Snickerdoodle Cheesecake

This decadent cheesecake combines the beloved flavors of snickerdoodle cookies with classic cheesecake. Built on a cinnamon graham crust and studded with cinnamon chips, it's topped with a sweet sour cream layer for the perfect finish.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:35:40 GMT
A creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, featuring a slice removed and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, sits on a metal platter. Pin it
A creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, featuring a slice removed and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, sits on a metal platter. | quickierecipe.com

This cheesecake is pure comfort in dessert form. I created it after dreaming about combining my grandmother's snickerdoodle cookies with my favorite creamy cheesecake. The cinnamon sugar magic of snickerdoodles transforms into something even more incredible when paired with tangy cream cheese and a buttery graham cracker crust. Every time I bring this to a gathering people beg for the recipe.

A Dessert That Everyone Asks About

The moment you take a bite you'll understand why this cheesecake has become my most requested dessert. The combination of warm cinnamon spice creamy filling and that perfect graham cracker crust creates pure dessert heaven. I love watching guests' eyes light up when they taste it for the first time especially during the holidays when everyone craves those cozy flavors.

Everything You Need

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: I use cinnamon grahams for extra warmth and spice in every bite.
  • 1/2 cup melted butter: Unsalted please we want to control the saltiness.
  • 4 blocks cream cheese: Let them soften on your counter for perfect smoothness.
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar plus 2 teaspoons vanilla: Creates the perfect sweetness balance.
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: This gives us that classic snickerdoodle flavor we all love.
  • 4 large eggs: They create that silky smooth texture we're after.
  • 1 cup cinnamon chips: Little pockets of sweet spice throughout.
  • 1 cup sour cream mixed with 1/4 cup sugar: Trust me this topping is magical.

Kitchen Steps

Start With Your Crust
Mix those graham crumbs with melted butter until they feel like wet sand. Press this mixture into your springform pan going up the sides a bit. Pop it in the fridge to firm up.
Create Your Filling
Beat your cream cheese and sugar until it looks like clouds. Mix in that wonderful cinnamon and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time just until mixed. Gently stir in those cinnamon chips.
Time to Bake
Pour your filling into the crust. Place the pan in a water bath and bake at 325°F. It usually takes about 75 minutes until the center barely jiggles. Let it cool completely then refrigerate overnight.
Final Touch
Spread that sweetened sour cream over top just before serving. Pure perfection.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I crush up actual snickerdoodle cookies for the crust. My sister loves it when I use chocolate chips instead of cinnamon ones. When I'm short on time I just sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar instead of making the sour cream topping.

Keeping It Fresh

This beauty stays good in your fridge for about a week. Just cover it loosely for the first couple days then pop it in an airtight container. Want to save some for later? Wrap individual slices really well and freeze them. They'll keep for three months just thaw them overnight in your fridge.

My Best Baking Secrets

The water bath is key for preventing cracks trust me I learned this the hard way. Don't overmix after adding the eggs or you'll get air bubbles. Let it cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked this helps prevent sinking and cracking.

A partially sliced cheesecake topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon, displayed on a gray plate. Pin it
A partially sliced cheesecake topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon, displayed on a gray plate. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use a water bath?

The water bath creates a moist environment that prevents cracking and helps the cheesecake bake evenly.

→ Can I make this without cinnamon chips?

Yes, you can increase the ground cinnamon and add white chocolate chips as a substitute, or simply omit them.

→ Why refrigerate overnight?

Overnight chilling allows the cheesecake to set properly and develops better flavor and texture.

→ Why wrap the pan in foil?

The foil prevents water from seeping into the springform pan during the water bath baking process.

→ Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, freeze without the sour cream topping for up to 2 months. Add topping after thawing.

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake

A creamy cheesecake inspired by snickerdoodle cookies, featuring cinnamon graham crust, cinnamon chips, and a sour cream topping.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (1 cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs.
02 1/2 cup butter, melted.
03 3 packages (24 oz) cream cheese, softened.
04 1 cup sugar, divided.
05 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
07 4 large eggs, room temperature.
08 1 1/2 cups cinnamon baking chips.
09 2 cups sour cream.

Instructions

Step 01

Grease 9-inch springform, wrap with foil, and add water bath. Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Step 02

Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add ground cinnamon and vanilla extract. Beat in eggs on low speed. Fold in cinnamon baking chips and pour the mixture into the crust.

Step 04

Bake for 70-80 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes, remove foil, then cool for an additional hour. Chill overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 05

Mix sour cream with the remaining sugar, then spread over the chilled cheesecake.

Notes

  1. Water bath prevents cracks.
  2. Must chill overnight.
  3. Can freeze without topping.
  4. Use room temperature ingredients.
  5. Wrap pan well in foil.
  6. Perfect for special occasions.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Large roasting pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Heavy-duty foil.
  • Wire rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, sour cream).
  • Wheat (graham crackers).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 513
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 8 g