Picture this: a golden churro crust giving way to a cloud-like cheesecake layer brimmed with cinnamon sugar bliss. That’s the magic of a Churro Cheesecake—a dessert that marries the crunchy nostalgia of carnival-style churros with the velvety richness of classic cheesecake. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something over-the-top, this dessert delivers on every level. The sweet, spiced swirl beneath a crisp cinnamon-sugar shell is guaranteed to transport you straight to dessert heaven.

Table of Contents

Churro Cheesecake: Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Crust

Graham crackers (or digestive biscuits), crushed into fine crumbs
Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon mixed into the crumbs
Unsalted butter, melted to bind

Substitution tip: If you’re short on graham crackers, try spice cookies or even crushed churro pieces for extra churro authenticity.

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cream cheese (room temperature) for that signature tang
Sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess (see how it compares to a lighter, high-protein option in our Protein Cheesecake Recipes for a protein-packed twist)
Granulated sugar and a hint of vanilla extract
Eggs, beaten

Substitution tip: Swap half the sour cream for crème fraîche if you want a slightly richer, more European-style tang.

Churro Cheesecake: How to Make It

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine 1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Stir in 6 tablespoons melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed. Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool while you make the filling.
Whip the Filling: In a mixer, beat 24 ounces room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla; mix until creamy. Blend in ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), scraping the bowl. One at a time, beat in 3 large eggs until just combined—overbeating can cause cracks.
Flavor Infusion: Swirl in 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon into the batter, creating ribbons of spice. If you’re curious about how cheesecake textures vary, check out the differences between Basque and regular cheesecakes in this handy guide: Basque vs. Regular Cheesecake.
Bake to Perfection: Pour filling over the crust, smooth the top, and bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it rest for an hour to prevent cracking. Then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

The Power of Cinnamon in Your Churro Cheesecake

Cinnamon is more than just a baking spice—it’s a flavor powerhouse with proven health perks, from anti-inflammatory properties to blood-sugar regulation. Learn about 10 Proven Benefits of Cinnamon and why you’ll want to sprinkle it liberally in your baking. In this cheesecake, cinnamon does triple duty: it flavors the crust, the filling swirl, and the crunchy topping, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as your favorite mug of spiced latte.

Churro Cheesecake: Toppings & Variations

Classic Cinnamon-Sugar Shell: Right before serving, brush the chilled cheesecake edges with melted butter and dredge in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for that authentic churro crunch.
Snickers Strawberry Twist: Fold chopped Snickers bars and fresh strawberries into the filling for a candy-bar upgrade, inspired by our Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Hybrid: Drizzle a simple icing glaze atop your cheesecake and pipe mini cinnamon-roll swirls around the edge—an ode to our favorite Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake.
Lemon Blueberry Burst: For those craving a citrusy contrast, spoon a layer of lemon curd and fresh blueberries over the top—check out more on Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake for inspiration.
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Sundae: Spoon warm peach cobbler compote atop each slice and sprinkle with granola—because sometimes you need to see our guide on Peach Cobbler Cheesecake.

No-Bake Churro Cheesecake Option

Don’t feel like firing up the oven? Try a no-bake spin by following our No-Bake Easter Mini Cheesecakes method:

Use the same churro-inspired crust but press into individual ramekins.
Whip cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and cinnamon until fluffy, then chill until set.
Top with cinnamon-sugar mix just before serving for that signature churro crunch.

Understanding Cheesecake Styles

From New York-style dense slices to light, tangy French-style bavarois, cheesecake comes in many forms. Curious about what sets them apart? Dive into the French-Style vs. Classic Cheesecake breakdown. Once you know the differences, you can play with textures—like adding a lighter filling to your churro cheesecake for a mousse-like finish.

FAQ: Churro Cheesecake Edition

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—swap the graham crackers for gluten-free cinnamon-sugar cookies or almond-flour churros, and ensure your baking powder is GF.

Q: How do I prevent cracks?
A: Avoid overmixing and let the cake cool gradually in a turned-off oven.

Q: What are the three main types of cheesecake?
A: Cream cheese-based, Neufchâtel-based (lighter), and ricotta/bavarian (European style). Learn more about the three types of cheesecake to expand your dessert horizons.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Churro Cheesecake actually fares well in advance—bake it a day before, chill overnight, and add the cinnamon-sugar topping just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Want to freeze slices? Flash-freeze on a tray, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil—they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reapply a fresh dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Final Thoughts

A Churro Cheesecake is more than a mashup—it’s a love letter to two beloved desserts, perfect for any celebration or as a show-stopping weekend treat. With its crispy cinnamon-sugar exterior, creamy spiced filling, and endless variations, it’s bound to spark smiles and second helpings. Ready to wow your friends? Grab your mixer and churro appetite—and let’s bake up something unforgettable!