Description
This Honey Bun Cheesecake is a luscious dessert that combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the sweet, spicy topping reminiscent of a honey bun pastry. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a crumbly cinnamon-sugar pecan topping drizzled with honey, this cheesecake bakes to perfection for a delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar evenly.
- Add Butter to Crust: Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the crumb mixture is fully coated and holds together.
- Form Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool.
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Mix sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Mix Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Beat in sour cream and heavy cream until the cheesecake batter is uniformly smooth and creamy.
- Pour Cheesecake Batter: Pour the batter over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
- Add Flour: Stir the all-purpose flour into the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Add Butter to Topping: Cut the cubed unsalted butter into the topping mixture, mixing until crumbly in texture.
- Add Pecans: Stir in chopped pecans if using, distributing them evenly throughout the crumbly topping.
- Sprinkle Topping: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping over the surface of the cheesecake batter.
- Drizzle Honey: Drizzle honey in a swirl pattern over the topping for added sweetness and a honey bun flavor.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the oven for 55 to 60 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Room Temperature Cooling: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature on the counter.
- Refrigerate: Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to fully set.
- Loosen Edges: Before serving, run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.
- Remove Pan: Carefully remove the springform pan sides and transfer the cheesecake onto a serving platter.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy the delicious honey bun inspired cheesecake!
Notes
- Using a springform pan helps with easy removal of this delicate cheesecake.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before starting for the smoothest batter.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven prevents cracking on the surface.
- Chilling overnight enhances the texture and flavor development.
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a nice crunch to the topping.
