Welcome to your new favorite indulgence—churro cheesecake! This dreamy dessert fuses two iconic treats into one mouthwatering masterpiece. Imagine the crisp, cinnamon-sugar exterior of a classic churro layered over a rich, creamy cheesecake base—baked to golden perfection. It’s sweet, spiced, and outrageously delicious, delivering a fiesta of flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe has that wow factor. Churro cheesecake isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience, blending the nostalgic charm of fairground churros with the elegance of cheesecake. And yes, it’s totally doable from scratch, even if you’re new to baking.
If you’re already hooked on fun fusion desserts like our German Chocolate Cookies or crave cinnamon-kissed favorites like Pumpkin Dump Cake, then this one is calling your name.
Key Benefits for Churro Cheesecake
Why is churro cheesecake becoming such a viral favorite? Let’s break down what makes this dessert a go-to treat for so many home bakers.
- Two Desserts in One: You get the creamy decadence of cheesecake paired with the cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros. This fusion brings two sweet favorites together in the most irresistible way.
- Easy Ingredients, Big Impact: This recipe calls for basic pantry staples—think cream cheese, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar—but the result tastes bakery-level.
- Even better when made ahead—its flavor deepens beautifully overnight. Prep it the night before your gathering for less stress and more flavor.
- Customizable for Every Occasion: You can serve it plain, drizzle it with caramel, or top it with berries to make it fit any celebration.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: This is one dessert the whole family will swoon over, from picky toddlers to nostalgic grandparents.
And did we mention it’s a breeze to cut and serve? Unlike traditional round cheesecakes, this one is often baked in a rectangular dish, making perfect squares or bars for potlucks or parties. It’s a close cousin to our cream cheese crescent roll appetizer, proving once again that cream cheese and creative dough are a winning duo.
Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake
Let’s keep it simple and scrumptious. These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, and they’re exactly what give this recipe its unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Use two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional toppings: a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate for extra flair
Ingredient Tips:
- Opt for full-fat cream cheese to get that luscious, creamy consistency.
- For the cinnamon-sugar mix, adjust the ratio to your taste—but don’t skimp on the cinnamon!
- If using crescent sheet dough, you’ll save a step since it doesn’t need to be pinched at the seams.
Looking for a twist? Try swapping cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal spin. Or fold in a swirl of dulce de leche into the cream cheese filling for a flavor boost.
Instructions for Churro Cheesecake
Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a golden, gooey churro cheesecake that’s guaranteed to impress.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13 baking pan or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Roll out one tube of crescent dough in your baking dish, gently pressing the seams together to form an even base.
- In a large bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in 3/4 cup of sugar, the eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Beat until light and creamy.
- Add the cream cheese mixture on top of the dough and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the second layer of crescent dough over the top, pressing gently along the edges and seams to cover the filling completely.
- Stir together the remaining sugar (1/4 cup) and cinnamon. Pour the melted butter over the top layer of dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the cheesecake layer is set.
- Let it cool fully at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours to firm up before cutting into bars.
This dessert gets better as it chills, making it ideal for make-ahead gatherings. You can even find similar tips in our Christmas Cranberry Salad—prep ahead, enjoy later!
Pro Tips and Variations for Churro Cheesecake
Every home baker deserves shortcuts and creative twists! Let’s take your churro cheesecake to the next level with a few fun and tasty twists.
Pro Tips:
- Line with parchment for easy lift-out and cleaner slicing.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends smoother, eliminating lumps.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to achieve an ultra-light filling.
- For picture-perfect slices, run your knife under warm water before cutting—makes a world of difference.
Flavor Variations:
- Berry Swirl: Add spoonfuls of strawberry or raspberry jam over the filling before adding the top dough.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers or drizzle with hot fudge after baking.
- Mexican Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar topping for a spicy surprise.
- Fall Favorite: Swap out some sugar for maple syrup and add a dash of nutmeg for autumn vibes.
Feeling inspired by cheesy classics? Our Old-Fashioned Pimento Cheese also proves how easily traditional flavors can be elevated with a creative twist.
Serving Suggestions for Churro Cheesecake
Churro cheesecake is versatile enough for casual family nights or elegant events. Try these serving tips to turn dessert time into something truly memorable.
- Drizzle with toppings: Caramel, chocolate sauce, or even fruit preserves add color and flair.
- Serve with coffee or milk: A cup of cinnamon latte or a cold glass of milk is a dreamy pairing.
- Cut into bars for parties: Makes sharing easy and clean—ideal for potlucks, school events, or brunch tables.
- Add fresh fruit: A handful of sliced strawberries or blueberries on the side balances the richness beautifully.
- Whipped cream cloud: A dollop of whipped topping adds a light finish to this indulgent dessert.
You can even build a dessert board, pairing churro cheesecake squares with mini cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and cream cheese dips inspired by cottage cheese dessert recipes.
Trusted Resources to Churro Cheesecake
- Churro cheesecake bars combine two beloved desserts for maximum flavor according to Bon Appétit.
- Cream cheese is essential for rich texture in cheesecakes, as explained by Healthline.
- Cinnamon not only adds flavor—it may also offer health benefits like antioxidant protection says Medical News Today.
- Crescent roll dough makes this recipe a breeze—and you still get that homemade taste, no shortcuts on flavor (Source).
Conclusion
If comfort and creativity had a baby, it would be churro cheesecake. This crowd-pleasing recipe combines the best of both worlds with its crispy cinnamon layers and dreamy, smooth filling. It’s easy to prepare, fun to personalize, and always delivers joy.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned dessert master, this recipe makes you look like a pro with minimal effort. And the best part? It brings people together over shared bites and sweet memories—just like every recipe should.
If you’ve enjoyed making this, check out our Cottage Cheese Queso or Shirley Temple Punch for more festive kitchen fun.
Print
Churro Cheesecake Bliss for the Ultimate Dessert Lovers
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro cheesecake is the perfect fusion dessert—featuring creamy vanilla cheesecake filling between layers of golden crescent dough coated in cinnamon sugar. Easy, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing!
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cans crescent dough
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Optional toppings: caramel, whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 dish.
- Lay out one crescent dough can on the bottom.
- Beat cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over dough.
- Cover with second dough sheet.
- Pour melted butter on top, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Bake 30–35 min until golden brown. Chill 2+ hours before slicing.
Notes
- Swap caramel for chocolate drizzle.
- Use crescent dough sheets for quicker prep.
- Can be frozen up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
FAQs
What type of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat, brick-style cream cheese offers the best texture. Avoid whipped or spreadable versions, which may be too soft.
Is it okay to swap in your own dough instead of using the store-bought crescent kind?
Yes, but it adds prep time. Store-bought crescent dough makes this recipe super quick and consistent.
Do I need to chill it before serving?
Yes, chilling helps set the cheesecake and enhances flavor. Let it chill for at least two hours—though if you can wait until the next day, it tastes even better.
How long does churro cheesecake last?
Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge, and it’ll stay tasty for about 4 to 5 days. Want to make it last longer? You can stash it in the freezer, and it’ll keep just fine for about a month.
For more classic comfort, see our Black Folks Mac and Cheese.