If you’re a fan of churros and creamy cheesecake, you’re in for an absolute treat! This churro cheesecake recipe brings together two iconic desserts: the crispy, cinnamon-sugar bliss of a churro and the rich, velvety texture of a classic cheesecake. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a weekend brunch, or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe ticks all the right boxes—easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing.
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Why You’ll Love Churro Cheesecake
Churro cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup, combining the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic cheesecake. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of crunch and creaminess, making it both nostalgic and indulgent. This recipe is incredibly easy to make—no complicated techniques or special tools needed—making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It’s a versatile treat that shines at any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. Plus, with endless variations like churro cheesecake bars or bite-sized versions, you can customize it to suit your preferences. If you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and creative, churro cheesecake is a must-try. Stay tuned for a step-by-step guide that will have you whipping up this crowd-pleasing treat in no time!
Churro Cheesecake Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious churro cheesecake:
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) of refrigerated crescent roll dough First, crescent roll dough is the key to making this dessert both quick and easy. Not only does it save time, but it also forms the crispy, golden churro layer that makes this dish so irresistible. If you’d rather go the homemade route, you can substitute it with puff pastry or even a homemade pie crust. However, using crescent roll dough ensures the process is simple enough for even beginner bakers.
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
Tip: Room-temperature cream cheese is key for achieving a silky-smooth cheesecake layer. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before starting. - 1 cup granulated sugar
Why it matters: Sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling and caramelizes with the cinnamon for that classic churro flavor. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tip: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling, making it richer and more aromatic. - 1/4 cup melted butter
Why it’s needed: Brushing melted butter over the crescent roll dough allows the cinnamon-sugar coating to stick perfectly. - 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
Tip: This cinnamon-sugar blend is what gives the churro cheesecake its signature crunchy topping. Adjust the cinnamon ratio to suit your preference for a spicier or milder flavor.
Optional Add-Ons for a Flavor Twist
Want to make your churro cheesecake even more exciting? Here are a few optional ingredients to customize your dessert:
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a light, citrusy note.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a gooey chocolate twist.
- Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top takes the sweetness up a notch and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor.
- Strawberry Topping: Fresh strawberry slices or a strawberry compote add a fruity and colorful touch.
Step-by-Step Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A fully heated oven ensures even baking and a perfect crust.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking when slicing the cheesecake later.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon for the churro coating. Set aside.
Layer the First Crescent Roll Dough
- Open one can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. Lay it flat on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Gently press the dough into the dish, sealing any perforated edges to form one solid layer.
- Sprinkle a few tablespoons of the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the crescent dough. This adds flavor to the base crust.
Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, add the following:
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Make sure no lumps remain—this will give you the perfect velvety texture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the first crescent roll layer in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Top with the Second Crescent Roll Layer
- Open the second can of crescent roll dough and unroll it carefully.
- Place it over the cream cheese filling, gently stretching it to cover the entire surface. Be careful not to tear the dough.
- Brush the top of the dough with 1/4 cup melted butter, ensuring a light, even coating.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the melted butter, covering the surface completely.
Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the cinnamon-sugar layer should form a crispy coating.
- Remove the churro cheesecake from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake for 1–2 hours before slicing. This helps the cream cheese layer set perfectly and makes for cleaner cuts.
Slice and Serve
- Once chilled, cut the churro cheesecake into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. For clean slices, wipe the knife with a damp towel between cuts.
- Serve the cheesecake squares as-is or add a fun finishing touch:
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup.
- A dollop of whipped cream on top.
- A sprinkle of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
Churro Cheesecake Variations
One of the best things about churro cheesecake is its versatility. From bite-sized treats to fruity twists and indulgent chocolate upgrades, there’s a version for every craving and occasion. Here are some fun ways to elevate this classic dessert:
- Churro Cheesecake Bars: Easy to serve and perfect for on-the-go snacking, these delicious treats are reminiscent of classics like 7-layer bars. Simply cut the cheesecake into bar-sized portions and top with caramel or chocolate drizzle for an irresistible finish.
- Churro Cheesecake Bites: Use a mini muffin pan to create adorable, portion-controlled bites, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Lemon Blueberry Churro Cheesecake: Add lemon zest to the filling and scatter blueberries for a tangy, fruity twist.
- Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake: Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake: Add a nostalgic, summery twist by finishing with a topping of crushed golden Oreos, strawberry gelatin, and butter. For even more inspiration, check out our recipe for strawberry crunch cake.
- Chocolate Churro Cheesecake: Layer chocolate chips or melted chocolate into the filling for an extra indulgent treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap crescent roll dough for a gluten-free alternative or homemade dough to cater to dietary needs.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese, coconut oil, and plant-based puff pastry for a dairy-free delight.
These variations let you tailor churro cheesecake to your taste, making it endlessly fun to bake and share. Whether fruity, chocolaty, or bite-sized, there’s a version everyone will love!
Tips for the Best Churro Cheesecake
RTips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake
Want your churro cheesecake to be flawless every time? These simple tips will help you get the ideal texture, flavor, and presentation, no matter your skill level.
- Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly for a lump-free filling. Let it sit out for 30 minutes or cut into cubes for quicker softening.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Mix just until combined to avoid cracks caused by too much air in the batter. Keep your mixer on low speed.
- Seal Crescent Dough Edges: Press the edges of the dough together to prevent leaks, and use a rolling pin for an even layer.
- Nail the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Generously brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar for that signature churro crunch.
- Chill Before Slicing: Let your cheesecake cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours for clean, sharp cuts.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake until the top is golden and the center is slightly jiggly. Check the edges—they should be firm and slightly pulled from the dish.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Pro tip: cheesecake tastes even better the next day!
- Add Creative Toppings: Drizzle caramel, chocolate, or top with fresh fruit for an extra-special touch.
With these tips, your churro cheesecake will always be a crispy, creamy, cinnamon-sugar delight!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Churro Cheesecake Made Of?
Churro cheesecake is made with simple ingredients like crescent roll dough, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and butter. The crescent dough forms the crispy layers, while the cream cheese filling gives it a rich, velvety texture. A cinnamon-sugar coating completes the dessert with the classic churro flavor.
What Is Mexican Cheesecake Made Of?
Mexican cheesecake, also known as sopapilla cheesecake, combines a flaky pastry crust (often crescent roll dough) with a sweet cream cheese filling. It’s typically topped with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked until golden, offering a deliciously rich and warm dessert inspired by Mexican flavors.
What Does Churro Taste Like?
Churros have a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor, thanks to their crispy fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar. The taste is reminiscent of a light, airy donut with a hint of caramelized sweetness from the sugar.
What’s the Difference Between Cheesecake and French-Style Cheesecake?
Classic cheesecake is dense and creamy, often made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. French-style cheesecake is lighter and fluffier, with a custard-like texture that often comes from the use of whipped cream or mascarpone. French-style cheesecakes may also have a thinner crust compared to the denser graham cracker crust found in traditional cheesecakes.
Conclusion
Churro cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as bars for a casual gathering or crafting bite-sized versions similar to mini pancakes for a party, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Its cinnamon-sugar coating and creamy filling, reminiscent of comforting treats like cinnamon rolls, make it a nostalgic yet innovative creation.
For even more inspiration, try experimenting with variations or creative toppings like the ones suggested here. And if you’re a fan of creamy textures, don’t forget to check out recipes like our cottage cheese cookie dough.
So, grab your ingredients, roll out the dough, and get ready to wow your taste buds with this irresistible treat. Don’t forget to share your results or leave a comment—we’d love to hear how your churro cheesecake turned out!