If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make but still impressive enough to share with friends or family, look no further than this delicious churro cheesecake recipe made with rich cream cheese and a luscious cheesecake filling! Combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the warm, cinnamon and sugar crunch of churros, this dessert is truly a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for beginners.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a churro cheesecake from scratch. Plus, you’ll find practical tips, variations, and suggestions to make the recipe your own—like how to sprinkle extra cinnamon and sugar on top for added texture and flavor.
You can also add a hint of vanilla extract to the cheesecake filling for an extra layer of flavor. To make it even more indulgent, drizzle a little more cinnamon-sugar mix over the top once the cheesecake is golden brown. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking with your mixer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Dessert Fusion: Combines two favorite treats—cheesecake and churros—for a unique, irresistible flavor.
- Beginner-Friendly: Easy-to-follow instructions make it perfect for new bakers.
- Impressive Results: Looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Goodness: The churro-inspired topping adds a sweet and crunchy finish.
- Versatile: You can customize it with various toppings, like fresh fruit or chocolate drizzle, to suit your taste. Adding a hint of vanilla extract to the filling gives it an extra layer of flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses everyday ingredients, including cream cheese, that are easy to find in any supermarket.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy and crunchy textures makes it a favorite for dessert lovers.
- Make-Ahead: The cheesecake needs time to chill, which makes it a great option for prepping in advance for parties or gatherings. With your mixer, the process is easy and fun! Once it’s golden brown, you’ll have a perfect dessert to share.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the churro cheesecake recipe so you can get an idea of what to expect:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy (Perfect for beginners!)
- Dietary Information: Contains dairy and gluten. No vegan alternatives in this version, but we’ll discuss some options below.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for extra churro flavor)
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
For the cinnamon-sugar topping:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Equipment
To make this churro cheesecake recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:
- 9-inch springform pan (this is essential for easy removal)
- Mixing bowls (for crust and filling)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A 13×9-inch baking dish (for the water bath)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get to the fun part: baking! Follow these easy steps to create a delicious churro cheesecake.
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that it’s hot enough for baking your cheesecake.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. The cinnamon will bring that classic churro flavor to your crust.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to pack it down tightly so it holds its shape when baked.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and set it aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust is cooling, let’s prepare the cheesecake filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer for best results, but a hand whisk works fine too.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat again until fully combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next.
- Finally, stir in the sour cream. This will give your cheesecake its signature rich, creamy texture.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
Now it’s time to bake the cheesecake:
- To ensure even baking and prevent cracks in the top, you’ll need to bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Fill a 13×9-inch baking dish with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Carefully place the cheesecake pan in the water bath, making sure no water gets into the cheesecake pan itself.
- Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for about an hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
4. Add the Churro Topping
Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, it’s time to add the churro-inspired topping.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake for that sweet, churro crunch.
5. Chill and Serve
For the best results, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to set and meld together, creating the perfect texture.
Once chilled, run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake before carefully removing the springform pan. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Churro Cheesecake
- Use softened cream cheese: To avoid lumps, make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overmix: When incorporating the eggs into the cheesecake filling, be careful not to overmix, as this can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
- Chill properly: Refrigerating the cheesecake filling is key to achieving the right texture. Be patient and let it set for several hours before serving.
- Water bath tip: To avoid water leaking into the cheesecake pan, wrap the outside of the springform pan in aluminum foil before placing it in the water bath. Before serving, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and sugar on top for extra flavor and a churro-like finish.
Variations You Can Try
- Mini Churro Cheesecakes:For a bite-sized version, use a muffin tin or mini cheesecake pans. These mini treats are perfect for parties or gatherings, and still pack all the flavor of rich cream cheese and indulgent cheesecake filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. You can find gluten-free alternatives at most grocery stores, so everyone can enjoy a slice!
- Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle some melted chocolate or chocolate ganache on top of the cheesecake filling before serving.
- Caramelized Churro Crust: Add a little extra sweetness by brushing the crust with melted butter and sprinkling it with cinnamon and sugar before baking.
- Fruit Topping: For a fresher take, top your churro cheesecake with fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, for a balance of sweetness and tartness. A light sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar over the fruit can enhance the flavor even more. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to baking or just want a fun, easy dessert to try, this churro cheesecake recipe is a great starting point. Here’s why:
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are basic and easy to find at most grocery stores. No need to search for special or hard-to-find items, like cream cheese or churros, which add a rich and flavorful twist to this recipe.
- Easy to Follow: The step-by-step instructions are clear and straightforward, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. You can use a mixer for the filling to ensure it’s smooth and creamy, or a whisk if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
- Impressive Results: Even though it’s beginner-friendly, the final product looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Once it’s baked to golden brown perfection, it’s sure to drizzle with flavor and impress family and friends! A light sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar can add an extra touch of sweetness for that perfect finish.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a fun dessert project, this churro cheesecake recipe is the perfect treat to try today. The combination of rich cheesecake and cinnamon-sugar goodness is a winning flavor that everyone will love. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create a beautiful dessert that will be the star of any gathering.
So, grab your apron, follow the steps, and enjoy making your very own churro cheesecake. Happy baking!
