A Grandmother’s Favorite Treat
There’s nothing like the smell of cinnamon sugar filling the kitchen, and it takes me right back to my childhood. I remember watching my own mother make churros on special occasions, and over the years, I’ve added a little twist to her recipe. Now, I combine the best of both worlds—cheesecake and churros—into one irresistible dessert. Trust me, this Churro Cheesecake recipe will have your family asking for seconds! And the best part? It’s easier than you might think.
The Perfect Combo: Why Churro Cheesecake?
If you’re a fan of classic churros and love the creamy richness of cheesecake, this dessert brings both worlds together in the most delightful way. Churro Cheesecake combines the cinnamon-sugar flavor of traditional churros with a rich, smooth cheesecake filling. The crispy layers on the outside and the soft, tangy cream cheese on the inside make this dessert a real show-stopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to gather all the ingredients for this decadent treat. What I love about this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that are likely already sitting in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 2 packages of crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation: Laying the Foundation
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always say a recipe’s success begins with preparation, and this one’s no different. While the oven heats up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Take one of the packages of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust. You want to make sure it’s smooth with no holes or gaps. Set that aside and move on to the delicious filling.
Whipping Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
Next, let’s get that creamy cheesecake filling ready! In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for ensuring a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth filling. After that, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until it’s completely combined. The cinnamon adds a warm, inviting flavor that complements the sugary churro crust perfectly.
Building Layers of Goodness: Assembling the Dessert
Now comes the fun part—layering the churro cheesecake. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crescent dough base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This layer should be smooth and even, covering every inch of the dough. Then, open the second package of crescent roll dough and lay it gently over the top of the filling, again making sure there are no gaps.
Generously coat the top layer of dough with melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly spread. This butter will help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and give the cheesecake that signature churro crunch.
Sprinkling Cinnamon Sugar for That Churro Finish
The final step before popping this beauty into the oven is creating that iconic churro taste. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring them together thoroughly. Generously sprinkle the mixture over the buttered top layer. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking will make your kitchen smell like a churro stand at the fair!
Baking the Churro Cheesecake to Perfection
Once the cinnamon-sugar layer is evenly distributed, it’s time to bake! Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. The smell alone will make your mouth water, but resist the temptation to slice into it immediately.
Let the churro cheesecake cool completely before cutting into it. This helps the filling set properly, making it easier to serve.
Serving Grandma’s Churro Cheesecake
Once cooled, you’re ready to serve this dreamy dessert. Cut into square pieces and serve on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This Churro Cheesecake is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just because you deserve a treat. Each bite is a mix of crunchy, creamy, and cinnamon-sweet goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Storage Tips for Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can store this Churro Cheesecake in the refrigerator. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices into an airtight container. This dessert will stay fresh for up to five days, though I’ll bet it won’t last that long! You can also freeze individual slices if you want to save some for later. Just be sure to let the cheesecake thaw in the fridge before serving again.
Churro Cheesecak
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 packages of crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz 2 blocks of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Laying the Foundation
- First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always say a recipe’s success begins with preparation, and this one’s no different. While the oven heats up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Take one of the packages of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust. You want to make sure it’s smooth with no holes or gaps. Set that aside and move on to the delicious filling.
Notes
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
- Nutty Twist: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar topping for an extra crunchy layer.
- Fruit-Filled: Swirl some strawberry or raspberry jam into the cheesecake filling for a fruity burst of flavor.
The Perfect Holiday Dessert
This Churro Cheesecake recipe is ideal for any special occasion, but it truly shines during the holidays. The combination of cinnamon and sugar gives it a warm, comforting feel, perfect for winter celebrations. Whether you’re serving this at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a birthday, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe to Remember
This Churro Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a memory in the making. As a grandmother, I love creating recipes that my family will remember for years to come, and this one has certainly earned its spot on our table. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, I hope this Churro Cheesecake brings a little extra sweetness to your day.
