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Churro Cheesecake: A Sweet Fusion of Creamy and Crunchy
Ever wondered what happens when the creamy decadence of cheesecake meets the cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros? This churro cheesecake recipe is the answer you didn’t know you needed! With a buttery crescent dough base, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a caramelized cinnamon-sugar topping, this dessert is as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in a delightful treat, this step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect churro cheesecake. Ready to bake up some magic? Let’s get started!
Chef’s Tips for a Perfect Churro Cheesecake
- Softening Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to remain at ambient temperature between 30 to 60 minutes prior to combining the ingredients. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth filling and eliminates lumps.
- Perfect Dough Layers: Roll out the crescent dough slightly before placing it in the baking dish. This helps achieve even coverage and prevents tearing.
- Even Cinnamon Sugar Distribution: Use a small sieve to sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top layer. This creates a uniform coating without clumps.
- Checking Doneness: Look for a golden-brown top layer and puffed edges to confirm the bars are baked through. Baking for too long can result in an unpleasant dry outcome.
- For Extra Crispy Bars: Turn on the oven broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking to create a slightly crispier churro-like crust. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Creative Variations and Substitutions for Churro Cheesecake
- Nutty Toppings: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts over the cinnamon sugar topping for added crunch.
- Spiced Sugar Blend: For a richer taste experience, incorporate a small amount of either ground nutmeg or cardamom when preparing the cinnamon and sugar blend.
- Filling Flavors: Mix lemon zest or orange zest into the cream cheese filling for a citrusy twist.
- Dietary Substitutions: Use gluten-free crescent dough for gluten-sensitive diets, or swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-intolerant-friendly churro cheesecake recipe.
- crescent dough sheets : If you prefer a less flaky texture, you can make a simple pie crust at home using flour, butter, water, and salt. Roll it out to fit the pan and proceed as you would with crescent dough.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: Cut the crescent dough into smaller squares and assemble them in muffin tins for individual portions. Adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes.
How to Store and Preserve Churro Cheesecake for Freshness
- Refrigeration: After the bars are completely cool, place them in a container that seals tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the cheesecake’s creamy texture and the dough’s softness.
- Freezing: To freeze, slice the bars into individual servings. Separate them with sheets of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Take the bars out of the freezer and let them defrost in the fridge overnight before serving. This ensures the texture remains intact.
- Reheating: For a warm dessert, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds. This softens the dough and enhances the churro flavor.
What to Serve with Churro Cheesecake: Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Pair with a rich and creamy Mexican hot chocolate, a cinnamon-spiced latte, or a refreshing glass of horchata.
- Fruit Sides: Serve alongside fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a medley of tropical fruits to balance the richness of the dessert.
- Dessert Table: Create a cinnamon-themed dessert spread with churro cookies, snickerdoodles, or mini churros.
Churro Cheesecake FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is it possible to substitute crescent roll dough for sheets of crescent dough?
Yes, crescent rolls work just as well. Press the edges firmly together to form a single, smooth surface before adding the next layer.
What’s the best way to check if the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the top layer is golden brown, the edges are puffed, and the filling feels slightly firm. Avoid underbaking, as this can result in a runny filling.
Would it work to prepare this churro cheesecake recipe earlier?
Absolutely! Prepare the bars up to a day in advance. Refrigerate them overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I prevent the top dough layer from tearing?
Spread the dough on parchment paper, then place it into the dish. This reduces handling and prevents tears.
Can I substitute sugar with a sugar-free alternative?
Yes, use a sugar-free granulated sweetener for both the filling and cinnamon sugar mixture. Adjust quantities according to the sweetener’s conversion ratio.
10-Step Classic Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Filling
- 2 packages cream cheese softened (2 packages = 16 ounces)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust
- 2 cans Pillsbury crescent dough sheets (2 cans = 16 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line with parchment a 9×13-inch baking dish. This way, the bars will pull straight out of the pan when they are baked and cooled.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In the same small bowl, combine ½ cup white sugar with 2 tablespoons powdered cinnamon. Fold them into each other until the cinnamon coats every crystal of sugar. You need that mixture to impart that signature churro taste and mouthfeel into the sweet treat. Set it aside for later use.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: With an electric mixer, either handheld or stationary, whip two 8-ounce packages of cream cheese (at room temperature) until the mixture becomes perfectly creamy. Gradually add ¾ cup sugar, followed by 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the filling becomes smooth without any lumps. Use a spatula to periodically clean the bowl's edges, ensuring all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Prepare the Base Layer: Begin by taking a sheet of crescent dough from the first container. Place it on a clean countertop and carefully spread it out. Transfer the dough after flattening it onto your baking pan, then spread it uniformly across the base using your fingertips. When working with crescent rolls, make sure to seal any perforated lines to create one solid layer of dough.
- Add the Filling: Cover the base layer entirely with an even spread of the cream cheese mix. Spread it evenly to the edges using a spatula to ensure every bar has a consistent layer of cheesecake filling.
- Top with the Second Dough Sheet: Roll out the second crescent dough sheet. Carefully lay it over the cream cheese layer, pressing lightly to ensure it covers the filling completely. If seams are visible, pinch them together to seal.
- Brush with Butter and Sprinkle the Topping: Take 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, heat until liquified, and spread it thoroughly across the uppermost layer of dough. Immediately sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture generously across the buttered surface. This step gives the bars their churro-inspired finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the dish to the oven once it has reached the correct temperature. Let it cook for approximately 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when you see a golden-brown color on top and notice the sides have risen and become puffy. For uniform cooking results, turn the pan around at the midpoint of baking time.
- Cool and Chill: Take the bars out of the oven and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they have cooled completely. Place in the refrigerator and let it cool for 2 hours minimum, though leaving it overnight will give you ideal consistency.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the dessert into 16 evenly-sized bars. Enjoy it plain, or enhance your dessert by adding a stream of caramel and a swirl of chocolate sauce, or top it with freshly made whipped cream.
Notes
- Calories per serving: 334 calories per bar (69g)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Tags: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Vegetarian
- Nutritional Info per serving: 20g fat, 10g saturated fat, 32g carbs, 3g protein, 25mg sodium
Why You’ll Love Baking This Delicious Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Bringing the goodness of churros and cheesecake together in one show-stopping churro cheesecake recipe! You can whip up this simple meal and enjoy it independently at a casual dinner party, social gathering, or relaxing evening at home.
Give it a try and tag #SimplePrepRecipes on social media. We hope you enjoy these churro cheesecake bars as much as we do and share your experience with us!
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I made these churro cheesecake bars for our family’s movie night, and wow, they disappeared before the opening credits ended! The layers were perfect, and the cinnamon-sugar topping gave it that authentic churro flavor. Plus, it was so easy to make — no stress at all. Definitely saving this one for future gatherings!