If you have a sweet tooth and love irresistible little treats that combine two of the best desserts ever, you are going to adore this Churro Cheesecake Bites Recipe. These delightful bites bring together the cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the creamy, dreamy texture of cheesecake in a perfectly portable form. With a buttery churro crust, a luscious cheesecake layer, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top, every bite is pure magic. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these bites hit all the right notes for a dessert that feels special but is actually simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Churro Cheesecake Bites Recipe means gathering some straightforward pantry staples and fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor and texture. From the warm cinnamon spice in the crust to the creamy smoothness in the filling, every ingredient is essential for that perfect balance.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for the churro crust, providing structure and that light chew.
- Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the crust, enhancing the warm caramel notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings the classic churro flavor throughout the dessert.
- Baking powder: Helps the crust stay tender with a slight lift, crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and a buttery flavor that makes the crust irresistible.
- Vanilla extract (for crust and filling): Adds a fragrant sweetness that ties every component together.
- Eggs: Provide structure and creaminess, making the crust and cheesecake layers cohesive and soft.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling, delivering that dreamy smooth texture and tangy flavor.
- Granulated sugar (for filling and topping): Sweetens both the cheesecake and the cinnamon sugar topping evenly.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides so you can easily lift out the bars later without trouble. This simple prep step will make your life a lot easier when it’s time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Make the Churro Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Then add melted butter, vanilla extract, and the egg, stirring until a soft, thick dough forms. It will be pliable but not sticky – this dough promises the deliciously tender churro crust we’re aiming for!
Step 3: Press the Dough into the Pan
Transfer that churro dough to your prepared pan and press it evenly across the bottom. I love using the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth it out – it helps create that nice, even surface that ensures perfect baking throughout.
Step 4: Par-bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 350°F. This step firms up the base just enough so it won’t soak up the cheesecake filling and stays wonderfully crisp. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly while you whip up the cheesecake layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and an egg until silky smooth and creamy. The key here is not to overmix, so scrape down the bowl edges to make sure everything blends evenly without incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
Step 6: Spread the Cheesecake Layer
Pour your cheesecake filling over the warm churro crust, then gently spread it out using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for an even layer. This creamy layer will bake to a delicate firmness that’s irresistible.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon then sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the cheesecake layer. This topping brings the iconic churro flair to every bite, adding sparkle and a touch of crunch after baking.
Step 8: Final Bake
Bake the entire pan for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges turn a light golden and the center is set but still has a slight jiggle. The topping should form a delicate crust that makes the cheesecake feel like a churro dream come true.
Step 9: Chill and Slice
Once baked, let the bars cool completely on your countertop before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill them for at least 3 hours or until fully set—that cold step is what allows those cheesecake bites to hold their shape and give that perfect bite. When ready, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into 16 perfect little squares.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These bites are delicious on their own, but you can make them even more special with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A few fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and a hint of brightness to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these at a party or family gathering, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small cup of Mexican hot chocolate. The creamy cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon-scented cheesecake, while hot chocolate doubles down on the cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange these bites on a decorative platter with colorful napkins or serve them in mini paper cupcake liners for easy grabbing. Another fun idea is to skewer a few bites on a stick for churro-cheesecake pops that will wow guests and kids alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these divine Churro Cheesecake Bites Recipe treats, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, allowing you to savor that cinnamon cheesecake goodness all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bites freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight for an easy, make-ahead dessert.
Reheating
To enjoy chilled or slightly warmed, you can briefly microwave a bite for about 10 seconds. This brings back some softness and lets those cinnamon aromas bloom again, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it may affect the texture and richness of the cheesecake layer, making it slightly less creamy. For the best fudgy and smooth bites, stick to full-fat cream cheese when possible.
Can I substitute the brown sugar in the crust?
Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor to the churro crust, but you can substitute it with coconut sugar or a mix of white sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses for a similar effect.
Is it okay to make the crust and filling ahead of time?
You can absolutely prepare the crust and refrigerate the cheesecake filling a day ahead. Just press the crust and bake it fresh when you are ready to assemble, then pour on the filling and continue with the recipe.
What if I don’t have an offset spatula?
No worries! The back of a spoon or a butter knife works perfectly to spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the crust. The key is gentle, even strokes without tearing the crust.
Can I make these bites in a different size pan?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe for different pan sizes, but the thickness and baking times will vary slightly. A 9×13-inch pan will yield thinner bars and might need less baking time, so keep an eye on the texture and check with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try out this Churro Cheesecake Bites Recipe because it’s truly a showstopper for any occasion. Easy to make, plenty of cinnamon charm, and perfectly creamy, these bites manage to feel both indulgent and homemade. Once you taste that warm crust with creamy cheesecake and cinnamon sugar topping, I guarantee they’ll become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Churro Cheesecake Bites that combine a cinnamon-spiced churro crust with a creamy cheesecake layer topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar sprinkle. Perfect as a sweet treat or dessert, these bars offer the classic flavors of churros in cheesecake form, baked to perfection and chilled for the ideal texture.
Ingredients
For the Churro Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the bars after baking.
- Make the Churro Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg, stirring until a thick and pliable dough forms.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the dough to the lined pan and press it evenly across the bottom using the back of a spoon or measuring cup to smooth the surface.
- Par-bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the bowl sides and avoid overmixing.
- Add the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter over the warm crust, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Add the Topping: Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and the center is just set with a firm cinnamon sugar crust on top.
- Chill and Slice: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully set. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift out the bars and cut into 16 squares.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to maintain creamy texture.
- Chilling the bars thoroughly ensures clean, even slices.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.
- If desired, sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon sugar on top after chilling for added crunch.
