If you love the sweet, cinnamon-y crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and the creamy richness of cheesecake, you’re in for a real treat. The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is a delicious fusion dessert that brings together the best of both worlds — a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crust made from crushed cereal and a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
This dessert is perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth with a unique and comforting twist. Whether you’re a cereal fanatic or just love decadent cheesecake, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
What Makes Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake So Special?
This cheesecake stands out because it uses Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal both in the crust and as a crunchy topping, adding texture and a nostalgic flavor that’s hard to resist. Unlike traditional graham cracker crusts, the cereal crust brings extra warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the creamy filling.
The filling itself is classic cheesecake — rich cream cheese, eggs, and sugar — but with a boost of cinnamon and vanilla to echo the cereal’s signature flavor. The final product is a luscious, spiced dessert with a satisfying crunch and a hint of cinnamon sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, lightly crushed
- Optional: whipped cream or cinnamon sugar for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a large bowl, crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
Mix the crushed cereal with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to create an even layer.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and continue beating until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sour cream (or heavy cream) until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for about 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking to keep the cheesecake creamy.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually — this helps prevent cracking.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping
Once the cheesecake is cooled to room temperature, sprinkle the remaining lightly crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal evenly over the top for an irresistible crunchy finish.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice and serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or cinnamon-spiced tea to enhance the warm flavors.
- For a party, cut into bite-sized squares or mini cheesecake bites for easy sharing.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a rich and creamy texture.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Crush the cereal finely for the crust, but keep some pieces slightly larger for texture if desired.
- Don’t skip the gradual cooling step after baking to avoid cracks.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days — it tastes even better after a day or two.
Variations to Try
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a cinnamon sugar swirl to the filling before baking for extra flavor and beautiful marbling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top the finished cheesecake with melted chocolate or chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the slices to balance the cinnamon spice with rich sweetness.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Make individual mini cheesecakes using a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners for portion control and party-friendly servings.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for anyone craving a fun, nostalgic treat with the sophistication of classic cheesecake. Its unique crust and crunchy topping add texture and flavor that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cheesecake will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon and cream in every bite!