Are you craving a dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, spicy crunch of churros? Look no further! This churro cheesecake recipe is the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. Combining the best of both worlds, this recipe delivers a stunning, decadent treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this detailed guide to create a dessert that’s both visually appealing and mouthwateringly delicious.
Table of Contents
What is Churro Cheesecake?
Churro cheesecake is a delightful dessert that merges the traditional New York-style cheesecake with the flavors of cinnamon and sugar-coated churros. This recipe features a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling spiced with cinnamon, and a sweet churro-inspired topping. It’s a unique take on classic cheesecake that’s perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Churro Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Preparation Time
Preparing this churro cheesecake involves several steps, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Detailed Instructions
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking the crust and cheesecake evenly.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed. Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press Into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to compact the crumbs.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Making the Churro Cheesecake Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue to beat until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. This helps prevent the batter from becoming too airy, which can lead to cracks in the cheesecake.
- Blend in Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, and ground cinnamon. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour into Crust: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Prepare for Baking: To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, place the springform pan inside a larger baking pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This creates a water bath that helps regulate the temperature and humidity during baking.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preparing the Churro Cheesecake Topping
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Brush with Butter: Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, brush the top with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cheesecake and serve. The churro topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 33g
- Protein: 7g
Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy products, including cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve a smooth and lump-free batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the refrigerator before serving. This helps it set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Customize Your Topping: Feel free to experiment with different toppings. You can add caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or fresh fruit for a unique twist.
Conclusion
This churro cheesecake recipe is a fusion of two beloved desserts, offering a rich, creamy cheesecake with the delightful flavor of churros. With its crispy graham cracker crust, spiced cheesecake filling, and sweet churro topping, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite of this delectable, homemade churro cheesecake!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Churro Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking the crust and cheesecake evenly.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed. Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press Into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to compact the crumbs.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue to beat until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. This helps prevent the batter from becoming too airy, which can lead to cracks in the cheesecake.
- Blend in Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, and ground cinnamon. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour into Crust: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Prepare for Baking: To prevent the cheesecake from cracking, place the springform pan inside a larger baking pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This creates a water bath that helps regulate the temperature and humidity during baking.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preparing the Churro Topping
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Brush with Butter: Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, brush the top with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cheesecake and serve. The churro topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the creamy cheesecake perfectly.