If you love that warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon rolls but want a fun and easy twist, you’re going to adore this Mini No Bake Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe. Imagine a crispy cinnamon-spiced crust combined with creamy, smooth cheesecake filling, all topped with a luscious cinnamon icing swirl. These bite-sized delights are perfect whenever you crave something sweet and cozy without turning on the oven. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become an instant favorite for year-round snacking or entertaining your friends and family with a unique crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential to achieving the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness in every mini cheesecake. Each one adds a special touch, whether it’s the leading creamy base, the crispy cinnamon crust, or the melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon topping.
- 1 & ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (200g): Provides a buttery, crunchy base with just the right amount of cinnamon spice.
- ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar (50g): Adds sweetness and molasses depth to both crust and filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these cheesecakes their signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled (100g): Binds the crust together and adds richness.
- 12oz full fat cream cheese, room temperature (340g): The creamy heart of the cheesecake that delivers smoothness and tang.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- 1 & ½ tablespoons plain yogurt, room temperature: Adds a subtle tang and makes the texture luxuriously smooth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and complements the cream cheese.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Lends a gentle sweetness and depth to the filling.
- ¾ cup cold heavy whipping cream (180mL): Whipped in for fluffy, airy texture and decadence.
- For the cinnamon swirl topping: 4oz full fat cream cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon—all whipped together for a sweet, spicy, and buttery finish.
How to Make Mini No Bake Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Spiced Crust
Start by lining a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners to keep these adorable mini cheesecakes neat and easy to serve. Combine your graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir everything until the crumbs are moistened and fragrant. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a sturdy, crunchy base that will hold up beautifully to the creamy filling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and brown sugar until perfectly smooth and creamy. Add in salt, yogurt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until everything is united into a luscious, fragrant filling. Slowly pour the cold heavy cream into the mixture while beating on low to prevent clumping. Then whip on high until the filling is thick, airy, and holds gentle peaks. This silky filling is the essence of your cheesecake’s irresistible texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Mini Cheesecakes
Divide the cheesecake filling evenly over your prepared crusts. Using a piping bag is a great way to do this cleanly and quickly, but you can also use spoons if that’s what you have handy. Smooth out the tops just a bit with a spatula or spoon; they don’t need to be perfect because the cinnamon swirl topping will finish them off gorgeously.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Topping
Whip together the cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture. Transfer it to a piping bag and delicately swirl the topping on each mini cheesecake. The combination of sweet cinnamon swirl over the creamy filling and crunchy crust is a dream come true.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place the cheesecakes in the fridge for at least 3 hours—or better yet, overnight—to ensure they set perfectly. For easy removal of the paper liners without disturbing the delicate texture, pop them in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes just before unwrapping. This little trick is a game changer when serving these beauties!
How to Serve Mini No Bake Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your mini cheesecakes with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Freshly chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch that complements the creamy filling. If you want to add a little extra flair, a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup makes these even more festive and indulgent.
Side Dishes
These mini cheesecakes are perfect as a dessert all on their own but pairing them with freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai latte elevates the experience. A bowl of fresh berries or a light citrus salad provides a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the cinnamon roll-inspired treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these mini delights on a pretty tiered dessert stand for a brunch or party centerpiece, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with scattered cinnamon sticks and star anise for a cozy vibe. Wrapping each one with a narrow ribbon or placing them in small decorative boxes makes for adorable gifts that everyone will rave about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mini no bake cinnamon roll cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the crust crisp enough and the filling fresh without losing its creamy texture. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze these cheesecakes for longer storage by placing them on a tray to freeze individually first. Once firm, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain that perfect no bake texture.
Reheating
Since these are no bake cheesecakes, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and texture. If you want to warm your drink alongside, pair with something hot like tea or coffee instead!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of crumb for the crust?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crumbs are classic, you can also try digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed cinnamon cereal for a unique texture and flavor. Just keep the proportions and cinnamon seasoning similar for best results.
Is it necessary to use heavy whipping cream?
Yes, heavy whipping cream is key to achieving that light, airy, whipped texture that makes the filling so decadent and soft. Using something lighter, like half and half, won’t whip up the same way and could make the filling less stable.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free graham cracker or cookie crumb alternative. Just watch that the cinnamon and sugar are balanced to keep the crust delicious.
What’s the best way to remove the paper liners?
To avoid damaging the delicate cheesecakes, place them in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before peeling off the liners. This slightly firms up the filling and keeps everything intact.
How long do these cheesecakes need to chill?
For best texture and flavor, chill the mini no bake cinnamon roll cheesecakes for at least 3 hours. Leaving them overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheesecake to fully set.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a cinnamon roll flavor transformed into a smooth, creamy cheesecake that requires zero baking. This Mini No Bake Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe is one of those recipes you’ll want to bookmark, share, and keep coming back to whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite sweet treat!
PrintMini No Bake Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe
These Mini No Bake Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes deliver a burst of cinnamon flavor in every bite with a crunchy cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust, creamy smooth cheesecake filling, and a luscious cinnamon swirl topping. Perfectly portioned in mini sizes, they’re an effortless, no-bake treat that satisfies cinnamon roll cravings any time of year.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 & ½ cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (50g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 7 tablespoons (100g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the filling:
- 12oz (340g) block full fat cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 & ½ tablespoons plain yogurt, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup (180mL) cold heavy whipping cream
For the cinnamon swirl topping:
- 4oz (115g) full fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the crust: Line a 12-count muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until moistened and thoroughly mixed. Evenly distribute the crust mixture into each cupcake liner, packing it tightly at the bottom using the bottom of a cup or your fingers. Place the crust-filled pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and brown sugar using an electric mixer with paddle attachment until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl, then add salt, yogurt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until fully combined and smooth. With the mixer on low speed, gradually pour in the cold heavy cream in a thin stream to avoid clumping. Pause halfway to scrape the bowl, then add the remaining cream. Once incorporated, whip on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens and leaves ripples. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops slightly with a spatula.
- Make the cinnamon swirl topping: In a medium bowl, whip together cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with a small cut at the tip. Pipe decorative swirls onto each cheesecake.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecakes for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results. Before serving, optionally place cheesecakes in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm the surface and make peeling the liners easier without damaging the shape. Serve chilled and enjoy your no bake cinnamon roll cheesecakes!
Notes
- Use full fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Allow cream cheese and yogurt to come to room temperature to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- Pour heavy cream slowly into the batter on low speed to prevent curdling.
- Piping the filling and topping creates a neater presentation but spoons or scoops also work fine.
- Chilling times are crucial to set the no bake cheesecake properly—do not skip refrigeration.
- For easier liner removal, briefly freeze the cheesecakes before unwrapping.
