Churro Cheesecake

This Churro Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of two favorite desserts—crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated churros and rich, creamy cheesecake—encased in buttery crescent dough. It’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, offering a unique twist on both classic desserts in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Churro Cheesecake combines the irresistible warmth of cinnamon sugar with the smooth richness of cheesecake, all wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough. Each bite gives you a little bit of everything—crispy, creamy, and sweet, with that unmistakable churro flavor. It’s easy to make, indulgent, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a holiday party, this dessert will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Bars:

• Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (or sheets)

• 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

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

Directions

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:

1. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together until well combined. Set aside.

Preheat and Prep Pan:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle.

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the bottom.

Create Base Layer:

1. Open one tube of crescent roll dough. Unroll it carefully and press the seams together to form a single rectangular sheet.

2. Place this sheet into the prepared pan, ensuring it covers the bottom completely.

Make Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

2. Pour this mixture over the base layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.

Top Layer and Butter Coating:

1. Open the second tube of crescent roll dough, press the seams together, and place it gently over the cheesecake filling to form a top layer.

2. Pour the melted butter over the top layer and spread it evenly using a spoon or pastry brush.

Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar generously over the buttered top layer.

Bake to Perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 26-30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown.

2. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Chill and Serve:

1. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the layers to set.

2. Slice into bars before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 bars

• Prep Time: 21 minutes

• Cook Time: 28 minutes

• Total Time: 3 hours 49 minutes (including chill time)

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Churro Cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These bars are best served chilled, but you can also enjoy them at room temperature. If they’re a bit too cold, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of dough?

If you prefer, you can substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry or pie dough for a different texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert actually benefits from being made ahead of time. The chilling process allows the layers to set, making the bars easier to slice and enhancing the flavors. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat!

Can I add chocolate or other flavors to this dessert?

For a chocolatey twist, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the bars or add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling. You could also experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract, for added flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free crescent dough alternative, though the texture may differ slightly. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if you need a completely gluten-free dessert.

Can I use light cream cheese?

While you can use light cream cheese, the texture may not be as rich and creamy as with full-fat cream cheese. The full-fat version is recommended for the best result.

Conclusion

Churro Cheesecake is the ultimate combination of two beloved desserts: churros and cheesecake. With its flaky, buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and cinnamon-sugar topping, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make, wonderfully indulgent, and sure to impress, it’s a treat that will keep everyone coming back for more!

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