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This churro cheesecake was inspired by a Saturday morning craving and the cozy scent of cinnamon in the air. I had just made cinnamon toast for my kids when the idea hit me. Why not blend that sweet churro crunch with the creamy dreaminess of cheesecake? What came out of the oven was pure dessert comfort with a golden cinnamon crust and a silky center perfect for sharing or sneaking after-hours.
I first made this when I was out of dessert ideas and had leftover cream cheese. My kids devoured it in minutes and now ask for it by name every weekend.
Ingredients
- Graham crackers finely crushed: adds a crunchy base and nostalgic flavor
- Unsalted butter melted: binds the crust and deepens flavor richness
- Granulated sugar: for both sweetness and that signature churro coating
- Ground cinnamon: essential spice that makes this taste like a fair treat
- Cream cheese at room temperature: ensures smooth and creamy texture
- Large eggs: provide structure and richness
- Vanilla extract: balances sweetness with warmth
- Sour cream: lightens the texture with tang and moisture
- Optional condensed milk: for deeper creaminess if desired
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9 inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides so the cheesecake releases cleanly.
- Make the Crust
- In a bowl mix graham cracker crumbs melted butter sugar and cinnamon until fully combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan for an even layer. Bake for 8 minutes then let it cool fully.
- Prepare the Filling
- Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add sugar and beat again until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time then add vanilla and sour cream and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Assemble and Add Topping
- Pour filling over the crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Bake and Cool
- Bake for 40 minutes until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Turn off oven and leave the door ajar letting the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour to gently cool.
- Chill Before Serving
- Let the cheesecake come to room temperature then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling gives best texture and flavor.
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You Must Know
I love using full fat cream cheese for its melt in your mouth texture. Once my youngest helped sprinkle the cinnamon topping and declared it magic dessert dust. That memory makes every slice sweeter.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days. To freeze wrap individual slices tightly and store for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge or warm slightly in the microwave for a softer bite.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap graham crackers with crushed cinnamon toast cereal or try crescent dough puff pastry or flattened cinnamon rolls as a playful crust twist. Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream for a tangy lighter version.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve it chilled with fresh berries or drizzle caramel on top. It also pairs beautifully with espresso or Mexican hot chocolate. Cut into small bars for a party ready platter.
Cultural Touchpoint
Churros are a beloved street treat across Latin America and Spain and blending that crunchy cinnamon sugar experience with a creamy cheesecake makes this a beautiful fusion of comfort food traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use crescent rolls instead of graham crackers?
Yes, crescent rolls make a great alternative for the crust and offer a flaky, buttery texture with minimal effort.
- → What gives churro cheesecake its churro flavor?
The signature churro taste comes from the cinnamon-sugar crust and topping that mimics the classic fried treat.
- → Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely. Churro cheesecake keeps well in the fridge for up to five days and even tastes better the next day.
- → What’s the best way to serve churro cheesecake?
Serve it chilled or slightly warmed with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
- → Can I make a no-bake version?
Yes, simply skip baking and chill the cheesecake to set. Add the cinnamon sugar topping just before serving.
- → How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar to reduce temperature shock.