Description
Decadent cheesecake with a Cinnamon Toast Crunch crust and topping, plus an optional cinnamon white chocolate drizzle. A cereal lover’s dream!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, coarsely crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Place the 2 cups of cereal into a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a fine crumb consistency. Alternatively, place the cereal in a large zip-top bag and crush it with a rolling pin.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until all the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Grease the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Pour the crumb mixture into the pan and press it firmly and evenly onto the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
- Pre-bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Let it cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps (3-5 minutes).
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed cream cheese, beating on medium speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the sour cream to the mixture and beat until just combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined.
- Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled Cinnamon Toast Crunch crust, spreading it evenly.
- Wrap the bottom of your springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place the wrapped springform pan inside a larger roasting pan.
- Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, filling it about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Gently place the roasting pan with the cheesecake and water bath into a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Bake for 65-75 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour in the oven, remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Coarsely crush the remaining 1 cup of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the Cinnamon Toast Crunch topping evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the heavy cream, white chocolate chips, butter, and cinnamon.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the white chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Drizzle the cinnamon white chocolate sauce over the cheesecake after adding the Cinnamon Toast Crunch topping.
- To slice the cheesecake cleanly, run a long, thin knife under hot water and wipe it dry before each slice.
- Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid a lumpy cheesecake.
- A water bath is essential for preventing cracks and ensuring even baking.
- Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter after adding the eggs, as this can cause cracks.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven helps prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight) for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes