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Churro Cheesecake

A fusion dessert featuring creamy New York–style cheesecake encased in a buttery cinnamon-sugar graham cracker crust and finished with a churro-inspired cinnamon sugar topping.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients
  

Churro Crust
  • 2 cups finely crushed graham crackers about 14 full sheets
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Filling
  • 32 ounces cream cheese four 8 oz blocks, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan in two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to waterproof it for a water bath.
  2. In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, melted butter, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed, beat the room-temperature cream cheese for 3 minutes until completely smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
  5. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and beat for 2 minutes. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon until fully incorporated. Sprinkle in flour and mix just until combined.
  6. Add eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing only until each is just blended to avoid over-aerating the batter.
  7. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform.
  8. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until edges look set and the center jiggles slightly.
  9. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from the water bath, run a thin knife around the edge, and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours.
  10. Just before serving, stir together 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Remove the cheesecake ring, brush the top with 2 tbsp melted butter, and generously coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Avoid over-mixing once eggs are added to prevent cracking. Cheesecake slices cleanly after an overnight chill; dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe between cuts for neat portions.