layer for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) before slicing.

Step 6: Glaze It Up
Once fully chilled, mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk or cream to create a simple glaze.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cheesecake just before serving. You can also warm it slightly if you prefer a soft-set glaze.

Quick and Easy

This cheesecake doesn’t require a water bath or complex baking techniques. It comes together in about 20 minutes of prep time and bakes in under an hour. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill before diving in!

You don’t need to be a pastry chef to achieve perfect results. With clear steps and minimal cleanup, it’s ideal even for busy weekdays or last-minute guests.

Customizable

You can personalize this recipe in so many delicious ways. Try using turkey bacon bits for a sweet-and-savory twist. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for a bit of crunch. Swap out the honey for maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand. You can even turn the base into a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend.

For a fall-inspired version, add a pinch of nutmeg and a spoonful of pumpkin purée to the cheesecake filling. For summer, mix in diced fresh peaches or drizzle with a fruit compote on top.

Popular with Many People

This dessert has become a favorite among my bakery customers and friends. It combines the comfort of a cinnamon breakfast treat with the elegance of cheesecake. Children love the sweet swirl and drizzle, while adults appreciate the creamy texture and depth of flavor.

Whether served at potlucks, family dinners, bake sales, or birthdays, it always disappears fast. It’s one of those recipes that gets asked for again and again, and once people try it, they often request a copy to bake themselves.

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FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. This cheesecake actually tastes better when made a day ahead. The flavors have time to develop, and the texture becomes firmer. Just store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Add the glaze after thawing to keep it fresh and smooth.

What’s the best way to swirl the honeybun mixture?
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-honey mix through the cheesecake layer. Don’t overdo it—gentle swirls create the best marbled effect without blending the layers too much.

Can I make it without the glaze?
Of course. The glaze adds a final touch of sweetness, but the cheesecake is just as delicious without it. You can also replace it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light cream cheese frosting.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a round springform pan?
Yes, a springform pan works well for this recipe. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may need an extra 5–10 minutes depending on your oven and pan depth.