Churro Cheesecake Recipe
If you’re craving a sweet treat that fuses classic comfort with irresistible flair, Churro Cheesecake promises pure magic in every bite. Imagine pillowy, cinnamon-sugar crust layered with creamy cheesecake filling, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a dessert that brings together the nostalgic delight of cinnamon churros and the rich, velvety charm of cheesecake, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion—or simply a night when you want to spoil yourself or your loved ones with something extraordinary. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Churro Cheesecake will have everyone begging for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every dreamy bite of this Churro Cheesecake is built on a foundation of simple yet magical ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, creating the ultimate blend of crisp, creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors you’re about to fall in love with.
- Ground cinnamon: The aromatic backbone of the recipe, delivering that signature churro warmth.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness while forming the crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets: Your secret shortcut for buttery, tender layers—just like a perfect churro shell.
- Full-fat cream cheese: The must-have for a rich, silky cheesecake layer that’s pure indulgence.
- Large egg: Binds the cheesecake filling, giving it a luscious, custardy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the filling with a gentle aromatic lift, deepening the flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a glossy, golden finish and helps the cinnamon sugar cling to the top crust.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar
Before anything else, stir together your cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl until they’re seamlessly combined. This iconic mix is the twinkle that sets Churro Cheesecake apart, adding both sparkle and spice to every layer. Set it aside for a few moments while you get your pan ready.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and move the rack to the center. Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking pan, give it a generous layer of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter, and sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the bottom. This helps create that crave-worthy churro crunch as the base bakes.
Step 3: Build the Crescent Roll Base Layer
Pop open your first tube of crescent roll dough and unroll it completely. If your dough has seams, pinch them gently until you have one smooth sheet. Lay it snuggly across the prepared pan, ensuring it covers every corner for a perfectly even bottom crust.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In your favorite mixing bowl, beat together the soft cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until you reach that dreamy smoothness—no lumps allowed! Carefully spread this cheesecake filling over the crescent roll base, going all the way to the edges for even coverage.
Step 5: Add the Top Crescent Roll Layer and Butter
Open your second tube of crescent roll dough and repeat the seam-pinching dance. Lay this over your luscious cheesecake filling. Pour the melted butter over the top and gently brush or spread it so every bit of dough glistens. This step makes the upper crust utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Douse with Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Generously scatter the remaining cinnamon-sugar mix over the buttery top. This isn’t just for looks—it bakes into a crisp, caramelized coating that screams churro delight!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 26 to 30 minutes until the top is puffed, toasty, and a dreamy golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. When done, take it out and set it on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
Step 8: Chill and Slice
Resist the temptation to dive in right away! Let the Churro Cheesecake chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours. This sets the layers perfectly so that every slice is neat and decadent. Once chilled, cut into bars and prepare to swoon.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake
Garnishes
A little garnish takes Churro Cheesecake from delicious to dazzling. You can sprinkle a touch more cinnamon sugar, add a drift of powdered sugar, or drizzle on caramel or chocolate sauce. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a lively pop that makes this treat even more special.
Side Dishes
This dessert is a star all on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of rich hot chocolate—think classic churro companions! For a lighter touch, offer up some spiced fruit compote or chilled café con leche on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Your Churro Cheesecake bars can be cut into tidy squares for parties, long elegant rectangles for a plated dessert, or even served in cupcake wrappers as grab-and-go treats at a brunch spread. You could also cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters for birthdays or holiday gatherings—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there happens to be any Churro Cheesecake left over, store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to 4 days, making them the ideal make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or impromptu celebrations.
Freezing
Want to stash some Churro Cheesecake for later? You can freeze the cooled and cut bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their dreamy texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
While Churro Cheesecake is magical served cold, you can warm slices gently in the microwave for 10–20 seconds for that just-baked effect. The crust softens and the cinnamon aroma springs right back to life—just what you need on a chilly day!
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead?
Yes, you can swap in low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind the filling will be a little less rich and creamy. The full-fat version truly delivers that indulgent cheesecake experience, but the lighter option is still super delicious if you want to reduce calories.
Do I have to use crescent roll dough, or can I substitute something else?
Crescent roll dough works best for capturing that churro crispness, but in a pinch, you can use puff pastry sheets—the layers will puff up more and be extra flaky. Just keep an eye on the bake time so nothing burns!
Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and use two pans, or if your oven allows, a larger commercial-sized baking dish. This is the perfect dessert for parties or holiday gatherings, and nobody will complain about leftovers.
What’s the best way to slice the Churro Cheesecake without making a mess?
For the neatest bars, chill the finished cheesecake until very firm. Then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts—this ensures your slices stay clean and beautiful, every time.
Is Churro Cheesecake safe for kids to help make?
Yes! Kids can easily help with layering the dough, mixing the cinnamon sugar, or sprinkling on toppings. As always, have an adult do the oven work and use caution with hot pans and melted butter.
Final Thoughts
It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with Churro Cheesecake—the combination is simply too good to resist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a get-together, or a well-deserved treat for yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch every last crumb disappear!
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Churro Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent fusion of churros and cheesecake with this delightful Churro Cheesecake recipe. A buttery, cinnamon-sugar crust envelops a creamy cheesecake filling, creating a dessert that’s a perfect balance of sweet and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Crescent Roll Dough:
- Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Butter Coating:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar until well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Create Base Layer: Open one tube of crescent roll dough. Unroll it carefully and press the seams together to form a single rectangular sheet. Place this sheet into the prepared pan, ensuring it covers the bottom completely.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture over the base layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Top Layer and Butter Coating: Open the second tube of crescent roll dough, repeat the process of sealing seams, and gently place it over the cheesecake filling to form a top layer. Pour melted butter over this layer and spread it evenly using a spoon or pastry brush.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar generously over the buttered top layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 26–30 minutes or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Chill and Serve: Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the layers to set. Slice into bars before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Churro Cheesecake, Dessert, Cheesecake Recipe, Cinnamon Sugar, Crescent Roll Dough
