Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake

Description:

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines the beloved flavors of the classic cereal with the rich, creamy texture of a cheesecake. The cinnamon-sugar crust and the cheesecake filling are infused with a delicious cinnamon flavor, making each bite irresistibly sweet and comforting. Topped with a cinnamon sugar crumble and drizzled with a rich caramel sauce, this cheesecake is perfect for any occasion, especially as a fun holiday treat or special dessert.

Origin:

The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake is a creative twist on traditional cheesecake, inspired by the popular Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. This dessert combines the crunchy texture of the cereal with the smoothness of cheesecake, giving it a fun, nostalgic flavor that takes the best of both worlds.

Ingredients (Serves 10-12):

For the Crust:

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: 2 ½ cups (crushed)
• Butter: 5 tbsp (melted)
• Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp
• Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese: 3 (8 oz) packages, softened
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup
• Sour cream: 1 cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Eggs: 3 large
• Cinnamon: 2 tsp
• All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp (to thicken the filling)

For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: 1 cup (crushed)
• Butter: 2 tbsp (melted)
• Brown sugar: ¼ cup
• Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp

For the Caramel Sauce (Optional):

• Caramel sauce: ½ cup (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, crush the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal until finely ground. Alternatively, place the cereal in a zip-top bag and crush it with a rolling pin.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed cereal, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture is fully combined.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form a crust.
5. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until set and slightly golden. Allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until smooth.
4. Stir in the ground cinnamon and flour until just combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. You can check the doneness by gently shaking the pan—it should wobble slightly in the center.
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the oven door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
3. After it has cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until everything is coated evenly.
2. Spread the crumble topping over the chilled cheesecake just before serving.

Step 5: Serve the Cheesecake

1. Before serving, drizzle the cheesecake with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
2. Slice and serve chilled, and enjoy this cinnamon-sugar treat!

Tips for Success:

• Crispness of Crust: Be sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
• Chilling: The cheesecake must be chilled for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling results in a firmer and better-set texture.
• Cinnamon Flavor: Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor in the filling or crumble topping.

Recommendations:

• Serving Suggestions: Serve this cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich and creamy addition.
• Pairing: This cheesecake pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk for a comforting, sweet treat.

Nutrition (Per Serving, 1 slice):

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Sugar: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 220 mg

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake brings a deliciously fun twist to your holiday dessert table, blending the familiar flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the richness of cheesecake. It’s an unforgettable treat that is sure to wow your guests!