Churro Cheesecake Recipe
If you love the irresistible combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced churros and creamy cheesecake, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Churro Cheesecake. This delightful dessert captures that iconic churro flavor in a luscious cheesecake bar form, marrying the crispy, buttery layers of crescent dough with a smooth, dreamy cream cheese filling. Perfectly sweet, with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, the Churro Cheesecake is a showstopper that feels like a cozy hug on a plate and is sure to become one of your favorite treats to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this delectable Churro Cheesecake. Each item plays an important role, from giving texture and richness to adding those signature cinnamon flavors that make this dessert so special.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm spice essential for that authentic churro taste, perfectly balancing sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and works with cinnamon to create that addictive cinnamon sugar coating.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Easy-to-use dough providing tender, flaky layers that crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Full-fat cream cheese: The creamy, tangy base of the cheesecake filling for rich, smooth texture.
- Large egg: Helps bind the cheesecake filling while adding structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the creamy filling, enhancing overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on top to help achieve that golden-brown, crispy finish and to lock in flavor.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Begin by mixing the ground cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This cinnamon sugar blend is the secret to capturing the classic churro flavor, so taking a moment to combine it well sets a flavorful foundation for your cheesecake bars.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the center. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly, then sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on the bottom. This layer adds a touch of sweetness and helps prevent sticking while contributing subtle crunch at the base.
Step 3: Create the Base Layer with Crescent Dough
Open one tube of crescent roll dough and gently unroll it. Press the seams together carefully to form a single rectangular sheet. This dough sheet will become the bottom crust of your Churro Cheesecake, providing a tender yet flaky base that beautifully contrasts with the creamy filling.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps so your cheesecake filling bakes with a silky finish. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the base layer in your pan and smooth it out gently.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer and Butter Coating
Open the second tube of crescent roll dough and repeat the process of sealing the seams to form one sheet. Carefully place this dough over the cheesecake filling, covering it completely. Then, pour the melted butter over the top layer and spread it evenly with a spoon or pastry brush. The butter ensures a crisp, golden crust that is utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Sprinkle with the Remaining Cinnamon Sugar
Generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered top layer. This topping will caramelize during baking, creating that trademark churro crunch and sugary finish that makes this dessert so addictive.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Churro Cheesecake in the preheated oven for 26 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the crescent dough to puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack to set and develop flavor.
Step 8: Chill Before Serving
After your cheesecake bars cool to room temperature, place them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Chilling allows the cheesecake filling to firm up properly, making it easy to cut into perfect bars that hold their shape when served.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake
Garnishes
To really elevate your Churro Cheesecake presentation, think about sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar just before serving or adding a dusting of powdered sugar. For a fresh touch, add some sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce can also complement the cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee to balance out the sweetness. Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries, adds a refreshing contrast that keeps the indulgence feeling light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Churro Cheesecake into bite-sized bars for party platters or serve each bar on a pretty dessert plate with a sprig of mint for a sophisticated touch. You can also layer individual portions in clear glasses, alternating cheesecake pieces with whipped cream and fruit for dessert parfaits that wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Churro Cheesecake, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for an easy midweek treat or last-minute dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze the cheesecake bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil or using freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. They freeze well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, reheat individual bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will refresh the crispness of the crescent dough while keeping the cheesecake filling soft and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade crescent dough can be used if you prefer to make everything from scratch. Just roll it out to the appropriate size and thickness, ensuring it can hold the cheesecake filling while baking evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Though traditional Churro Cheesecake uses cream cheese and butter, you can explore dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and vegan butter substitutes. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly, but the flavors will still shine through!
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar mix?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg or a pinch of cloves to the cinnamon sugar for a warm spice twist. It can enhance the flavor depth and bring a nice holiday vibe to the cheesecake bars.
How thick should the cheesecake filling layer be?
The filling should be spread evenly but not too thick; about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch works best. This ensures a perfect balance between the creamy filling and the flaky dough layers.
What is the best way to cut the cheesecake bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts by wiping with a damp cloth. Chilling the cheesecake thoroughly before slicing helps maintain clean edges and neat bars that look as good as they taste.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cheesecake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm embrace – spicy, sweet, creamy, and crisp all at once. It’s perfect for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or whenever you just need a comforting treat that’ll wow everyone. Trust me, once you try making it yourself, this will quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. So go ahead and make some memories with this deliciously fun, utterly scrumptious Churro Cheesecake!
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Churro Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated layers of classic churros with a creamy, rich cheesecake filling sandwiched in between. This easy-to-make dessert features refrigerated crescent roll dough as the base and top layers, making it a convenient yet indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
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 ground cinnamon and granulated sugar until well combined. Set this mixture aside to use later as your cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the middle position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly, then sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the bottom to create a flavorful base.
- Create Base Layer: Open one tube of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it onto a clean surface. Press the seams together gently to form a single, uniform rectangular sheet. Lay this sheet into the prepared baking pan ensuring it fully covers the bottom and edges.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and thoroughly combined. Pour this cheesecake filling evenly over the crescent dough base in the pan, spreading it out with a spatula.
- Top Layer and Butter Coating: Open the second tube of crescent roll dough, unroll it, and press the seams just like the base layer to make a cohesive sheet. Gently place this dough sheet over the cheesecake filling, covering it completely. Pour the melted butter over this top layer and spread it evenly using a spoon or pastry brush to ensure even browning.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered top layer, covering it fully for that signature churro flavor and look.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 26–30 minutes or until the crescent dough is puffed up and beautifully golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Chill and Serve: After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours to let the filling set firmly. Once chilled, cut the dessert into bars and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat for a lighter version, but this might affect the creaminess.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Refrigerating the bars is essential to achieve clean slices and proper texture.
- For extra crunch, you can lightly toast the cinnamon-sugar topping under the broiler for a minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This dessert is best stored refrigerated and consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: churro cheesecake, cheesecake bars, cinnamon sugar dessert, crescent roll dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, churro dessert
