Imagine this: the crispy, sugary goodness of churros, the beloved snack that’s a favorite at carnivals and fairs, combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake, the indulgent dessert that graces every holiday table. Now, picture these two iconic sweets coming together to create something even more extraordinary—a mouth-watering treat that hits all the right notes. That’s where churro cheesecake comes in.
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Why Churro Cheesecake Is a Crowd-Pleaser
Churro cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser because it combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. The perfect blend of creamy, smooth cheesecake and the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar crust, along with the sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon, makes it an ideal dessert for any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a special holiday feast, it’s sure to be a hit at birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to indulge yourself or treat your loved ones to something special.
Try this delicious cake recipe for special occasions.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious dessert, here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Churro Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Three 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

How to Make Churro Cheesecake
Making this recipe is easier than it sounds! Here’s a simple guide:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Once mixed, press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake this crust for about 10 minutes and then remove it from the oven to set it aside.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is well combined.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour the prepared cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring it’s spread evenly.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It’s done when the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours.
Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.

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The Crunchy Churro Crust
The churro crust is an essential part of the churro cheesecake. It provides a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar coating that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheesecake filling. The crust is made with graham cracker crumbs, butter, and a touch of cinnamon, all baked to a golden perfection. This simple yet delicious base mimics the flavor of a churro while providing a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake.
The Cheesecake Filling
The cheesecake filling is the star of the show, and it must be smooth, creamy, and rich. The key to achieving the perfect cheesecake texture is using softened cream cheese and mixing the ingredients thoroughly. Adding sour cream gives the cheesecake a tangy note that balances the sweetness from the sugar and cinnamon topping.
The Cinnamon Sugar Topping
The cinnamon sugar topping is what ties everything together. It’s the finishing touch that brings out the churro flavor. The combination of cinnamon and sugar is a timeless pairing that adds a burst of sweetness and spice to the rich cheesecake.
Baking the Churro Cheesecake
When baking your churro cheesecake, it’s important to keep an eye on the timing. Overbaking can cause the cheesecake to crack, so it’s essential to bake until the center is just set. Let the cheesecake cool before refrigerating to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Churro Cheesecake Variations
While the classic churro cheesecake is delicious, there are many variations you can try. Some ideas include adding chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling, incorporating caramel sauce on top, or even making a mini churro cheesecake by using cupcake liners for individual servings.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake
Churro cheesecake can be served as a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or celebrating a special event, this dessert will surely impress your guests. You can serve it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair.

Churro Cheesecake Variations
While the classic churro cheesecake is delicious, there are plenty of ways to get creative with the recipe! Try adding chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for an indulgent twist, or drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the finished dessert. You can also try different toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a bit of whipped cinnamon cream for an extra flavor kick.
Healthier Alternatives for Churro Cheesecake
If you’re looking to make this dessert a bit lighter, consider these substitutions:
- Crust: Swap the graham cracker crumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free version, or use a low-carb alternative.
- Cheesecake Filling: To reduce the fat content, opt for low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. For those looking to cut sugar, consider using a sugar substitute in the filling.
Conclusion
Churro cheesecake is a dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the irresistible cinnamon and sugar goodness of churros. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to indulge in a sweet treat, this dessert is sure to be a hit. With its crispy crust, creamy filling, and cinnamon-sugar topping, churro cheesecake is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, why not give it a try and experience the delightful fusion of two of the best desserts in one?
Check out this delicious recipe on Celebrating Sweets for more sweet inspiration!
FAQs
What does churro cheesecake taste like?
Churro cheesecake offers a delightful combination of rich, creamy cheesecake with the crispy, cinnamon-sugar sweetness of churros. The contrast between the smooth filling and the crunchy cinnamon topping creates a unique and indulgent flavor experience that’s both sweet and slightly spiced.
What is the churro flavor?
The churro flavor is primarily cinnamon and sugar. Churros are often fried until golden and then coated with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar, creating a sweet, slightly spicy, and crunchy taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake filling in churro cheesecake.
What do you put on top of churro cheesecake?
The classic topping for churro cheesecake is a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, which mimics the flavor of churros. You can also add whipped cream, chocolate sauce, caramel, or even fresh fruit for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Can I use brown sugar for churro cheesecake?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for churro cheesecake. Brown sugar will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the cinnamon sugar topping and can give your cheesecake a slightly richer taste. However, be sure to adjust the texture as needed to maintain the right consistency.

Churro Cheesecake
Equipment
- Springform Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Oven
Ingredients
Churro Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Press mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top evenly.
- Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly wobbly. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Once chilled, mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle over the cheesecake generously.