Description
This decadent Churros Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavors of traditional churros. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust spiced with cinnamon and a smooth, luscious cream cheese filling, it’s finished with a delightful cinnamon sugar topping brushed with melted butter for that authentic churro taste. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a unique twist on cheesecake.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 (8 ounce) bricks cream cheese (32 ounces total) (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream (at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
Instructions
- Make the graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until all crumbs are moistened.
- Press the crust into pan: Pour the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and pack firmly into the bottom and about ½ inch up the sides using the bottom of a cup or flat surface.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in a preheated 325°F oven for 8 minutes to set and keep it crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and sugar is dissolved (1-2 minutes). Add sour cream, flour, salt, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each until just incorporated, taking care not to over mix.
- Assemble for baking: Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Wrap the springform pan bottom with aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place in a large roasting pan or baking dish with high sides.
- Create the water bath: Fill the roasting pan with boiling water until it reaches halfway up the side of the springform pan to create a water bath. If your pan is not large enough, place a separate high-sided pan filled with 2 cups boiling water on the rack below to steam the cheesecake.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake in the center of the preheated 325°F oven for 60 to 75 minutes until the surface is slightly puffed and no longer shiny. The edges should be lightly browned, and the center should still jiggle gently.
- Cool the cheesecake: Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar to cool for 1 hour. After 30 minutes, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen it.
- Chill: Cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Make cinnamon sugar coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar and cinnamon until combined.
- Apply topping: Brush the melted butter evenly over the cooled cheesecake, working quickly to avoid hardening, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your churros-inspired cheesecake dessert.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to prevent lumps in the filling.
- Wrapping the springform pan base with foil is crucial to prevent water from leaking in during the water bath baking.
- The water bath ensures even cooking and prevents cracking on the cheesecake surface.
- Running a knife along the edges while cooling helps prevent sticking and cracking.
- Chilling for at least 4 hours is important for the cheesecake to set properly.
- If you don’t have a large pan for the water bath, the steam method with a separate pan of boiling water is an excellent alternative.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American