Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
Imagine the irresistible crunch of your favorite childhood cereal colliding with the creamy luxury of cheesecake — that’s exactly what you get with this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake. Every dreamy bite is a nostalgic trip, blending sweet cinnamon, a velvety filling, and a whimsical cereal crust that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for the perfect show-stopper for your next gathering or a playful treat to make a regular weeknight magical, this dessert brings all the comfort and fun you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a starring role. From the bold cinnamon crust to the silky smooth filling, every component brings something irresistible to the table.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (2 cups, crushed): The absolute flavor hero, forming a sweet, crispy crust with every bite.
- Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Bind the crust and add rich, buttery undertones.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons for crust + 1 cup for filling): Sweetens both crust and creamy filling for perfect balance.
- Cream cheese (3 packages, 8 oz each, softened): The essential base for a smooth, luscious cheesecake.
- Sour cream (3/4 cup): Adds a subtle tang and a plush, creamy texture you can’t skip.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with warm, fragrant notes.
- Large eggs (3): Hold everything together and give the cheesecake its signature silkiness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Deepens the flavor, making every forkful delightfully spiced.
- Whipped topping or whipped cream (1 1/2 cups, for garnish): Adds a cloud-like finish to each slice.
- Extra crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch (for topping): Sprinkled on top for double the crunch and maximum fun.
How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by crushing your Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal until you have fine, sandy crumbs — you can use a food processor or a trusty zip-top bag and rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and a bit of sugar, stirring until every crumb is glistening and ready to stick together. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a gorgeous, golden crust. Bake it for 10 minutes at 325°F, then pull it out and let it cool while you work on the filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and luscious. Add the cup of sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, mixing until flawlessly combined. Your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-sugar dream! One at a time, gently blend in the eggs, being careful not to overmix – this keeps your cheesecake from cracking and ensures that ultra-creamy texture.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the decadent filling over your cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, just until the center is set but still has a soft jiggle when you nudge the pan. Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour. This gentle cooling step helps prevent cracks and gives the filling time to settle perfectly.
Step 4: Chill for Best Results
After it finishes its oven rest, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or, for best flavor and texture, overnight. This wait is the hardest part, but it’s totally worth it when you’re rewarded with that flawless, creamy slice. The flavors will deepen beautifully, and the cheesecake will firm up just right.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, crown your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake with pillowy whipped topping and a generous handful of extra crushed cereal for crunch. Each slice sparkles with nostalgia and promises that irresistible crackle in every bite. Now you’re ready to wow your tastebuds (and any lucky guests)!
How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake
Garnishes
A crown of whipped cream and a cheerful sprinkle of crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top transforms this cheesecake into a whimsical treat that’s totally Instagram-worthy. You can even drizzle a little caramel sauce or a light dusting of cinnamon for an extra special touch. Every garnish brings more flavor and fun to each forkful.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake is a superstar all on its own, but you can pair it with a bowl of fresh mixed berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a mug of strong coffee. These additions help cut through the sweetness and provide a fresh, juicy contrast to all that creamy-spiced decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not have a little fun? Serve mini slices in sundae glasses layered with extra cereal and whipped cream for a playful cheesecake parfait. Or go bite-sized by making bars or cubes, perfect for party platters and snack boards. No matter how you slice it, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is bound to be the life of the dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (somehow!) find yourself with leftovers, wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and the cereal topping will stay crunchy for a day or two.
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes like a dream. After chilling fully, wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices snugly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy, and add fresh cereal topping just before serving for that signature crunch.
Reheating
Cheesecake is always best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let your slice sit out on the counter for about 20 minutes before digging in. Avoid using the microwave so the texture stays perfect.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake?
You absolutely can swap in low-fat cream cheese if you want to shave off a few calories, but keep in mind the final cheesecake may be a little less rich and creamy. Full-fat cream cheese gives you that signature luxurious texture.
How do I keep my crust from getting soggy?
To keep the cinnamon cereal crust nice and crisp, make sure to bake it for the full 10 minutes and let it cool completely before adding the filling. Also, crush the cereal just before using, and avoid over-mixing the wet ingredients into the crust.
Can I make this into mini cheesecakes or bars?
Yes! This recipe works beautifully in muffin tins or a rectangular pan. Just reduce the baking time (mini cheesecakes need 20–25 minutes), and be sure to line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
What’s the best way to crush Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
A food processor gives you even, fine crumbs in seconds. If you don’t have one, seal the cereal in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin, mallet, or even your fingertips for a hands-on approach.
How soon before serving should I add the cereal topping?
Add the extra crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch just before serving for maximum crunch and visual impact. If added too early, the cereal may soften as it sits on the chilled cheesecake.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is a delightful blend of playful nostalgia and rich, creamy indulgence. I truly hope it finds a place in your dessert lineup and brings as many smiles to your table as it has to mine. Give it a try — it might just become your new favorite treat!
Print
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciously nostalgic flavors of childhood with this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake. A creamy cheesecake filling with a hint of cinnamon sits atop a crunchy cereal crust, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cereal Crust:
- 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (crushed)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Topping:
- 1½ cups whipped topping or whipped cream
- Extra crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Combine crushed cereal, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a pan and bake.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon. Add eggs one at a time.
- Bake: Pour filling over crust and bake until set. Cool gradually.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the cheesecake, then top with whipped cream and crushed cereal before serving.
Notes
- For best results, crush the cereal just before using to keep it crisp.
- To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the filling and cool the cheesecake gradually.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
