This Cinnamon King Cake Cheesecake is a fun and delicious twist on the classic King Cake, making it perfect for Mardi Gras or any special occasion. With a cinnamon-flavored cheesecake filling, graham cracker crust, and a tangy cream cheese glaze, this dessert combines the best of both worlds—King Cake and cheesecake. Topped with Mardi Gras colors and a hidden pecan, it’s a fun tradition that’s full of flavor.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 sleeve graham crackers, about 18 squares
• 1.5 oz (3 tbsp) unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 blocks (24 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 heavy pinch of salt
• 3 oz granulated sugar
• 3 oz brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 4 oz (about 1/2 cup) sour cream, room temperature
• 3 large eggs

For the Topping:

• 2 oz (1/4 block) cream cheese
• 1 oz (about 2 tbsp) sour cream
• 8 oz (about 2 cups) powdered sugar, sifted
• Pinch of salt
• ½ tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides.

2. Make the crust: Crush graham crackers in a food processor or plastic bag. Combine with melted butter and a pinch of salt until it resembles damp sand. Press evenly into the bottom of your pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.

3. Prepare the filling: Beat softened cream cheese, salt, and sugars until smooth. Add cinnamon, vanilla, and sour cream and mix. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each. If using cornstarch, add it now. Pour the batter into the prepared crust.

4. Bake the cheesecake: Bake in a water bath for 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, until the center reaches 160°F with an instant-read thermometer. Let cool in the oven with the door cracked for 30 minutes, then cool completely on a rack. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

5. Make the topping: Whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled cheesecake and let it drip down the sides.

6. Serve: Decorate with Mardi Gras sprinkles or other colorful toppings. Optionally, hide a pecan inside the cake as a fun tradition.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 494
• Carbohydrates: 97g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 74mg
• Sodium: 151mg
• Sugar: 93g

The Magic of King Cake Meets Cheesecake

King Cake is a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations, traditionally featuring a sweet dough flavored with cinnamon and topped with colorful sugar sprinkles. It’s a symbol of the holiday, and the tradition of hiding a tiny baby figurine inside adds a fun, interactive element to the celebration. The Cinnamon King Cake Cheesecake takes all the delicious elements of King Cake and turns them into a cheesecake that’s perfect for those who love the classic flavors but want a new twist.

The creamy, cinnamon-flavored cheesecake filling has the richness of a traditional cheesecake but with an added depth of flavor from the cinnamon, which gives it a warm, comforting taste. The graham cracker crust adds a buttery, crunchy texture that perfectly complements the smoothness of the filling. The cream cheese glaze, tangy and sweet, drips down the sides of the cheesecake and adds a decadent finish.

A Beautiful and Fun Presentation

One of the highlights of the Cinnamon King Cake Cheesecake is the presentation. King Cakes are known for their vibrant colors of purple, green, and gold, and this cheesecake embraces that tradition with Mardi Gras-inspired decorations. After the cheesecake is topped with the rich cream cheese glaze, you can sprinkle it with colorful sugar or edible glitter, creating a visually stunning effect that’s as festive as it is delicious.

Additionally, the inclusion of a hidden pecan inside the cake brings a playful element reminiscent of the King Cake tradition. In traditional King Cake, whoever finds the hidden baby figurine is said to have good luck for the year. Similarly, hiding a pecan in the cheesecake adds a touch of fun to the dessert—though it’s not quite as small and precarious as the baby figurine! This tradition brings an element of surprise and excitement to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The flavor profile of the Cinnamon King Cake Cheesecake is a balanced combination of sweetness, spice, and creaminess. The cinnamon in the filling brings a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the cream cheese. Cinnamon pairs beautifully with the tang of sour cream in the batter, creating a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and complex. The cream cheese glaze brings a tangy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the spiced filling, ensuring that each bite is rich but not overwhelming.

The buttery graham cracker crust acts as the perfect base, offering a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. When you bite into the cheesecake, you get the smooth richness of the filling, the slight spice of the cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of the crust. The glaze on top enhances the dessert, adding a slightly sweet finish that ties all the flavors together.

A Dessert for Any Occasion

While the Cinnamon King Cake Cheesecake is perfect for Mardi Gras and other celebrations, it’s also a wonderful dessert for birthdays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something special. The festive look of the cheesecake, combined with its indulgent flavors, makes it a showstopper at any event. It’s a conversation starter, and its unique take on a classic dessert will surely impress your guests.

Moreover, the cheesecake is versatile enough to be enjoyed throughout the year. While it’s particularly popular during Mardi Gras, the rich cinnamon flavor and creamy texture make it a great option for fall or winter celebrations as well. Its easy customization with different toppings and glazes means that it can fit into any season’s theme or flavor profile.

The Process: A Little Patience for Big Reward

While this Cinnamon King Cake Cheesecake requires a bit more time and effort than a simple cake or pie, the process is straightforward and manageable. The most time-consuming part is baking the cheesecake and allowing it to cool, but this also allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer, deeper taste. After the cheesecake has cooled, the cream cheese glaze can be quickly prepared and spread on top, followed by the colorful decorations.

What makes this dessert so appealing is its versatility. The cheesecake filling itself is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on the crust and decoration when you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone hosting a large event or celebration, as it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Healthier Alternatives and Customizations

While the Cinnamon King Cake Cheesecake is certainly indulgent, there are several ways to modify the recipe for a lighter version without compromising on flavor. For instance, you could substitute the graham cracker crust with a healthier, gluten-free alternative, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to lower the sugar content. Using lower-fat cream cheese or sour cream in the filling and glaze can also reduce the overall fat content, making the dessert a bit lighter while maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.

If you want to experiment with flavors, the cinnamon in the filling can be complemented with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. You could also add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the filling for extra texture, or top the cake with fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion: A Festive and Flavorful Dessert

The Cinnamon King Cake Cheesecake is a perfect combination of tradition, flavor, and fun. It takes the beloved flavors of a King Cake and transforms them into a rich and creamy cheesecake, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just looking for a delicious treat to share with friends and family, this dessert is sure to impress. Its festive presentation, flavorful filling, and interactive elements make it a memorable addition to any event. Enjoy the warmth of cinnamon, the richness of cream cheese, and the joy of sharing this fun and flavorful dessert with your loved ones.