Description
Cinnamon Roll Tiramisu Cheesecake
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tbsp sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
500g cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup brewed espresso (cooled)
For the Cinnamon Roll Topping:
1 sheet puff pastry
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp melted butter
For Garnish:
2 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a greased springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
For the cheesecake, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and espresso. Pour over the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes until set. Let cool.
For the cinnamon rolls, roll out puff pastry, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly and slice into small rolls. Bake separately at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.
Place cinnamon rolls on top of the cheesecake, dust with cocoa powder, and chill for at least 4 hours. Slice and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect dessert. First, prepare your springform pan by greasing it lightly. After baking and cooling the crust, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for a lump-free filling. When adding the espresso, pour it in a slow stream while mixing on low to prevent curdling. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. For the cinnamon rolls, chill the rolled puff pastry log for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts. Allow the baked components to cool completely before assembling to prevent the topping from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This decadent cheesecake is rich, so serve modest slices. For a restaurant-quality presentation, dust the plate with a mix of cocoa powder and powdered sugar before placing the slice. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side provides a lovely, creamy contrast. For a final touch, drizzle each plate with a simple coffee glaze or a caramel sauce just before serving.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dessert combines three layers: a baked graham cracker crust, a coffee-infused baked cheesecake filling, and a topping of baked cinnamon roll spirals made from puff pastry. The key stages are: 1) Make and pre-bake the crust. 2) Blend the cheesecake batter with cooled espresso and bake. 3) Prepare and bake the cinnamon roll topping separately. 4) Assemble by placing the cooled rolls on the cooled cheesecake, dust with cocoa, and chill thoroughly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely. It needs to chill for at least 4 hours, but making it a full day ahead allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
What can I use instead of puff pastry for the topping? You can use a can of refrigerated crescent roll dough. Roll it out, add the cinnamon-sugar filling, roll, slice, and bake as directed.
My cheesecake cracked. What went wrong? Cracking is often from overmixing (which incorporates too much air) or overbaking. Using a water bath and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the turned-off oven with the door ajar can prevent this.
Is there a non-coffee alternative for the espresso? Yes, you can substitute strong brewed chai tea or even a milk-based alternative like warm milk with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, though the classic tiramisu flavor will be altered.
How should I store leftovers? Keep the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The puff pastry topping is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese: This leads to a lumpy batter.
- Adding hot espresso: This can cook the eggs in the batter. Ensure it is fully cooled.
- Overbaking the cheesecake: Remove it when the center is still slightly wobbly.
- Assembling while warm: This causes condensation and a soggy crust and topping. All components must be completely cool.
- Not chilling sufficiently: Slicing before the cheesecake is fully set will result in a messy presentation.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Tiramisu Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully combines beloved flavors into one incredible treat. While it requires attention to detail—like ensuring ingredients are the correct temperature and allowing proper cooling time—the impressive result is well worth the effort. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can confidently create a layered masterpiece that delights with every coffee-kissed, cinnamon-spiced bite. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a special celebration or a holiday gathering.