Churro Cheesecake: 5 Mind-Blowing Dessert Twists

Tired of serving the same predictable desserts at your gatherings? That feeling of watching your guests politely nibble at yet another ordinary cake can be disheartening. This Churro Cheesecake recipe promises to transform your dessert game with its irresistible combination of crispy cinnamon-sugar exterior and velvety smooth cheesecake filling that will have everyone asking for seconds (and your recipe).

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! After years of experimenting with dessert fusions in my kitchen, I’ve perfected this Churro Cheesecake that consistently earns rave reviews at family gatherings. The moment I brought this to my cousin’s graduation party, it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table!

In this recipe guide, you’ll discover how to select the perfect ingredients, master the churro cheesecake preparation, explore creative variations, and answer common questions that arise when making this show-stopping dessert.

Why This Churro Cheesecake Recipe Works

● Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
● Combines two beloved desserts into one spectacular treat
● Requires no special equipment or advanced baking skills
● Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or family dessert nights
● Can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake

Best Cream Cheese for Cheesecake

The foundation of any great churro cheesecake is the cream cheese. Full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese produces the most reliable results with its smooth texture and balanced flavor. Allow it to come to room temperature completely before mixing to avoid lumps in your cheesecake batter.

Cinnamon Selection Tips

Not all cinnamon is created equal! Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate, sweet flavor ideal for the churro coating, while Cassia cinnamon (the most common supermarket variety) provides a stronger, spicier note. Either works beautifully, but fresh cinnamon will always deliver more vibrant flavor.

Sugar Substitutions

While traditional granulated and brown sugars work perfectly in this recipe, you can experiment with coconut sugar in the churro coating for a slightly caramel-like flavor profile. For those watching sugar intake, monk fruit sweetener can be used in the cheesecake filling, though the churro coating needs real sugar for proper caramelization.

Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Churro Cheesecake

Churro Base Essentials

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Step-by-Step Churro Cheesecake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Churro Cheesecake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and lightly greasing the sides.
2. Beat cream cheese until completely smooth, then add sugar and continue beating until well incorporated.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
4. Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, then set the cheesecake mixture aside.

Cooking Method for Churro Cheesecake Base

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Remove from heat and quickly stir in flour until a dough forms.
3. Return to low heat, stirring constantly for 1 minute to dry out the dough slightly.
4. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
6. Spread the churro dough evenly in the prepared springform pan, creating a slight rim around the edges.

Churro Cheesecake Assembly

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the churro base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
3. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Resting and Final Churro Cheesecake Touches

1. After cooling in the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Before serving, brush the top and sides with melted butter.
3. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then generously sprinkle over the buttered cheesecake.
4. For the authentic churro experience, use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the cinnamon sugar (optional).

Pro Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake

Avoiding Common Churro Cheesecake Mishaps

• Never overmix the cheesecake batter after adding the eggs to prevent excess air incorporation, which causes cracking.
• If your churro base puffs up too much during baking, gently press it down while still warm.
• For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.

Tool Recommendations for Churro Cheesecake

• A stand mixer makes the cheesecake filling incredibly smooth with minimal effort
• A silicone spatula helps incorporate ingredients without scratching your bowls
• A kitchen torch adds that professional touch to the cinnamon sugar coating

Storage & Presentation

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• For make-ahead convenience, prepare the entire cheesecake 1-2 days before serving
• Add a drizzle of dulce de leche or chocolate sauce just before serving for an extra-special presentation

Looking for more dessert inspiration? Check out my collection of dessert recipes on Pinterest where I share new sweet creations every week!

Flavor Variations for Churro Cheesecake

Mexican Chocolate Churro Cheesecake

Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cheesecake filling, then sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cinnamon-sugar coating for a delightful Mexican chocolate twist with a gentle warmth.

Caramel Churro Cheesecake

Swirl ¼ cup of thick caramel sauce into the cheesecake batter before baking, and drizzle more over the finished dessert. The buttery caramel complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Churro Cheesecake Bites

For a party-friendly version, prepare the recipe in a mini muffin tin, reducing the baking time to 15-20 minutes. These bite-sized treats disappear quickly at gatherings!

Serving Suggestions for Churro Cheesecake

• Pair with coffee ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm spices and cool creaminess
• Serve alongside fresh berries macerated with a touch of sugar and lime zest
• Add a dollop of whipped cream spiked with a hint of cinnamon
• For special occasions, create a dessert board with churro cheesecake slices, chocolate dipping sauce, and fresh fruit

FAQs About Churro Cheesecake

Can I make churro cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, churro cheesecake benefits from chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can make it up to two days in advance and add the cinnamon-sugar coating just before serving.

Why did my churro base get soggy?

The most common cause is underbaking the churro layer. Make sure to bake it until it’s golden brown before adding the cheesecake filling. Another tip: brush the churro layer with a thin coat of egg white to create a barrier before adding the filling.

Can I freeze churro cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled cheesecake (without the cinnamon-sugar topping) for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the topping just before serving.

Conclusion

This Churro Cheesecake brings together the best of two beloved desserts the warm, cinnamon-sugar embrace of churros and the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake. The contrast between the slightly crispy churro base and the velvety cheesecake creates a truly memorable dessert experience that your friends and family won’t soon forget.

I’d love to see your churro cheesecake creations! Share your photos and tag @GusRecipes on social media. With over 3,000 home bakers having successfully made this recipe, you’ll be joining a community of dessert enthusiasts who appreciate that little extra effort for extraordinary results.

Churro Cheesecake: 5 Mind-Blowing Dessert Twists

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Churro Cheesecake combines a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust with a creamy cheesecake filling and a caramel finish. A simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a churro and cheesecake in one bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

CRUST

2 cans crescent roll dough

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

CHEESECAKE FILLING

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 large egg

TOPPING

1/4 cup cinnamon sugar

Caramel sauce, for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Unroll one crescent dough sheet onto the bottom of the baking dish and press to seal seams.

4. Beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.

5. Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over the dough.

6. Place the second sheet of crescent dough on top.

7. Brush the melted butter over the top layer.

8. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar.

9. Bake for 28–32 minutes, until golden and set.

10. Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour.

11. Slice and drizzle with caramel before serving.

Notes

For cleaner slices, refrigerate at least 2–3 hours before cutting.

Great served warm or chilled.

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra churro flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Mexican Inspired

Keywords: churro cheesecake, cinnamon sugar, crescent roll cheesecake