Simple Churro Cheesecake Recipe

Craving something sweet, creamy, and a little crunchy? This simple churro cheesecake brings together flaky crescent dough, tangy cream cheese, and a golden cinnamon sugar crust in the easiest way possible. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a dessert that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. Slice it into neat squares for family treats, potlucks, or whenever you want a bakery-worthy bite at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love desserts that feel special without taking hours, this Simple Churro Cheesecake recipe is the one to try.. It uses shortcut ingredients like refrigerated crescent roll dough and blends them with a creamy cheesecake filling that’s smooth, sweet, and lightly tangy. The cinnamon sugar topping bakes into a crisp layer, giving you that classic churro crunch in every bite.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is how quick it is. The prep takes about 10 minutes, and the oven does the rest of the work. While it chills, you can move on with your day, then come back to perfectly sliceable bars.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. The flavor is familiar, nostalgic, and comforting, yet the presentation looks like something you’d pick up from a bakery. Whether you’re baking for a family night, a holiday table, or just because, it’s a recipe that never disappoints.

Simple ingredients you already have on hand

Everything in this recipe is easy to find at your local grocery store. Crescent roll sheets, cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and a few pantry staples come together to make a dessert that tastes impressive without special shopping trips.

Quick prep and minimal effort

You only need about 10 minutes of hands-on work. The dough rolls out in seconds, the filling whips up quickly, and the topping is as simple as sprinkling sugar.

Perfect texture with creamy filling and crisp cinnamon sugar top

The combination of flaky dough, rich cheesecake center, and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping makes each bite exciting. It’s creamy, soft, and crisp all at once.

Versatile with topping options

This cheesecake can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with caramel, chocolate sauce, or fresh berries. You can even add ice cream for an over-the-top dessert moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple churro cheesecake:

• Two 8-oz packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets: Sheets work best since you don’t need to pinch seams, but crescent rolls can be used by pressing seams together.
• 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened: Softened cream cheese blends more easily for a smooth filling. Stick with full-fat for best flavor.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• 1 large egg: Helps set the filling.
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth and classic cheesecake flavor.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brushed over the dough before adding cinnamon sugar.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon + ½ cup sugar: Mixed together to create the cinnamon sugar topping and a sprinkle for the base layer.

Optional toppings include dulce de leche, salted caramel, chocolate drizzle, honey, or fresh strawberries. You can even serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pan and base layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar over the bottom. Unroll one tube of crescent dough, press seams to seal if using rolls, and gently place it into the pan. Press it to cover the base in an even layer.

Make the cream cheese filling

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Use a hand mixer for best results, but a sturdy whisk works too. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the dough base, smoothing it out to reach the corners.

Add the top crust and cinnamon sugar

Unroll the second crescent dough tube, seal seams, and carefully lay it over the cheesecake filling. Brush melted butter evenly across the top with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the buttered dough until the surface is fully coated.

Bake, cool, and chill

Bake for 26–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffed. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Once it reaches room temperature, transfer it to the fridge for at least 1 hour. This chilling step ensures clean slices and a firm texture.

Expert Tips for Success

Bring the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing, so the filling turns out silky without lumps. When brushing butter on the top crust, use the back of a spoon or a pastry brush for even coverage. The cinnamon sugar sticks better when the butter is spread carefully.

For slicing, always chill the Simple Churro Cheesecake bars completely. A sharp knife wiped between cuts will give you bakery-style squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness. This recipe is best within three days but still tasty on day four.

Optional Toppings and Variations

Drizzle your slices with caramel or chocolate sauce for a rich twist. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm bars creates a sundae-like treat. You can also scatter sliced strawberries or raspberries over the top for a fresh, fruity balance.

For a flavor variation, swap vanilla for almond extract in the filling or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar. Some bakers also add a swirl of dulce de leche before laying on the top crust, which melts into the cheesecake layer beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cheesecake needs refrigeration to hold its shape. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

You can also prepare it a day in advance. Bake, cool, chill, and then cover the pan until you’re ready to slice. This makes it perfect for holidays, parties, or when you want a no-stress dessert ready to go.

Conclusion

This Simple Churro Cheesecake recipe is everything you want in an easy dessert: creamy, crisp, and perfectly sweet. With minimal prep and basic ingredients, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Serve Simple Churro Cheesecake bars plain for a quick family dessert, or dress them up with toppings for a show-stopping finish at gatherings. However you enjoy it, this cheesecake guarantees smiles and empty plates.

If you love easy desserts, you might also enjoy my Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies or check out more dessert recipes. You can also see my recent posts for fresh ideas. For more sweet inspiration, follow along on Pinterest.