Churro Cheesecake Recipe

Churro Cheesecake is the ultimate mash-up for dessert lovers: that familiar, golden cinnamon-sugar flavor you crave from street-fresh churros, partnered with an irresistibly creamy cheesecake center, all nestled between layers of buttery crescent dough. It’s a recipe that brings festive energy to any table and transforms ordinary days into celebrations, yet is easy enough for anyone to master. Whether you’re cutting it into bars for a party tray or sneaking a piece straight from the fridge, every bite is pure joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of no-fuss ingredients, this treat comes together simply, but each component truly matters. These classic flavors work magic together—the rich base, the tangy filling, and, of course, that signature churro sugar sparkle, delivering both comfort and “wow” in every bar.

• Cinnamon Sugar: A blend of 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and ½ cup granulated sugar; this gives every bite that irresistible churro flair.
• Crescent Roll Dough: Two 8-ounce packages, either classic crescent rolls or the seamless sheets for super easy layering; they create the tender, golden crusts.
• Cream Cheese: 16 ounces of full-fat cream cheese, softened—essential for that velvety, tangy-sweet cheesecake core.
• Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup to sweeten the cheesecake filling perfectly—not too much, not too little.
• Large Egg: One egg binds the filling, giving it that classic, sliceable structure.
• Vanilla Extract: 1½ teaspoons for a boost of fragrant warmth that ties the flavors together.
• Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted and slightly cooled; this encourages a golden crust and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

Start by whisking together that all-important cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This aromatic blend not only coats the top but also sneaks a sweet, spicy base beneath the bars. Set it aside—it stars at several key steps!

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous grease to prevent sticking, then scatter 1–2 tablespoons of your cinnamon sugar mixture over the bottom. This gives your Churro Cheesecake a secret sweet crunch underneath.

Step 3: Create the Crescent Dough Base

Open your first can of crescent roll dough, unroll it carefully, and pinch together the seams to form one smooth sheet. Gently press it into the prepared pan, making sure every corner is covered. This is what’ll bake up golden and pillowy under your cheesecake.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat your softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and lump-free. The creamier the better—no one wants a chunky cheesecake! Pour the filling evenly over your crescent dough base and spread with a spatula so every inch is covered.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer and Butter Coating

It’s now time for that top “churro” layer! Unroll your second tube of dough, pinch the seams again, and place it carefully over the cheesecake filling. Brush or drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface. This will help achieve that signature golden crunch and also help the cinnamon sugar stick.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Shower the top generously with all remaining cinnamon sugar—don’t hold back! This is what transforms the bars into churro-inspired bites with every taste.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 26–30 minutes. You’re looking for a nicely puffed, golden-brown top. Once baked, set the pan on a wire rack and let it cool completely—it’ll smell just like a bakery!

Step 8: Chill and Slice

Patience, friend! Pop your cooled Churro Cheesecake in the fridge for at least 3 hours. This rest time lets the filling set and means you’ll get perfect, clean bars when slicing. Cut into squares or bars and get ready for rave reviews.

How to Serve Churro Cheesecake

Garnishes

A light dusting of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or a tumble of fresh berries all make gorgeous (and tasty) finishing touches. If you want extra decadence, a dollop of whipped cream on each bar never hurts.

Side Dishes

This Churro Cheesecake pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even steaming mugs of Mexican hot chocolate for cozy contrast. All these options cut the richness and round out your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve bars in cupcake liners for easy grabbing or create a cheesecake “board” with mini churros, berries, and dipping sauces. If you’re feeling fancy, stack the bars in a pyramid and drizzle with caramel right before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Churro Cheesecake keeps well in the fridge, tightly covered or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and the cinnamon sugar topping stays deliciously crisp. Just be sure to hide a piece for yourself before everyone else dives in!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze like a dream. Let them cool and set fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 3 months—perfect for future cravings.

Reheating

Craving a warm churro bite? Just pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds to take the chill off. The filling gets creamy, and the cinnamon sugar aroma is irresistible all over again! For larger portions, a few minutes in a low oven works too.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for Churro Cheesecake?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the filling may not be quite as silky or flavorful as with full-fat cream cheese. If you do swap it, reduce any extra liquid elsewhere in the recipe to ensure the bars stay firm.

Do I need to chill before slicing, or can I serve it warm?

Chilling allows the cheesecake layer to set completely, making slicing much cleaner and easier. While you can serve it slightly warm for that gooey churro effect, chilling is recommended for neat, uniform bars (and better flavor harmony).

What can I use if I can’t find crescent roll dough?

If crescent roll dough isn’t available, try using puff pastry sheets or even sheets of biscuit dough as a substitute. Just make sure to roll to an even thickness and seal any seams for best results.

Can I double this Churro Cheesecake recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a larger rimmed baking sheet or two 9×13 pans, and increase your ingredient quantities as needed. The bars slice cleanly and serve up beautifully for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

What’s the best way to cut neat bars?

For perfectly neat squares, chill the pan thoroughly, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. If your knife is nonstick or slightly warm, it’ll glide through the creamy center and cinnamon topping without dragging or crumbling.

Final Thoughts

If comfort and celebration could fit in your hand, it would taste just like Churro Cheesecake. There’s something magical about the mix of gooey cheesecake, buttery dough, and cinnamon sugar—every bar is a little moment of happiness. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends and family, and watch it become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!

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