If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that feels both decadent and delightfully approachable, the Churro Cheesecake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It cleverly combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, cinnamon-spiced crunch of traditional churros, all wrapped up in buttery crescent roll dough. It’s a fusion that tastes like a celebration in every bite and yet comes together with absolute ease, perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Churro Cheesecake Recipe lies in its simple but well-curated ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy tang of the cream cheese to the sweet, cinnamon-kissed crunch of the topping. These ingredients are not only essential for flavor but also for creating that perfect texture and inviting golden color.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): Provides a flaky, buttery crust that perfectly surrounds the cheesecake layer.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): The star ingredient that ensures a smooth and luscious cheesecake filling.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup total, divided): Balances sweetness and helps create that classic churro flavor when combined with cinnamon.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the cheesecake filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Drizzled on top to help the cinnamon sugar crisp up and give that irresistible churro crunch.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The essential spice that delivers the signature churro taste and aroma.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your churro cheesecake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together half a cup of sugar and the cinnamon. This mixture will be sprinkled on top, giving your dessert that signature churro crunch and irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Create the Bottom Crust
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish. Be sure to seal the seams so the cheesecake filling doesn’t leak out during baking—this will create a sturdy base for the layers.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining half cup of sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to achieving that dreamy cheesecake texture.
Step 5: Layer the Cheesecake Filling
Spread your silky cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough base. Smooth it out carefully to ensure even baking and that every bite has that perfect balance of crust and filling.
Step 6: Add the Top Crust and Topping
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently place it over your cream cheese layer. Press lightly to cover. Then pour the melted butter evenly over this top layer before generously sprinkling your cinnamon sugar mixture across the surface. This creates the iconic churro crust that everyone will love.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and you can see that the cheesecake layer is set. After baking, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating for at least one hour—this gives the flavors time to meld and the texture to perfect.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Although the Churro Cheesecake Recipe is incredible on its own, adding a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce elevates it to next-level indulgence. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also bring a lovely contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors and creamy filling.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or spiced hot chocolate, linking back to the warm, cozy vibe of churros. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements the warm cinnamon topping perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this churro cheesecake cut into bars on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper. You can also layer small portions in glass jars for individual servings, perfect for sharing or gifting at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Churro Cheesecake Recipe has chilled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying over a few meals or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For a warm treat, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat, or the creamy center might lose its perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular pie crust instead of crescent roll dough?
While standard pie crust could work, the crescent roll dough gives this recipe its signature flaky and buttery texture that perfectly mimics churro dough, so it’s best to stick with that if possible.
Is this Churro Cheesecake Recipe gluten-free?
The crescent roll dough contains gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free by default. However, you could experiment with gluten-free dough alternatives if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Making this dairy-free would require substituting the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives. The texture and flavor will change, but it’s definitely possible to create a delicious version with vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter.
What is the best way to cut the cheesecake for serving?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps smoothly slice through the layers without dragging or sticking.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar for extra depth and a unique warm spice profile that complements the cheesecake beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this Churro Cheesecake Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress without the fuss. It’s a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that never fails to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Churro Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus at least 1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Churro Cheesecake combines the flaky, buttery texture of crescent roll dough with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, all finished with a classic cinnamon sugar topping. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving chilled or slightly warm, this Mexican-American inspired dessert offers a delightful twist on traditional churros in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and set aside for topping later.
- Form the base layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish, sealing the seams to create an even crust.
- Mix the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining ½ cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the cheesecake layer: Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough base layer.
- Add the top dough layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently place it over the cream cheese layer, pressing lightly to cover the filling completely.
- Apply butter and cinnamon sugar topping: Pour the melted butter over the top dough layer evenly, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the surface.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before slicing into 12 squares and serving.
Notes
- For an extra-decadent touch, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce before serving.
- This dessert is best served chilled but also delicious when enjoyed slightly warm.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Sealing the seams of the crescent dough helps prevent filling leakage during baking.
