churro cheesecake

This churro cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. Imagine a flaky, buttery crescent roll crust filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar layer. It’s the perfect fusion of Mexican churros and classic New York-style cheesecake, with an easy no-fuss preparation.

Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a sweet snack, this dessert delivers the warm, spiced flavor of churros with the rich, smooth texture of cheesecake. Plus, it uses simple ingredients like crescent roll dough, cream cheese, and cinnamon sugar, making it a quick yet impressive dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Churro Cheesecake Recipe

• Easy to Make: No need for pastry skills—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family desserts.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• Versatile: Customize with caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, or fruit toppings.

Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Churro Cheesecake

For the Crust & Topping:

• 2 tubes (8 oz each) crescent roll dough (or puff pastry for a flakier texture)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature for smooth mixing)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Churro Cheesecake

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar

• In a small bowl, mix 1 cup sugar and 2 tbsp cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Bottom Crust

• Unroll 1 tube of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the dish.
• Pinch the seams together to form a solid layer.
• Brush with half of the melted butter, then sprinkle ½ of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

• In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Spread evenly over the bottom crust.

Step 5: Add the Top Layer

• Unroll the second tube of crescent dough and place it over the filling.
• Brush with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Bake

• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
• Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Chef’s Secrets: Tips & Twists for the Best Results

Pro Tips for the Best Churro Cheesecake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
   • Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling. Cold cream cheese can lead to an uneven texture.
2. Prevent Sticking
   • For easy removal, line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This lets you lift the entire dessert out before slicing.
3. Even Cinnamon Sugar Distribution
   • Mix the cinnamon and sugar thoroughly before sprinkling to avoid clumps. For extra coverage, lightly press the sugar into the top layer of dough before baking.
4. Avoid Overbaking
   • The cheesecake is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. Overbaking can dry out the filling.
5. Chill for Cleaner Slices
   • For neat, sharp cuts, refrigerate the baked cheesecake for 1–2 hours before slicing with a warm knife.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Chocolate Swirl Churro Cheesecake
  • Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and swirl into the cream cheese filling before adding the top dough layer.
• Apple Cinnamon Version
  • Spread a thin layer of apple pie filling over the bottom crust before adding the cheesecake mixture.
• Nutella-Stuffed
  • Dollop Nutella between the cream cheese layer and the top crescent dough for a hazelnut twist.
• Dulce de Leche Drizzle
  • After baking, drizzle with warm dulce de leche for a caramel-infused finish.
• Gluten-Free Option
  • Substitute crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or a homemade almond flour crust.
• Lighter Cheesecake Filling
  • Replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier, slightly lighter texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Soggy Bottom Crust?
  • Pre-bake the bottom crescent layer for 5 minutes before adding the filling to crisp it up.
• Cracked Top?
  • Avoid overmixing the filling, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the turned-off oven with the door slightly open.

These tweaks ensure your churro cheesecake turns out perfect every time, whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with fun flavors!

How to Serve Churro Cheesecake for Maximum Wow Factor

Perfect Pairings

1. À La Mode
   • Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast. The creaminess balances the cinnamon sugar crunch.
2. Dessert Sauces
   • Drizzle with:
     • Warm caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
     • Dark chocolate ganache
     • Raspberry coulis for a fruity twist
3. Whipped Cream Toppings
   • Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream (try cinnamon-infused for extra flavor)
   • For a festive touch, pipe whipped cream in decorative swirls
4. Coffee & Drink Pairings
   • Mexican hot chocolate with a pinch of chili powder
   • Espresso or cold brew to cut the sweetness
   • Chai latte to complement the warm spices

Creative Presentations

• Mini Dessert Shooters
  • Layer crumbled churro cheesecake with whipped cream in small glasses
• Churro Cheesecake Nachos
  • Cut baked pieces into triangles and arrange with dipping sauces
• Brunch Upgrade
  • Serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a decadent breakfast

Special Occasion Ideas

• Holiday Version: Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint (for Christmas) or pumpkin spice (for fall)
• Birthday Twist: Top with rainbow sprinkles and a candle
• Restaurant-Style: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with mint leaves

Temperature Tips

• Warm: Best for gooey, fresh-from-the-oven texture (reheat 10 sec in microwave if needed)
• Chilled: Ideal for firmer slices that hold their shape
• Room Temp: Perfect balance when serving to guests

These serving ideas transform your churro cheesecake from simple dessert to showstopping centerpiece for any event!

Keep It Fresh: Storage & Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Keeps for 2 hours max (due to dairy).
• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

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Churro Cheesecake

Easy churro cheesecake bar recipe! Buttery crescent dough, creamy cheesecake and cinnamon sugar create a delicious, quick dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Fusion (Mexican-American)

Servings 12 slices

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crust & Topping:

• 2 tubes 8 oz each crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
• ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz 450g cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

1️⃣ Prep & Preheat

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Make Cinnamon Sugar

• Mix 1 cup sugar + 2 tbsp cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.

3️⃣ Layer Bottom Crust

• Unroll 1 tube crescent dough into the dish. Press seams together.
• Brush with ½ melted butter, then sprinkle ½ cinnamon sugar.

4️⃣ Prepare Filling

• Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Spread evenly over the crust.

5️⃣ Add Top Layer

• Unroll the second dough tube over the filling.
• Brush with remaining butter, then top with rest of cinnamon sugar.

6️⃣ Bake & Cool

• Bake 25–30 mins until golden brown.
• Cool 30 mins before slicing.

💡 Pro Tips

• For extra crunch: Bake bottom crust for 5 mins before adding filling.
• Storage: Keep in fridge for 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

Notes

📈 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein	Sugar
320 kcal	18g	35g	4g	25g
Additional: Fiber 1g, Sodium 280mg, Cholesterol 45mg

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Dessert

This churro cheesecake is a foolproof dessert that brings together the best of both worlds—crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust and creamy cheesecake filling. It’s easy to customize, stores well, and always gets rave reviews. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight treats to holiday gatherings!

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