Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Squares

If you love the nostalgic crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Squares are about to become your new favorite dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cinnamon-spiced cheesecake filling, and a delightful crunch of crushed cereal folded right in, these squares bring together the best of both worlds in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cheesecake squares are as simple to make as they are irresistible to eat.

The Upside of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Squares

These cheesecake squares are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. The cinnamon and sugar combination in the crust and filling perfectly complements the cinnamon-sugar cereal topping, creating layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. They’re perfect as a make-ahead dessert, easy to slice and serve, and they hold up well for parties or family gatherings. Plus, with a touch of cinnamon in the batter and cereal crunch mixed throughout, every bite tastes like a cozy breakfast-inspired treat turned dessert.

What We’re Using

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – the base for a buttery, crisp crust
• 1/4 cup sugar – adds sweetness to the crust
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – binds the crust and adds richness
• 2 cups cream cheese, softened – the star of the cheesecake filling, creamy and smooth
• 1 cup sugar – sweetens the creamy filling
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the flavor with warmth and depth
• 2 large eggs – provides structure and richness
• 1/4 cup sour cream – adds tang and smooth texture
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – infuses the filling with cozy spice
• 1 cup Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crushed – folded in for irresistible crunch
• Whipped cream for topping – optional, for a light and airy finish
• Extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for garnish – adds a fun and crunchy decorative touch

Must-Have Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan – perfect size for these cheesecake squares
• Mixing bowls – for combining crust and filling ingredients
• Electric mixer or stand mixer – to beat the cream cheese and eggs until smooth
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
• Spatula – for folding in the crushed cereal and scraping the bowl
• Food processor or rolling pin – to crush the graham crackers and cereal

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Squares, Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, eggs (one at a time), sour cream, and ground cinnamon. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Add the cereal crunch

Gently fold in the crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to evenly distribute the cereal throughout the cheesecake batter.

Step 4: Bake the cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.

Step 5: Cool and chill

Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. Then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully set.

Step 6: Serve and garnish

Once chilled and firm, slice the cheesecake into squares. Top each square with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top for a fun, crunchy garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Quick Replacement Ideas

• Swap graham cracker crumbs for digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs for a different crust flavor.
• Use plain or honey-flavored cereal if you don’t have Cinnamon Toast Crunch on hand.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
• Try adding a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an extra layer of indulgence.

Notes on Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy finish that balances the sweetness and keeps the cheesecake moist.
• Ground cinnamon: Enhances the warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cereal.
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: Gives the cheesecake a fun texture and a burst of cinnamon-sugar flavor in every bite.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

These cheesecake squares are fantastic for making ahead of time. After baking and cooling, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For even better flavor and texture, chill overnight. When ready to serve, slice and garnish with whipped cream and extra cereal right before presenting. You can also freeze the squares for up to 1 month—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQ

Can I use a different cereal besides Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

Absolutely! While Cinnamon Toast Crunch provides the signature cinnamon-sugar crunch, you can substitute with similar cereals like Golden Grahams or Honey Nut Cheerios for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.

How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface?

To help avoid cracks, make sure your cream cheese is well softened and avoid overmixing once the eggs have been added. Baking at a lower temperature and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually also helps minimize cracking.

Can I make these cheesecake squares gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs. Just ensure your cereal choice is gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to store leftover Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Squares?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the cereal topping crunchy, add extra cereal garnish only when serving.

Cook This Next

• Golden Cinnamon Roll Swirl Cookies – a soft, cinnamon-swirled cookie to satisfy any cinnamon craving
• Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies – chewy snickerdoodles sandwiched with creamy filling, perfect for cookie lovers

Before You Go

These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Squares are a delightful way to treat yourself and others to a dessert that feels both nostalgic and special. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to garnish with extra cereal and whipped cream for that perfect finishing touch. Whether it’s a cozy weekend at home or a festive gathering, these cheesecake squares bring warmth and sweetness to every occasion.

Rich, creamy, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So grab your mixing bowls, crush that cereal, and get ready to indulge in one of the best cheesecake squares you’ll ever taste!

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