This Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake recipe is a delightful twist on classic cheesecake, perfect for those who love the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon. The crust is a unique combination of digestive biscuits and Bastogne biscuits, creating a crumbly and sweet base. The cheesecake filling is rich and creamy, made with cream cheese, creme fraiche (or buttermilk), and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon for a cozy, aromatic experience. The two-layer approach to the filling, with a plain layer at the bottom and a cinnamon-infused layer on top, adds an attractive swirl pattern to the cheesecake. The recipe also includes a creamy, slightly sweet cream cheese topping, perfect for balancing the flavors. To complete the dessert, it's decorated with mini cinnamon buns, making it a showstopper for any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 150g digestive biscuits
- 200g Bastogne biscuits
- 90g melted butter
- Cheesecake Filling:
- 600g cream cheese
- 140g creme fraiche or thick buttermilk
- 200g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tsp cinnamon
- Cream Cheese Topping:
- 300g cream cheese
- 100ml whipping cream
- 75g icing sugar
- Mini cinnamon buns for decoration
Instructions:
- For the Crust:
- Crush the digestive and Bastogne biscuits finely.
- Mix with melted butter and press into a 22 cm springform pan.
- Bake at 200°C for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar. Whisk by hand until just combined.
- Add creme fraiche and whisk again.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour half of the mixture over the crust.
- Mix cinnamon into the remaining batter, pour on top, and swirl lightly.
- Bake at 160°C in a fan oven, for 50-60 minutes with a water bath underneath. The center should jiggle slightly when done.
- Allow to cool.
- For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add whipping cream, whisking for 1-2 minutes until thickened (do not overmix).
- Spread over cooled cheesecake.
- Refrigerate for 5-6 hours or overnight.
- Assembling:
- Once set, decorate the cheesecake with mini cinnamon buns.
This Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the richness of cream cheese with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, making it ideal for holidays, special occasions, or as a comforting dessert.
