Churro Cheesecake

Churro cheesecake is the ultimate mashup of two beloved desserts — crispy, cinnamon-sugar churros and rich, creamy cheesecake. This easy-to-make layered dessert features flaky crescent dough, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping that gives you all the flavor of a churro with the decadent creaminess of cheesecake. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or satisfying a sweet tooth any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert is as easy as it is indulgent. It comes together with simple ingredients (including store-bought dough), bakes in one pan, and slices beautifully. You get the soft, spiced bite of a churro and the richness of a cheesecake in every single forkful. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — and it’s just as good served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans)
• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Egg (optional, for richer filling)
• Melted butter (for brushing the top)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar together. Set aside.
3. Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the pan, sealing the seams.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg (if using) until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough base.
6. Unroll the second can of crescent dough and lay it over the filling, gently pressing to cover.
7. Brush the top layer with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed.
9. Let cool for at least 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours before slicing for cleaner cuts.
10. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Serves 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Chill time: 1–2 hours (optional for clean cuts)
Total time: About 2 hours

Variations

• Add caramel drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
• Make it fruity: Swirl in a bit of strawberry or raspberry jam into the cream cheese layer.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon sugar mix.
• Use puff pastry: For a flakier texture, substitute with puff pastry sheets.
• Mini version: Use muffin tins for individual churro cheesecake bites.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before eating. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds. This dessert can also be frozen — wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, any soft, rollable dough will work — just roll it thin and press into place.

Do I have to chill it before serving?

It’s best chilled for clean slices, but it can be served warm for a gooier, softer texture.

Can I add chocolate?

Absolutely — sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer for a chocolate twist.

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat block cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great made the day before. Just refrigerate and slice when ready to serve.

Is the egg necessary in the filling?

No, it’s optional. It makes the filling slightly more custardy, but it’s still creamy without it.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, use a larger sheet pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

How do I prevent soggy crust?

Make sure to bake until golden and let it cool completely so the filling can set.

Can I use other spices in the topping?

Yes, try adding cardamom, nutmeg, or even a bit of cayenne for a kick.

What can I serve with churro cheesecake?

Try whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Churro cheesecake is a fun, flavorful twist on two classic desserts, combining the warm cinnamon crunch of churros with the smooth, creamy richness of cheesecake. It’s easy to prepare, irresistible to eat, and always a hit with guests. Whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it as a weekend treat, this dessert is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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