Imagine the perfect marriage of crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated churros and velvety cream cheese in one irresistible dessert! This churro cheesecake combines two beloved treats into a Mexican-inspired fusion that’s guaranteed to impress. The graham cracker crust gets a cinnamon upgrade while the creamy filling delivers that classic cheesecake comfort. Whether for special occasions or weekend treats, this showstopper balances familiar flavors with unexpected texture. Ready to create some kitchen magic that will have everyone asking for your secret? Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Churro Cheesecake
This churro cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat! Here’s why it’s worth making:
- Perfect texture contrast between creamy filling and cinnamon-sugar crunch
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Universal appeal that satisfies both churro and cheesecake lovers
The warm cinnamon spice balances the rich cream cheese perfectly, creating a dessert that’s indulgent without being overwhelming. Even novice bakers can master this recipe, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to special celebrations!
Ingredients to Make the Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Creating this Mexican-inspired fusion dessert requires simple ingredients that combine to create something truly spectacular. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (Mexican vanilla works beautifully here)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Churro Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Warm caramel sauce or dulce de leche
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
Pro Tip: For the creamiest cheesecake texture, make sure your refrigerated ingredients (especially the cream cheese and eggs) are completely at room temperature before mixing. This small step makes a tremendous difference in achieving that perfect smooth consistency!
Remember to check your pantry before shopping – you likely have many of these staple ingredients on hand already. The simple combination of cream cheese, cinnamon, and sugar transforms into something truly magical when following this recipe.
Step-by-Step Directions & Cooking Tips
Creating this churro cheesecake is easier than you might think! Follow these straightforward steps for a dessert that will wow your family and friends.
Prepare the Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position a rack in the center.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
- Press firmly into your springform pan, creating an even layer across the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides. Use the bottom of a measuring cup for a smooth, even crust.
- Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Create the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape the sides frequently!
- Add sugar and vanilla, beating until well incorporated and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated. Over-mixing can introduce too much air and cause cracks.
- Fold in the sour cream and flour gently until just combined.
- Pour the filling over your pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking for Perfect Results
- Prepare a water bath by wrapping your springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger roasting pan. Add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your cheesecake pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for 1 hour (this prevents cracks).
- Remove from the water bath and cool completely on a wire rack.
Create the Churro Topping
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl until well combined.
- Brush the top of the cooled cheesecake with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface, creating that classic churro coating.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Release from the springform pan carefully when ready to serve.
Baking Tip: The water bath might seem fussy, but it’s the secret to a perfectly creamy, crack-free cheesecake. The gentle, moist heat ensures even baking and prevents the dreaded crack down the middle of your masterpiece!
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Churro Cheesecake
Once you’ve mastered the basic churro cheesecake recipe, why not explore some creative variations and presentation ideas that take this Mexican-inspired dessert to new heights? Here are some ways to customize and serve this crowd-pleasing treat:
Delicious Variations to Try
Mini Churro Cheesecakes
- Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners for individual portions
- Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes
- Perfect for parties or when portion control is desired
Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Prepare in a 9×13 baking dish instead of a springform pan
- Cut into squares for a more casual, grab-and-go dessert option
- Great for potlucks and large gatherings
Mexican Chocolate Churro Cheesecake
- Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tsp cinnamon to the filling
- Incorporate a hint of cayenne (1/8 tsp) for authentic Mexican chocolate flavor
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache before applying the cinnamon-sugar topping
Dulce de Leche Churro Cheesecake
- Swirl 1/2 cup of dulce de leche into the filling before baking
- Drizzle additional warmed dulce de leche over slices when serving
- Garnish with crushed churro pieces for extra texture
Stunning Serving Ideas
Transform your churro cheesecake into an unforgettable dessert experience with these serving suggestions:
- Create a Dessert Tapas Board
- Slice the cheesecake into small portions
- Arrange on a board with fresh berries, caramel dipping sauce, and chocolate sauce
- Add actual churro pieces for dipping into the sauces
- Warm Honey Drizzle
- Heat 1/4 cup of honey with a cinnamon stick
- Remove stick and drizzle warm honey over each slice
- Top with a small dollop of cinnamon whipped cream
- Caramel Coffee Pairing
- Serve with a shot of espresso or small cup of strong coffee
- Offer caramel creamer on the side
- The bitter coffee perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon notes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dessert is perfect for planning ahead:
- Make-Ahead Option: This cheesecake actually improves with time as flavors meld. Make it up to 2 days before serving.
- Freezing Instructions:
- Freeze the whole cheesecake (without the churro topping) for up to 1 month
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Add the butter and cinnamon-sugar topping just before serving
- Leftover Storage:
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container up to 5 days
- For best texture, let slices stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving
Remember, the churro cheesecake is at its most impressive when served with a little flair—a light dusting of extra cinnamon, a strategically placed mint leaf, or even a small flame-torched sugar garnish can elevate this homemade dessert to restaurant-quality presentation!
What to Serve with Churro Cheesecake
Enhance your churro cheesecake experience with these perfect pairings:
Complementary Beverages
- Mexican Hot Chocolate – The classic churro companion
- Coffee or Espresso – Bitterness balances the sweetness
- Horchata – Cinnamon-infused rice drink for flavor harmony
- Cold Milk – Simple and refreshing
Delicious Toppings
- Dulce de Leche – Caramel notes enhance the cinnamon flavor
- Chocolate Sauce – Creates a churro-con-chocolate effect
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream – Light but flavor-consistent
- Fresh Berries – Adds brightness and acidity
Complete Your Dessert Spread
- Serve alongside traditional churros
- Add vanilla ice cream for temperature contrast
- Include a fruit platter for freshness
The key is balance – pair this rich, cinnamon-spiced dessert with items that either complement the warm spices or provide refreshing contrast to create a memorable dessert experience.
FAQs
What does churro cheesecake taste like?
Churro cheesecake combines creamy vanilla cheesecake with the warm cinnamon-sugar flavor of churros. You get the rich, velvety texture of classic cheesecake enhanced with that distinctive churro spice and sweetness. It’s the perfect marriage of a creamy dessert with the comforting warmth of cinnamon sugar in every bite.
What do you put on top of churro cheesecake?
The traditional topping is cinnamon-sugar sprinkled over melted butter, mimicking a real churro’s coating. You can elevate it with:
- Caramel or dulce de leche drizzle
- Chocolate sauce
- Cinnamon whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Crushed churro pieces
Can I use brown sugar for churro cheesecake?
Yes! Brown sugar works wonderfully and adds depth:
- Use in the crust for a richer base
- Substitute for up to half the white sugar in the filling
- Mix with cinnamon for a more complex topping
Light brown sugar is best to maintain the proper balance with the cinnamon flavor.
Do you refrigerate churro cheesecake?
Absolutely. Churro cheesecake requires refrigeration:
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving (overnight is better)
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days
- Let stand at room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture
- Unlike real churros, the cinnamon-sugar topping stays crisp even after refrigeration
churro cheesecake recipe
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Filling:
- 4 packages 8 oz each cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
Topping:
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Dulce de leche or caramel
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Mix graham crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, butter; press into pan; bake 10 min at 350°F
- Beat cream cheese, sugar until smooth; add vanilla, cinnamon, then eggs one at a time
- Mix in sour cream and flour; pour over crust
- Bake at 325°F for 55-60 min; cool in cracked oven 1 hour
- Brush top with butter; sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture
- Refrigerate 4+ hours before serving
Notes
- Calories: 425 per slice
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 295mg
- Cholesterol: 125mg