Churro Cheesecake Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Packed with Cinnamon-Sugar Crunch

Churro cheesecake recipe lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re craving a dessert that’s part creamy cheesecake, part crunchy churro, you’re in for a treat. Made with just seven simple ingredients, this sweet and satisfying dessert is layered with buttery crescent roll dough and a cinnamon-sugar coating that gives it that unmistakable churro crunch. Whether you’re baking for a weekend gathering or just want to indulge your sweet tooth, this easy-to-make recipe delivers crowd pleasing flavor every time. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the dish, why it works so well, expert tips for perfect results, and everything you need to recreate this standout dessert at home.

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The Story Behind This Churro Cheesecake Recipe

Where it all began

Hi! I’m Lina, 43, from just outside Asheville, NC, and if you told me ten years ago that I’d be making homemade churro cheesecake recipes from scratch, I would’ve laughed between bites of microwave pizza. But here we are and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this family favorite with you. This churro cheesecake recipe came into my life during a PTA bake sale scramble. I needed something quick, impressive, and made from whatever was already in my fridge. Cream cheese? Check. Crescent rolls? Always. Cinnamon sugar? Absolutely. And just like that, this insanely simple, sweet, and flaky cheesecake was born.

Why it’s a go-to recipe for families

What makes this churro cheesecake recipe such a standout? For starters, it tastes like a cheesecake stuffed churro but with just 7 basic pantry ingredients you likely already have. No springform pan, no water bath just a simple 9×13 dish and a little fridge space. The crescent roll dough bakes up buttery and crisp, mimicking the texture of classic churros, while a generous cinnamon sugar topping delivers that signature crunch. Every bite is creamy, tangy, sweet, and perfectly spiced ideal for kids, teens, and even the pickiest adult at your table.

How to Make This Easy Churro Cheesecake Recipe

Simple ingredients with bold flavor

The beauty of this churro cheesecake recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need seven ingredients, and there’s a good chance you’ve got most of them on hand. Crescent roll dough forms the buttery crust and top, mimicking the chewy yet crisp bite of a churro. Softened cream cheese provides that silky, tangy center we all expect in a good cheesecake. Granulated sugar sweetens both the filling and the cinnamon topping. An egg gives the filling structure, while vanilla adds warmth. And, of course, cinnamon and melted butter team up to bring the churro magic to life.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Purpose
Crescent Roll Dough (2 tubes, 8 oz each)	Flaky, buttery churro-style crust
Cream Cheese (16 oz, softened)	Tangy, creamy cheesecake filling
Granulated Sugar	Sweetens both filling and topping
Egg (1 large)	Helps set the cheesecake layer
Vanilla Extract	Adds warmth and depth
Cinnamon	Signature churro flavor
Melted Butter	Creates golden, crisp topping

Steps to success

Churro cheesecake recipe starts with a simple shortcut: press one sheet of crescent roll dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to seal any seams. In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth, then pour the mixture over the dough. Gently lay the second sheet of crescent dough over the filling. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing into bars and serving.

Looking for something savory to follow this dessert? Our cottage cheese pizza crust makes a great counterpoint, and cottage cheese egg bites are perfect for brunch the next day.

Fun Twists on This Churro Cheesecake Recipe

Easy ways to elevate your cheesecake bars

Once you’ve nailed the base churro cheesecake recipe, it’s time to play. This dessert is ultra versatile, which means you can dress it up depending on the occasion or your pantry situation. Want to keep things classic? Stick with cinnamon sugar. But if you’re craving more, consider swirling in dulce de leche before baking for added richness or finishing with a drizzle of chocolate sauce after it cools. If you love fruity notes, a scoop of fresh strawberries or raspberry jam on top adds brightness and contrast to the sweet, creamy filling.

Some of my favorite pairings include:

• Salted caramel drizzle for a sweet-and-salty kick
• Honey or agave syrup for a mellow finish
• Vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the warm, crispy top
• Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and flavor

You can even experiment with flavored cream cheese (think pumpkin spice in fall or lemon in spring) to create a seasonal twist.

Make it your own: easy variations

You don’t need to stop at toppings. This churro cheesecake recipe can easily be adapted to suit your mood. Love a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar for a Mexican hot chocolate vibe. Want more crunch? Mix in crushed pecans or walnuts between the dough layers. You could also add a swirl of jam strawberry, blueberry, or even fig into the cream cheese filling before topping it with dough. This works surprisingly well, and it answers one of the most common questions: Can you swirl jam into a cheesecake? Absolutely.

If you’re hooked on warm cinnamon desserts, you’ll also want to try our Cinnamon Roll Cake and Jaffa Cakes Chocolate Orange Dessert, which bring a similar nostalgic comfort with a twist.

Tips for Storing, Serving & Making Ahead

Make it ahead without losing that churro crunch

One of the best things about this churro cheesecake recipe is how beautifully it holds up when made in advance. That makes it perfect for potlucks, parties, or even just busy weekdays. You can prepare and bake the entire dessert the day before just be sure to let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating. I like to keep it chilled in the pan with a tight layer of foil or a lid to prevent it from drying out.

Before serving, bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes. If you prefer it warm, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive that soft, melty texture without overcooking the top. Want the top crisp again? Pop a slice under the broiler for 30 seconds (watch closely!).

How to store leftovers (if you have any!)

This recipe makes a generous 9×13 pan of cheesecake bars, which usually means leftovers unless you have teenagers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Planning a full dessert spread? Pair these churro bars with our cottage cheese bagels for something light and savory, or add a citrusy note with our banana cottage cheese pancakes at brunch.

Conclusion

There’s something downright magical about this churro cheesecake recipe. It’s fast, foolproof, and tastes like a mashup of your favorite carnival treat and classic New York cheesecake. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping for brunch, or just need something sweet and low-effort, this recipe delivers every time. With just seven ingredients and no fancy techniques, it’s one of those dishes you’ll make again and again and proudly share every time.

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