Churro Cheesecake Recipe : Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss in Every Bite

If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of choosing between two favorite desserts. Do you go for the warm, crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a churro, or do you indulge in the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake? Well, why not have both? This churro cheesecake recipe is the best of both worlds, bringing together the nostalgic flavors of classic churros with the smooth, luscious texture of a homemade cheesecake.

And the best part? It’s shockingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, but with none of the fuss. Whether you’re hosting a get-together, treating your family, or just craving something sweet, this churro cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. The layers of buttery, flaky pastry, the cinnamon-kissed crunch, and the creamy, tangy filling—it’s a match made in dessert heaven.

Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s make something delicious together!

Why You'll Love This Churro Cheesecake recipe

There’s something irresistible about the way cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese come together—it’s pure dessert magic. This churro cheesecake takes the crispy, golden perfection of classic churros and transforms it into an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Imagine a flaky, buttery cinnamon-sugar crust giving way to a luscious, velvety cheesecake filling—every bite is the perfect balance of warmth, crunch, and creamy decadence.

And here’s the best part: it looks impressive but is incredibly easy to make! No need for fancy baking skills or deep frying—just simple ingredients, a little layering, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just craving something extra special, this churro cheesecake is the crowd-pleaser you need. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, so when it’s time to serve, all you have to do is slice, share, and watch everyone fall in love with it.

If you’re ready to take your dessert game to the next level, this churro cheesecake is calling your name!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• The Secret to the Perfect Churro Cheesecake: Cinnamon, Creaminess, and a Little Magic!
• FAQ
• Churro Cheesecake: The Ultimate Fusion Dessert You Need to Try!
• Related
• Pairing
• Churro Cheesecake Recipe

Background

Churros have a rich history, originating in Spain and Portugal before becoming a beloved staple across Latin America, especially in Mexico. This churro cheesecake is a delicious tribute to those traditional flavors, blending the warmth of cinnamon-sugar churros with the creamy indulgence of classic American cheesecake. It’s a fusion dessert that beautifully celebrates both cultures, bringing together the best of both worlds in every decadent bite.

While this dessert shines during festive occasions like Cinco de Mayo, it’s truly a showstopper year-round. The comforting cinnamon-spiced layers make it feel right at home during cozy winter gatherings, while its unique flavor and airy texture keep it light enough for summer celebrations. Whether you’re serving it with a steaming cup of after-dinner coffee or pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence, this churro cheesecake is guaranteed to be a hit at any table.

Ingredients

For the Churro Crust:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar, packed
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Ice water (as needed)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs, at room temperature
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• All-purpose flour

For the Optional Churro Topping:

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough
• Melted butter
• Cinnamon sugar mixture (from coating above)

The cream cheese is the star of this show, so make sure you use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor. For a slightly tangier version, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and filling.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preparing the Churro Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a food processor, combine the flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing between additions until the dough just begins to come together (you might not need all the water).
5. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create a smooth, even layer.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.

The key to a flaky churro crust is using very cold butter and not overworking the dough. This creates those delicious layers that mimic the texture of a real churro.

Creating the Cheesecake Filling

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
5. Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
8. Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
9. Remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

When mixing your cheesecake filling, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest result without lumps.

Adding the Churro Topping (Optional)

1. If you want to add the optional churro topping, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut into strips about ½ inch wide.
3. Twist each strip and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
5. While still hot, brush with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
6. Let cool completely before placing on top of the chilled cheesecake.

Final Touches

• When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
• Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the cheesecake.
• If using the churro topping, arrange the churro twists decoratively on top.
• Cut into bars and serve chilled.

Hints and Tips

For the perfect churro cheesecake bars, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your filling, affecting both texture and appearance. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before starting.

Another pro tip: use a water bath for even more insurance against cracks. Simply place your cheesecake pan inside a larger pan filled with about an inch of hot water before baking. This creates a humid environment that helps the cheesecake bake gently and evenly.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

While this churro cheesecake is definitely an indulgent treat, you can make a few adjustments to suit different dietary needs. For a lower-sugar version, you can reduce the sugar in the filling by up to ¼ cup and still maintain great flavor thanks to the cinnamon.

This dessert is naturally vegetarian and can be a great option for those who prefer less overtly sweet desserts. The tanginess of the cream cheese balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar coating.

For the perfect finish to a Mexican-inspired meal, serve this churro cheesecake after enchiladas, tacos, or fajitas. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dulce de leche takes this dessert to the next level. For adults, it pairs wonderfully with a small glass of horchata or even coffee liqueur.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

There are many ways to customize this churro cheesecake to your preferences:

• Mini Churro Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin with liners to create individual portions, perfect for parties. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for an extra decadent touch.
• Dulce de Leche Layer: Spread a thin layer of dulce de leche between the crust and filling for a caramel twist.
• Churro Cheesecake Cups: Layer the components in small glasses for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, a flax egg substitute, and coconut cream instead of sour cream.

For a quick shortcut version, you can use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough for the crust instead of making it from scratch. Just press the dough into the pan, par-bake for about 8 minutes before adding the filling.

Equipment

• A 9x13 inch baking pan works best for this recipe, creating the perfect thickness for both the crust and filling. If you don't have one, you can use a 9-inch springform pan for a taller, round cheesecake instead. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
• A stand mixer or electric hand mixer makes the process much easier, especially when creating the smooth cheesecake filling. If mixing by hand, be prepared for a workout to achieve that perfect creamy texture!
• A food processor is helpful for making the churro crust, but you can also use two knives or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients if needed.

Storage

This churro cheesecake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other food odors.

You can also freeze this cheesecake for up to 3 months. Cut it into individual bars, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

For the best presentation, add any churro toppings just before serving, especially if you plan to freeze or refrigerate for more than a day..

FAQ

Churro Cheesecake: The Ultimate Fusion Dessert You Need to Try!

This churro cheesecake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. The perfect balance of crispy cinnamon-sugar crust and creamy cheesecake filling makes every bite pure indulgence. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or simply treating yourself, this fusion dessert is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s easier than it looks, making bakery-quality results totally achievable at home!

If you love homemade treats with a unique twist, be sure to check out our Sourdough Donuts for another irresistible fried-to-perfection delight. And if you're a fan of rich, gooey flavors, don’t miss our Caramel Cookie recipe—it’s the ultimate sweet tooth fix!

Give this churro cheesecake a try, and let us know in the comments how you made it your own. We can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Churro Cheesecake Recipe: