Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Recipe for Dreamy Indulgence

Creamy dreams meet childhood nostalgia in this delectable cinnamon toast crunch cheesecake that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Sweet memories flood back with every decadent bite.

Crushed cereal creates a magical crust that crackles beneath smooth, rich cream cheese layers.

Unexpected flavor combinations spark pure joy in this dessert adventure.

Each slice promises a playful twist on classic cheesecake traditions.

Crunchy, sweet, and utterly irresistible, this treat beckons you to indulge without hesitation.

Roll up your sleeves and prepare for a dessert that defies ordinary expectations.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Recipe Inspiration

• Transform a classic breakfast favorite into a decadent dessert that brings instant joy and delightful memories of morning breakfasts.
• Requires minimal baking skills with straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers who want a showstopping dessert without complicated techniques.
• Combines the beloved cinnamon-sugar flavor of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with creamy cheesecake, creating an irresistible treat that appeals to kids and adults alike at parties, gatherings, or weekend family dinners.
• Easily adaptable with optional toppings like whipped cream or extra cereal pieces, allowing personal creativity and making each cheesecake unique to the baker's style.

Ingredients to Gather for Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Signature base with sweet cinnamon flavor and crunchy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust and adds rich, smooth consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps crust hold together.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base providing classic cheesecake texture, best at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling, balances cream cheese tang.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tangy flavor, creates smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet background note.
• Ground Cinnamon: Reinforces Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Large Eggs: Crucial for structure and binding, use fresh eggs at room temperature.

• Powdered Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates decorative and flavorful dusting.
• Whole Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pieces: Decorative garnish with added crunch.
• Whipped Cream: Optional creamy finishing touch.

Steps for Building Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake

Step 1: Create Crunchy Crust Foundation

• Crushed cereal
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Press this delicious mixture firmly into a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden, then let it cool and set the stage for cheesecake greatness.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Gently fold in eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to keep the filling luxuriously light.

Step 3: Bake Cheesecake to Perfection

Pour the dreamy filling over the cooled crust. Slide into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when edges look firm but center has a gentle wobble. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest for one hour to prevent cracking.

Step 4: Chill and Set the Masterpiece

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling works absolute wonders for flavor and texture.

Step 5: Add Spectacular Finishing Touches

Blend powdered sugar and cinnamon. Dust the top of your cheesecake with this magical mixture. For extra pizzazz, sprinkle whole Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces and add a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your decadent creation!

Tips for Crunchy and Creamy Cheesecake Layers

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Use melted butter generously and press the cereal mixture firmly into the pan to create a compact, stable base that won't fall apart when slicing.
• Control Cheesecake Texture: Mix eggs on low speed and just until incorporated to avoid introducing air bubbles that can cause cracking during baking.
• Master the Baking Technique: Keep the oven door slightly open after baking to help the cheesecake cool gradually, preventing sudden temperature changes that lead to surface cracks.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight, which helps the flavors meld and intensify, creating a more complex and delicious dessert.
• Customize Toppings Creatively: Experiment with additional garnishes like caramel drizzle, extra crushed cereal, or a light dusting of cinnamon to personalize your cheesecake presentation.

Storage Guidelines for Cheesecake with Cinnamon Toast Crunch

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Keep the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen cheesecake slices in the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore optimal taste and texture.

Cheesecake Pairing Ideas to Try

• Creamy, chilled milk perfectly balances the rich, sweet cheesecake, complementing the cinnamon flavors and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Warm, aromatic chai tea with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices creates a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the dessert's warmth.
• Smooth espresso with sweet caramel notes provides a luxurious drink companion, cutting through the cheesecake's richness while echoing its sweet, spicy undertones.
• Slightly warm, spiced apple cider brings out the cinnamon notes, offering a comforting and seasonal drinking experience alongside the decadent cheesecake.

Flavored Crust Variations for Cheesecake

Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular Cinnamon Toast Crunch with gluten-free cinnamon cereal and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

No-Bake Wonder: Skip the oven entirely by using a graham cracker crust and creating a chilled cheesecake filling with gelatin to help it set without baking.

Vegan Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer to create a plant-based version.

Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, incorporate sugar-free cereal, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic cinnamon flavor profile.

Most Helpful Cheesecake Recipe FAQs

• Why do I need to mix the crust ingredients until they resemble wet sand?

Mixing the Cinnamon Toast Crunch crumbs with melted butter until they look like wet sand helps create a compact, stable base that holds together when pressed into the pan. This ensures your cheesecake crust will be solid and won’t crumble when you slice it.

• What happens if I overmix the cheesecake batter?

Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, causing the cheesecake to rise during baking and then crack or sink when cooling. Always mix on low speed and stop as soon as ingredients are just combined to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

• Why should I let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked?

Gradual cooling prevents sudden temperature changes that cause cheesecake cracks. By leaving the oven door slightly open and letting the cheesecake cool slowly, you help it set evenly and maintain a beautiful, crack-free surface.

• Can I use a different type of cereal for the crust?

While Cinnamon Toast Crunch is recommended for its flavor, you could substitute with graham crackers or another sweet, crunchy cereal. Just keep the proportions of crumbs to butter the same.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy cinnamon toast crunch cheesecake delivers a nostalgic dessert paradise that blends childhood memories with sophisticated baking. Sweet crunchy layers and rich cream cheese create an irresistible treat you’ll want to savor slowly and share with friends.

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Ingredients

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Cheesecake Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 3 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Flavor and Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (whole pieces for garnish)
• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust foundation for the dessert by pulverizing Cinnamon Toast Crunch into fine crumbs, then amalgamate with melted butter and sugar until the mixture mimics damp terrain.
2. Gently press the cereal mixture into a springform pan’s base, creating a compact and uniform layer that will anchor the creamy filling.
3. Toast the crust in a preheated oven until it develops a light golden hue and releases a toasty aroma, then allow it to cool completely.
4. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip cream cheese until silky and luxurious, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, stirring until the mixture achieves a supremely smooth consistency.
6. Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a whisper of salt, blending with delicate strokes to maintain the filling’s airy texture.
7. Introduce eggs one at a time, gently folding to integrate without deflating the mixture’s delicate structure.
8. Cascade the velvety filling over the prepared crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate potential air pockets.
9. Slide the pan into the oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake until the perimeter sets yet the center retains a gentle wobble.
10. After baking, create a controlled cooling environment by leaving the oven door slightly ajar, permitting the cheesecake to gradually descend to room temperature.
11. Refrigerate the dessert for several hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become magnificently dense and creamy.
12. Before serving, dust the surface with a delicate blend of powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating an enchanting snowy landscape.
13. Embellish with whole Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces and optional dollops of whipped cream for a dramatic flourish.

Notes

• Use cold ingredients like cream cheese and eggs at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Crush Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal finely for a more compact and stable crust that holds together perfectly.
• Wrap the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking method, which helps create a creamy texture.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles and potential cracking during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 329 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 96 mg