Churro Cheesecake

If you’ve ever wished you could combine the crispy, cinnamon-sugar delight of a churro with the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake, your dessert dreams have come true. This Churro Cheesecake is exactly that—a delectable marriage of two beloved desserts that will wow your family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to taste it. Each bite has a buttery, flaky crescent dough exterior, a soft and luscious cream cheese filling, and a perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar coating that’s pure magic.

Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is approachable, fun, and utterly irresistible. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to make at home yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Churro Cheesecake

• Crispy and creamy texture: Flaky crescent dough on the outside with soft cheesecake in the middle.
• Easy to assemble: Uses readily available ingredients and minimal prep.
• Cinnamon-sugar perfection: Every bite tastes like a classic churro with cheesecake sophistication.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill and serve, perfect for parties or potlucks.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy plain, with berries, or drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.
• Fun twist on classics: A creative dessert that combines two favorites in one recipe.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 16 bars

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

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Small bowl for cinnamon sugar
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spoon or pastry brush
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack
• Knife for slicing bars

Having the proper tools makes assembly smooth and ensures the dessert turns out perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon with ½ cup granulated sugar. Mix until fully combined and set aside. This mixture will be used both at the bottom of the pan and on top of the dessert for that signature churro flavor.

2. Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or cooking spray. Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar evenly across the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking and add flavor.

3. Create Base Layer

Open one tube of crescent roll dough. Unroll it carefully and press the seams together to form a single rectangular sheet. Place this sheet into the prepared pan, ensuring it fully covers the bottom. The base should be flat and even to support the cheesecake filling.

4. Make Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together 16 ounces softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The mixture should have a velvety texture with no lumps. Pour it evenly over the crescent dough base and spread with a spatula.

5. Top Layer and Butter Coating

Open the second tube of crescent roll dough, seal the seams, and gently place it over the cheesecake layer, forming the top crust. Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and pour it over the top layer. Use a spoon or pastry brush to spread the butter evenly—it helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and gives the crust a beautiful golden finish.

6. Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar generously over the buttered top layer. This coating will give the dessert that unmistakable churro crunch and flavor.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 26–30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the cheesecake filling remains soft but set.

8. Cool and Chill

Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the layers fully set. This step ensures clean slicing and a firm yet creamy texture.

9. Slice and Serve

Slice into 16 bars before serving. For extra flair, serve slightly chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnished with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Berries or Fruit: Serve with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for added freshness.
• Caramel Drizzle: Lightly drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a chocolate-churro flavor.
• Mini Bars: Use a smaller baking pan or muffin tins to make individual portions.
• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar for a seasonal twist.

Flavor Profile & Texture

This Churro Cheesecake offers a perfect balance of crispy, buttery, and creamy. The crescent dough layers are golden and flaky, reminiscent of traditional churros, while the cheesecake center is smooth, rich, and slightly tangy. The cinnamon-sugar topping provides a sweet, lightly spiced crunch that elevates every bite. The dessert is sweet without being cloying and offers a variety of textures in a single mouthful.

Nutritional Overview (Per Bar)

• Calories: ~250
• Sugar: ~18g
• Fat: ~14g
• Saturated Fat: ~7g
• Carbohydrates: ~26g
• Protein: ~5g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on specific brands used.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Baking Ahead: Assemble and bake the cheesecake up to a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator.
• Chilling: Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving to ensure layers are firm.
• Leftovers: Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Yes! Homemade dough works beautifully, just roll it into rectangular sheets to fit your pan.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute the crescent dough with a gluten-free puff pastry or dough. Ensure the dough is firm enough to support the cheesecake layer.

3. Why do I need to chill the cheesecake before slicing?
Chilling allows the cheesecake filling to set, making clean slices and a firm texture possible.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling?
Yes, fold in ¼–½ cup mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-churro twist.

5. Can I make mini churro cheesecake bites?
Absolutely. Use a muffin tin and cut the crescent dough to fit each cup. Adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Cinnamon Sugar & Dough	15 minutes
Make Cheesecake Filling	5 minutes
Assemble Layers	10 minutes
Bake	26–30 minutes
Cool to Room Temperature	30–45 minutes
Chill in Fridge	3 hours minimum
Total Time	3 hours 49 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Slice bars neatly and serve on a decorative platter for parties.
• Garnish with fresh fruit, chocolate drizzle, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or a lightly sweetened tea for a complete dessert experience.

Ingredient Spotlight

Crescent Roll Dough

This convenient dough creates the churro-like layers without the need for frying. Use refrigerated dough for even puffing and a buttery flavor.

Cream Cheese

Full-fat cream cheese provides the perfect rich and creamy texture for the cheesecake layer. Softened cream cheese mixes more easily and avoids lumps.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Seam Sealing: Press the seams of the crescent dough to prevent gaps and uneven rising.
• Even Spreading: Use a spatula to spread the cheesecake filling evenly to avoid bubbling or spilling.
• Golden Finish: Brush melted butter evenly over the top layer to enhance browning and adherence of cinnamon sugar.
• Flavor Boost: Let the bars chill overnight to intensify flavors.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Do’s & Don’ts: Do chill before slicing; don’t freeze unwrapped as it can dry out the dough.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Churro Cheesecake: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling.
2. Pumpkin Spice Churro Cheesecake: Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the cheesecake layer for a fall twist.
3. Mini Churro Cheesecake Bites: Use a muffin pan for individual portions, perfect for parties.
4. Berry-Topped: Add fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries before chilling for a fruity variation.

Expanded Conclusion

This Churro Cheesecake is a fun, flavorful, and indulgent dessert that will impress anyone who tastes it. The combination of buttery crescent dough, creamy cheesecake, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping is the ultimate dessert hybrid. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with a warm beverage.

With easy steps, approachable ingredients, and spectacular results, this dessert is a must-try for anyone who loves churros, cheesecake, or both. Serve it chilled, slice it into bars, and watch as it disappears faster than you can say “sweet indulgence.”

Baking this dessert at home is both rewarding and delicious. The layers hold beautifully, the flavors are vibrant, and the texture is a delightful contrast of crisp and creamy. Churro Cheesecake is proof that two desserts can be better than one—so treat yourself, and share the joy with others.

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