If you have a sweet tooth that loves the cozy flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese combined with the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent rolls, then you are in for a treat! This Crescent Roll Churro Cheesecake Recipe captures all the warm, cinnamon-sugar magic of churros wrapped around a luscious cheesecake center, making it an irresistible dessert that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether for a casual get-together or a special occasion, this delightful recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for layering flavors and textures that make the Crescent Roll Churro Cheesecake Recipe so unforgettable. Each one plays a role, from the creamy richness of the cheese to the crispy, cinnamon-coated crescents that add a perfect crunch and sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): Softened to create a smooth, dreamy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 1/4 cup): Adds sweetness both inside the cheesecake and for the signature churro coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor depth with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheesecake filling together for the perfect creamy texture.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, about 8 oz): The easy shortcut for buttery, flaky layers that encase the cheesecake filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Delivers the iconic spicy warmth to the churro sugar topping.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, melted): Used to brush the dough, helping the cinnamon-sugar stick and developing a golden crust.
How to Make Crescent Roll Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch square baking pan. This ensures your cheesecake won’t stick and will have a beautifully crisp bottom crust.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla extract until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Next, crack in the egg and continue mixing until everything is fully combined. This results in the silky, tangy center of your cheesecake that perfectly complements the cinnamon sugar exterior.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base
Unroll your crescent dough and seal the perforations by pressing the triangles together, creating a single sheet of dough. Press this dough firmly into the bottom of your greased pan so it covers the entire base with no gaps. This layer becomes the flavorful crust that soaks up those wonderful cream cheese juices as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Filling Over the Dough
Spread the cheesy filling evenly on top of the crescent roll base, leaving a small margin around the edges so you can seal the top layer properly later.
Step 5: Top with the Remaining Crescent Roll Dough
Take the rest of the crescent roll dough, separate and unroll it again, then place these triangles over the filling. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the cheesecake inside, creating a cozy pastry parcel perfect for holding in all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Create the Classic Churro Coating
Mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the melted butter generously over the top pastry surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly until it glistens like churro magic.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the entire pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the crescent dough to become a gorgeous golden brown while the cheesecake filling sets beautifully inside. If the edges start browning too quickly, loosely cover them with foil to avoid burning.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
After baking, let the crescent roll churro cheesecake cool for around 10 minutes, which helps it firm up just enough for slicing. Cut into squares or rectangles and get ready to dig into a dreamy combination of gooey cheesecake and crunchy cinnamon sugar pastry.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Churro Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream brings a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and a subtle extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Complement this indulgent dessert with fresh berries or a simple fruit compote to add brightness and balance out the richness. A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavors for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Cheesecake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve dessert, or create mini versions using crescent roll dough in muffin tins for delightful party bites. Drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Crescent Roll Churro Cheesecake Recipe airtight in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy multiple times without losing that tender cream cheese filling and crispy outer crust.
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen portions will keep for up to 2 months, perfect for when you crave a sweet treat later on.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This brings back the fresh-baked texture, with the crescent rolls regaining their flaky crunch and the cheesecake becoming soft and melty again.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese straight from the fridge?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese for this recipe—it whips up more smoothly and blends better with the other ingredients. If your cream cheese is cold, just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough? Can I use something else?
You could use puff pastry as a substitute, but crescent roll dough gives the perfect flaky texture and buttery flavor unique to this recipe. Pillsbury crescent rolls are widely available and super convenient!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, you would need to find gluten-free crescent roll dough or puff pastry. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so it’s mostly about the dough choice.
Is it okay to prepare the cheesecake ahead before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the crescent roll churro cheesecake the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Then bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it for the best texture and flavor.
How can I prevent the edges from browning too fast?
If you notice the edges getting too dark while baking, loosely cover them with foil halfway through. This will protect the edges while allowing the center to bake fully.
Final Thoughts
This Crescent Roll Churro Cheesecake Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weekday dessert yet special enough for any occasion. Its perfect combination of creamy filling and cinnamony, golden pastry layers is simply addictive. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you for bringing this delectable treat to the table!
Print
Crescent Roll Churro Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crescent Roll Churro Cheesecake combines the flaky, buttery texture of crescent roll dough with a creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a cinnamon-sugar churro coating. A quick and easy dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Crescent Roll Dough
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (usually 8 rolls)
Churro Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or an 8×8-inch square pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform. Set aside.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Press the perforations to seal them together, forming a sheet of dough large enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Arrange and press this dough sheet into the prepared baking pan, making sure it covers the entire bottom with edges sealed.
- Add the Cheesecake Filling: Spoon the prepared cheesecake filling evenly over the dough in the pan, spreading it carefully while leaving a small border around the edges to allow for sealing.
- Top with More Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the remaining crescent roll dough and place the triangles over the cheesecake filling. Pinch the edges together along the border to seal the top and bottom layers of dough.
- Make the Churro Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top to create the churro effect.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Slice into squares or rectangles. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the cinnamon-sugar coating with other flavored sugars or toppings if desired.
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- If you prefer a thicker cheesecake layer, consider doubling the cheesecake filling ingredients.
- The crescent roll dough can be replaced with puff pastry for a different texture.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
