Churro Cheesecake Recipe
If you ever dreamed of a mashup that captures the cozy magic of churros and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, let me introduce you to Churro Cheesecake. This dessert is everything you love about both treats: a sweet, buttery crust with cinnamon-sugar crunch, a velvet-smooth cheesecake middle, and a golden, irresistible topping. Whether you’re a dedicated baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe brings pure joy with every slice, making it perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or anytime you crave something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Churro Cheesecake so irresistible? The answer lies in its handful of everyday ingredients, each chosen for their big impact on both flavor and texture. Every item on this list pulls its weight, working together to create that signature taste and mouthfeel you expect from this spectacular dessert.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic churro flavor and a warm, autumn-like aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and creates that signature crunchy topping.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets: These shortcut wonders bake up golden and flaky, framing the cheesecake with a pseudo-pastry crust.
- Full-fat cream cheese: The foundation of the creamy filling — full-fat means maximum richness!
- Large egg: Binds the cheesecake mixture for a silky, sliceable texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances every flavor in the cheesecake layer.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on top, it helps the cinnamon-sugar form a beautifully caramelized, golden layer.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake
Step 1: Mix Up the Cinnamon Sugar
First things first — combine your ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Give it a good stir so every sprinkle will deliver that iconic churro flavor. Set this fragrant mixture aside; it’s going to shine in both the crust and the tantalizing topping.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure your rack is in the center. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and then, for a pro move, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of your cinnamon sugar on the bottom — this helps form a sweet, crunchy base layer.
Step 3: Create the Base Layer
Pop open your first tube of crescent roll dough. Unroll the dough and pinch the seams together to create a single rectangle. Carefully transfer this into your prepared pan, gently pressing so it covers every corner. This will become the chewy, buttery crust for your Churro Cheesecake.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and luscious. The goal is a creamy, dream-like batter with no lumps. Pour this filling over your crescent dough base and use a spatula to spread it evenly edge-to-edge.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer and Butter
Unroll the second tube of crescent dough, just as before. Pinch those seams and lift it over your cheesecake filling, carefully covering the surface. Drizzle on the melted butter and spread it into a thin, even coat with a spoon or pastry brush so every bite will be gloriously fragrant and tender.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar
Now for the fun part! Take the rest of your cinnamon sugar and shower it over the buttered top layer. Be generous — the goal is to coat the entire surface in that shimmering, spicy-sweet blend.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 26–30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and puffed edges, a sign the crescent dough is beautifully baked. When done, take the pan out and cool it on a wire rack so the filling can settle and firm up.
Step 8: Chill and Slice
Once your Churro Cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to the fridge for at least 3 hours. This helps the layers set, making slicing a breeze. When you’re ready, cut it into bars and prepare for cheers all around!
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Dust extra cinnamon sugar over the bars just before serving for sparkle. A dollop of fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a few fresh berries add color and indulgence to every bite.
Side Dishes
Since Churro Cheesecake is the star of any dessert table, serve it with simple sides like sliced strawberries, a bowl of mixed fruit, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic warm-and-cool dessert contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each bar on a rustic wooden platter for a casual vibe, or arrange on a tiered cake stand for showers and celebrations. For parties, try cutting them into bite-sized squares and using decorative toothpicks for easy grabbing — they’ll vanish in no time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Churro Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The layers stay moist, and the cinnamon-sugar topping keeps its lovely sparkle.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual bars or the whole batch tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
While Churro Cheesecake is lovely cold or at room temperature, you can gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you want that extra warmth and softness — perfect for a cozy treat!
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat?
You can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the result will be less rich and creamy. For that classic Churro Cheesecake decadence, full-fat is best.
What if I can’t find crescent roll sheets?
Regular crescent rolls work perfectly! Just pinch the seams together well to create your layers. Pre-made dough sheets are slightly easier but not necessary.
Do I have to chill the cheesecake before serving?
Yes, chilling is essential. It helps the filling set so that you get clean, neat slices and the flavors meld beautifully. Give it at least 3 hours in the fridge.
Can I make Churro Cheesecake ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This dessert tastes even better after time in the fridge, so you can make it up to a day ahead. Just slice and garnish right before serving.
Is Churro Cheesecake gluten-free?
Traditional crescent dough contains gluten, but you can experiment with gluten-free crescent dough alternatives if needed. Double-check ingredient labels to be safe.
Final Thoughts
This is one dessert that feels like a celebration every time it’s served. Churro Cheesecake combines familiar flavors in a playful, crowd-pleasing package that’s truly hard to resist. Give it a try — your friends and family will be asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first slice!
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Churro Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect fusion of churros and cheesecake with these decadent Churro Cheesecake Bars. A luscious cream cheese filling sandwiched between layers of buttery crescent dough, finished with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Bars:
- Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 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.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Churro Cheesecake Bars, Cheesecake Recipe, Churro Recipe, Dessert Recipe
