Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is a sweet and spiced dessert that combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the nostalgic crunch and flavor of everyone’s favorite cereal. With a buttery Cinnamon Toast Crunch crust and a luscious cinnamon-swirled filling, this cheesecake is a cinnamon lover’s dream come true.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this cheesecake takes a childhood favorite and turns it into a grown-up dessert. The crust is buttery, crisp, and full of that signature cinnamon-sugar flavor. The creamy filling is smooth and lightly spiced, and the cereal topping adds a perfect crunch. Whether I’m making it for a birthday, brunch, or just because, this cheesecake always gets rave reviews.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Cream cheese, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Sour cream
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Vanilla extract
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Ground cinnamon
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Brown sugar (optional, for swirl)
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Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
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Extra cereal pieces (for garnish)
directions
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I preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan.
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For the crust, I crush Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal into fine crumbs and mix it with melted butter. I press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake it for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
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In a large bowl, I beat the cream cheese until smooth, then I add sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Once everything is combined, I beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is silky.
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I pour the filling over the cooled crust. If I want extra cinnamon flavor, I swirl a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar into the top of the batter using a knife.
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I bake the cheesecake for about 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
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After baking, I turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for an hour, then chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Before serving, I top it with whipped cream and sprinkle on extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces for a fun and crunchy finish.
Servings and timing
This cheesecake serves 10 to 12 people. It takes around 25 minutes to prep, 1 hour to bake, and at least 4 hours to chill. I usually prepare it the day before so the flavors and texture set perfectly.
Variations
I sometimes mix crushed cereal into the filling for extra crunch or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor. For a salted twist, I add a pinch of sea salt to the crust. When I want to make it extra special, I drizzle it with caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
storage/reheating
I store the cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cereal topping can soften over time, so I add extra cereal just before serving. It also freezes well—just wrap slices tightly and thaw them in the fridge overnight. I never reheat cheesecake, as it’s best served chilled.
FAQs
Can I use another cereal if I don’t have Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
Yes, I’ve made it with Golden Grahams or crushed graham crackers and added extra cinnamon to the filling. It still turns out delicious.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
I make sure to bake the crust before adding the filling, and I let it cool completely. A firm press and proper bake help keep it crisp.
Can I make this without a springform pan?
I’ve used a deep dish pie pan or an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. It’s not quite as neat to slice, but it works in a pinch.
What’s the best way to crush the cereal?
I pulse it in a food processor for fine crumbs. If I don’t have one, I seal the cereal in a zip-top bag and crush it with a rolling pin.
How long does it need to chill?
At least 4 hours, but I always chill it overnight for the best texture. The longer it sets, the cleaner the slices and the better the flavor.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that brings fun and flavor to the table. I love how the warm cinnamon spices, smooth filling, and crunchy topping all come together in every bite. Whether I’m celebrating something or just in the mood for a nostalgic treat, this cheesecake never fails to satisfy.
PrintCinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is a fun and flavorful dessert that blends creamy cheesecake with the nostalgic cinnamon-sugar crunch of the beloved cereal. Featuring a crisp cereal crust, cinnamon-swirled filling, and crunchy topping, it’s a must-try for cinnamon lovers.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for swirl)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan.
- Combine crushed cereal and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Swirl in a mix of cinnamon and brown sugar, if using.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
- Turn off oven and cool cheesecake inside with door ajar for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with whipped cream and extra cereal before serving.
Notes
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
- Add crushed cereal to the filling for extra texture.
- A pinch of sea salt in the crust adds balance.
- Drizzle with caramel or dust with powdered sugar for extra flair.
- Add fresh cereal topping just before serving to maintain crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg