Name: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed; Optional whipped cream for garnish

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If you’re craving a dessert that’s pure nostalgic bliss with a decadent twist, this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is about to win your heart. Imagine the sweet crunch of your favorite childhood cereal transformed into a buttery crust and a creamy, cinnamon-kissed cheesecake filling, all topped with even more cinnamon-spiced crunch. This stunning dessert brings together swoon-worthy flavors and playful cereal fun, and trust me—it’s an instant crowd-pleaser for any gathering or special treat at home.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this show-stopping cheesecake. Each ingredient brings its own magic, from the irresistible cinnamon cereal to the lusciously smooth cream cheese, making every bite unforgettable.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (2 cups, crushed, for crust): Gives the crust a sweet cinnamon punch and delightful texture that’s truly unique.
Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Holds the crust together with rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Cream cheese (3 packages, 8 oz each, softened): Forms the ultra-creamy base that makes this cheesecake luxurious.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Lends the perfect balanced sweetness to every bite.
Large eggs (3): Provide structure and help everything set to velvety perfection.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a little tang and ensures irresistibly smooth texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the warm, cozy flavors and ties the filling together.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Accentuates the cereal’s spicy sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a subtle savory note.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1/2 cup, crushed, for topping): Adds that final showy crunch—don’t skip this bit of cereal magic!
Whipped cream (optional, for garnish): For an extra touch of creamy indulgence and visual flair.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Toss the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with the melted unsalted butter in a bowl—use your hands or a sturdy spoon to make sure every bit of cereal gets coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until it’s a little golden and aromatic. Let it cool while you work on the filling.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s plush and lump-free. Slowly add in the granulated sugar and keep mixing until it’s silky smooth. One by one, crack in the eggs; mix each in just until incorporated, scraping down the bowl between additions for a creamy, uniform texture. Blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should look thick, glossy, and oh-so-inviting!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling gently over your cooled cereal crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The cheesecake should appear set around the edges yet slightly wobbly in the center—that’s the sweet spot for creamy cheesecake perfection. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let your cheesecake relax inside for an hour. This gradual cooling keeps the texture dreamy and helps prevent cracks.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

After its hour-long oven rest, bring the cheesecake out to cool at room temperature. Once it sheds off the last bit of oven warmth, transfer it to the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours or (even better) overnight. This patience pays off with a dense, sliceable, and breathtaking Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake.

Step 5: Top and Decorate

When you’re ready to dazzle everyone, sprinkle the top with the remaining crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for a signature crunch—do this just before serving so it stays crispy. For a finishing touch, add swirls of whipped cream around the edges if you like, then brace yourself for the best cereal-inspired dessert you’ve ever tasted!

How to Serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake

Garnishes

The best toppings for this cheesecake double down on dreamy, creamy, and crunchy textures—think fresh dollops of whipped cream, a dusting of extra cinnamon, and a final flourish of whole Cinnamon Toast Crunch squares for visual fun. If you want to get playful, a caramel drizzle is divine too.

Side Dishes

This show-stopping dessert stands on its own, but if you’re serving a party, pair it with coffee, spiced chai, or a sparkling apple cider for cozy autumnal vibes. For a fresh touch, offer a side of juicy berries or lightly macerated fruit—the tartness balances the cheesecake’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an adorable twist, slice your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake into bars or squares rather than wedges—perfect for parties or bake sales. Want an elegant finish? Use a piping bag to add rosettes of spiced whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cereal just before serving. You could even layer individual portions in jars for a cute, portable treat at picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious and creamy for up to five days—just wait to add the crunchy topping until you’re ready to serve each slice for best texture.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze extra cheesecake! For best results, wrap individual slices (or the whole cheesecake) securely in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and add the cereal topping only after thawing so it stays crispy and fresh.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you like your slice closer to room temperature, simply let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the creamy texture or melt the cereal topping.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free cinnamon cereal instead of the classic version for the crust and topping. Double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a well-greased deep-dish pie plate or baking dish. Be sure to line it with parchment for easier removal, though your slices might be a little less perfect—they’ll taste just as fantastic!

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Bringing your ingredients to room temperature before mixing helps ensure a smooth, even filling. The gradual cooling process (leaving the cheesecake in the oven with the door cracked) is also key. If a crack sneaks in, simply cover it with whipped cream or extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch topping—no one will ever know!

Why does the cereal topping get soggy?

If you sprinkle on the crushed cereal topping too far in advance, it can absorb moisture from the cheesecake and lose its crunch. Always add the final cereal sprinkle just before slicing and serving to keep it crisp and delicious.

Can I add different flavors or mix-ins?

Yes! You can experiment by swirling in caramel or chocolate sauce, adding a pinch of nutmeg, or even mixing in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. The simple base of this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake lends itself beautifully to a little creative flair.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something playful yet utterly delicious, give this Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake a try. Every creamy, cinnamon-spiced bite is pure joy—trust me, you’ll be making this recipe on repeat!

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and creamy cheesecake with this delectable Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping:

1/2 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed
Optional whipped cream for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the crust: Mix crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until creamy.
Assemble: Pour filling over crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes until set. Cool in the oven, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Serve: Top with crushed cereal before serving. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.