If you’re a fan of churros and cheesecake, this Churro Cheesecake recipe is the perfect fusion of both worlds. The creamy, velvety texture of cheesecake combined with the sweet and crunchy goodness of churros creates an irresistible dessert. Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe, complete with easy-to-follow steps that will have your kitchen smelling like a sweet cinnamon dream.
Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake
To make this mouthwatering dessert, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Assembly:
- 2 cans of crescent roll dough sheets
- Avocado oil spray (or any cooking spray)
- Optional toppings: fresh strawberries, additional sweetened condensed milk
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Churro Cheesecake
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, blend the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This is the rich, creamy base that will make your Churro Cheesecake irresistibly delicious.
2. Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Next, it’s time to prepare the churro-inspired cinnamon sugar mixture. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar with ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This mixture will provide the iconic churro flavor that makes this dessert so special.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with avocado oil spray (or any cooking spray you prefer). Once the dish is greased, sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture on the bottom of the dish, ensuring an even coating. This will form a sweet and slightly crispy base for the Churro Cheesecake.
4. Layer the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the cinnamon sugar layer in the prepared baking dish. Gently press the dough to fit the pan, making sure the edges are snug against the sides of the dish. This dough acts as the crust for your cheesecake, giving it that flaky, churro-like texture.
5. Add the Cheesecake Filling
Now it’s time to add the star of the show: the cheesecake filling. Pour the creamy mixture over the crescent dough, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The thick, luscious filling will settle perfectly between the layers of dough, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
6. Add the Top Layer of Crescent Dough
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheesecake filling. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the filling, sealing in all that creamy goodness. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top layer of dough to give it that classic churro flavor and appearance.
7. Bake the Churro Cheesecake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top layer of crescent dough is golden brown and slightly crispy. The cheesecake should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
8. Chill Before Serving
For the best results, refrigerate the Churro Cheesecake for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving. This chilling time allows the cheesecake to fully set, making it easier to cut into neat squares while maintaining its creamy texture.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheesecake has chilled, it’s time to serve this delectable dessert. You can garnish each slice with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some additional sweetened condensed milk over the top of each piece. The combination of the rich cheesecake filling, flaky dough, and cinnamon sugar crust is truly magical.
Tips for Making the Best Churro Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
- Chilling is Key: While it may be tempting to dig into the Churro Cheesecake right after it comes out of the oven, chilling it in the fridge for a few hours is crucial for the perfect texture. The cheesecake needs time to set properly.
- Use Crescent Dough Sheets: For convenience and a more uniform crust, crescent dough sheets are recommended. If you can’t find them, regular crescent rolls can work, but you’ll need to pinch the perforations together to create a seamless dough layer.
Why You Should Try This Churro Cheesecake
This Churro Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just as a treat for yourself. The contrast between the flaky churro dough, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the cinnamon sugar crust makes every bite a heavenly experience. Plus, it’s an easy dessert to make with minimal prep time, so even beginner bakers can tackle this recipe with confidence.
Whether you’re a fan of churros, cheesecake, or both, this dessert will quickly become a favorite. The sweet and creamy filling pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar crust, making it an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is perfect as is, there are a few fun variations you can try to switch things up:
- Chocolate Churro Cheesecake: Add a layer of melted chocolate between the crescent dough and cheesecake filling for a rich, decadent twist.
- Cinnamon Apple Churro Cheesecake: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples tossed in cinnamon sugar before adding the cheesecake filling for a churro apple pie-inspired dessert.
- Mini Churro Cheesecake Bites: Use a muffin tin to create individual servings of this dessert. Simply cut the crescent dough into smaller circles and follow the same layering process.
Final Thoughts
Churro Cheesecake is a unique and delicious dessert that combines the best of two beloved treats. The rich, creamy filling pairs perfectly with the buttery crescent dough and cinnamon sugar topping. This easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress at any occasion. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a crowd favorite!
