You know that magical moment when you bite into a warm, cinnamon-sugar churro and all feels right with the world? Now imagine that, but with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake twist. That’s exactly what this churro cheesecake recipe delivers, pure indulgence in every bite.
The first time I made this dessert, I was aiming to impress guests at a casual dinner party. I wanted something easy to put together, but bold in flavor and presentation. The result? A standing ovation at the dessert table! This churro cheesecake is now my go-to for potlucks, birthdays, or any moment when I want to add a little joy to the table.
Think of this as a comforting mash-up of two beloved desserts: crispy churros and velvety cheesecake. It’s baked in layers with crescent dough, cinnamon sugar, and a silky-smooth cream cheese filling. No water bath, no springform pan, just foolproof deliciousness baked into every cinnamon-kissed corner.
Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned dessert aficionado, this churro cheesecake recipe fits the bill for something festive, easy, and guaranteed to delight.
Table of contents
Why this Easy Churro Cheesecake Recipe Works
What makes this churro cheesecake so special is how incredibly simple it is, yet it delivers bakery-style results with very little effort. Using store-bought crescent roll dough as a base and topping saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture. Once baked, the dough becomes golden and slightly crispy, creating the perfect contrast to the rich cheesecake filling.
Another reason this recipe shines is its texture trifecta: the crispy, cinnamon-sugar top, the soft and fluffy base, and the creamy middle. It’s like getting all your dessert cravings satisfied in one bite.
But beyond the irresistible layers, it’s also highly adaptable. Need it gluten-free? Use gluten-free crescent dough. Watching your sugar intake? Try a sugar substitute or go light on the topping. Want to add fruit? Swirl in raspberry jam or top with fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
You can even prepare this churro cheesecake a day in advance, making it a host’s dream dessert. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better chilled, if you can resist sneaking a warm piece straight out of the oven, that is.
This churro cheesecake recipe isn’t just a dessert, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with endless customization options.
Recipe Card
Easy Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings15
minutes30
minutes300
kcalCombine the delightful crunch of cinnamon-sugar-coated churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake. This easy churro cheesecake recipe brings together the best of both worlds, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Crust Layer:
1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp (30 ml) melted butter
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Churro Topping:
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
1 tsp (5 g) ground cinnamon
Directions
- Prepare the crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until golden. Remove and let it cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until well blended.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
- Pour the Filling over the Crust
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Add the Churro Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the mixture generously over the top of the cheesecake.
- Bake
- Bake the cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Once done, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour.
- Chill and Serve
- After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful combination of churro crunch and creamy cheesecake!
Notes
- Serve warm or chilled: Tastes fantastic either way! Warm for that churro-like experience, or chilled for a classic cheesecake feel.
- Make ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day before and stored in the refrigerator.
Tips for Irresistible and Easy Churro Cheesecake Recipe:
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter for a more compact and flavorful crust.
- Bake until edges are firm but the center is slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools.
- Use a water bath if you want to avoid cracks on the cheesecake.
- Don’t Skip the Cinnamon Sugar: The magic of this churro cheesecake recipe lies in that crispy, sparkly sugar crust. Press the cinnamon-sugar mix gently into the dough to ensure it sticks and caramelizes beautifully.
Variants of the Easy Churro Cheesecake Recipe
One of my favorite things about this churro cheesecake recipe is how easy it is to adapt and customize. Whether you’re entertaining guests, avoiding gluten, or just love experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a version here that’s sure to hit the sweet spot.
1. Mini Churro Cheesecake Bites
Perfect for parties or portion control! Use a muffin tin and cut the crescent dough into smaller rounds. Layer the cinnamon sugar and cheesecake filling just like in the full version. These mini bites bake faster—around 15-18 minutes—and are a crowd favorite at potlucks or dessert tables.
2. Gluten-Free Churro Cheesecake
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the crescent dough for a gluten-free pastry dough or use crushed gluten-free graham crackers as the base. Combine the crackers with melted butter and cinnamon sugar to mimic that crunchy churro vibe. Bake as usual and enjoy a treat that everyone can indulge in.
3. Pumpkin Spice Churro Cheesecake
A fall twist that never fails! Add ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese mixture. It pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating and makes the whole house smell like autumn.
4. Chocolate Swirl Churro Cheesecake
Melt a bit of semi-sweet chocolate and swirl it into the cheesecake filling before baking. You’ll get a rich, marbled look and a flavor combo that’s truly irresistible. Drizzle a little more chocolate on top after baking for a finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can use a traditional pastry crust or even a cookie crust for a different flavor.
Substitute gluten-free graham crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
Definitely! It’s sweet, creamy, and has a fun texture from the cinnamon sugar topping. You can even get kids involved in layering the dough and spreading the sugar.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about this churro cheesecake recipe. It’s got all the warm, nostalgic comfort of a cinnamon-sugar churro layered with the luscious creaminess of a classic cheesecake. It’s a showstopper that doesn’t require fancy baking skills or hours in the kitchen, just a few simple steps and you’ll have a dessert that disappears within minutes of serving.
Whether you’re whipping this up for a casual family gathering, a festive holiday table, or just because your sweet tooth demands something special, this churro cheesecake delivers every single time. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and every time, it gets the same reaction: eyes wide open, smiles all around, and a plate licked clean.
If you are looking for another delicious cheesecake, check out this easy and simple Cherry Cheesecake Recipe! (No Bake)
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