Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that checks all the boxes—fruity, creamy, crunchy, and delightfully nostalgic—look no further than this irresistible Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake. This recipe brings together the sweet-tangy punch of strawberries, the richness of cheesecake, a warm cinnamon sugar churro layer, and the addictive crunch of a strawberry shortcake bar, all wrapped up in a simple, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash or just want to brighten up an average Tuesday, this isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience you’ll want to relive with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake lies in its handful of powerhouse ingredients. Each plays a vital role, from the buttery base to the vibrant crunchy topping—no fancy techniques, just pantry staples working together for pure delight.
- Crescent roll dough: The shortcuts of all shortcuts! This gives our cheesecake a tender, flaky base (and top), adding a churro-inspired vibe without extra effort.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened—this is what makes the filling ultra-creamy and rich, the heart of every cheesecake bite.
- Granulated sugar: You’ll divide this sweetener to enhance both the creamy center and the cinnamon-sugar churro crust.
- Vanilla extract: This rounds out the tang of the cream cheese with a gentle warmth and heady aroma.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed over the top layer, it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates that golden, bakery-style crust.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for capturing churro flavor—it brings warmth, spice, and a hint of childhood fairground nostalgia.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: These add bold color and tangy zing, transforming the topping into a strawberry lover’s dream with every bite.
- Golden Oreos: Crushed and mixed into the topping, they provide the perfect buttery crunch, just like your favorite ice cream bar coating.
- Strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O): This is the secret to that vibrant strawberry crunch topping, boosting both flavor and color.
- Melted butter (for topping): A tad more butter magically binds the crunchy bits so they cling to the cooled cheesecake.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Think of this as setting the stage for all the deliciousness to come—you don’t want anything sticking, and a little prep here makes serving a breeze!
Step 2: Create the Churro Cheesecake Base
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pinch the seams together as best you can; this forms a pillowy soft, golden foundation for your Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake.
Step 3: Mix & Spread the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Spread it lovingly over the crescent dough base, making sure it’s even from corner to corner.
Step 4: Add the Top Crescent Layer
Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese layer. Go slowly—if it breaks apart, just patch it together. Gently press it into place for a seamless blanket over the creamy filling.
Step 5: Brush with Cinnamon Sugar Butter
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons melted butter, the remaining ¼ cup sugar, and the ground cinnamon. Brush this luscious mixture thoroughly over your top crescent dough. This step gives the Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake its iconic churro effect—a crispy, fragrant crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is a delicious golden brown and the center has set. Your kitchen will smell absolutely magical at this point!
Step 7: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
While your cheesecake bakes, combine the freeze-dried strawberries, Golden Oreos, and strawberry gelatin powder in a food processor. Pulse until you have a strawberry-studded crumb. Stir in 1 tablespoon melted butter—it’ll make the crumbs stick together just right for topping.
Step 8: Cool, Top, and Chill
Let the baked cheesecake cool for about 15 minutes—just enough time to let the creamy layer set but while it’s still slightly warm. Sprinkle your vibrant strawberry crunch topping generously across the surface, pressing it ever so gently. Chill everything in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight), which makes for neat slices and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake
Garnishes
Amp up the wow factor by finishing your Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a handful of fresh sliced strawberries. A little whipped cream on the side also never hurts. Every element adds something special, making this dessert look irresistible and taste even better.
Side Dishes
While this cheesecake can stand alone as the star dessert, pairing it with something light like a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a balanced, festive plate. For a brunch gathering, a bright citrus salad is a lovely contrast to all the sweet, creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake into bars and serve on a pretty platter for a party. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized pieces for cheesecake “bites”—perfect for dessert buffets. Want to go upscale? Layer cubed cheesecake, strawberries, and whipped cream in individual parfait glasses for a show-stopping treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, and the crunchy topping holds up well to the chill. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze individual bars of cheesecake for up to one month. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best consistency, though the crunch topping may soften slightly.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat this dessert—Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake is at its best served chilled or at room temperature. If you love a slightly warm bite, let a piece sit out for a few minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the creamy filling and the crunch topping.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade dough recipe—even pie dough or puff pastry—you can swap it for the canned crescent rolls. Just make sure to roll it to a similar thickness, and keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.
What if I can’t find freeze-dried strawberries?
If freeze-dried strawberries aren’t available, feel free to use freeze-dried raspberries for a tart twist. Regular dried fruit won’t provide the same crunch, but a combination of strawberry-flavored cereal and Golden Oreos can mimic the texture in a pinch!
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can use low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese in the Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake if you’d like to lighten things up, but keep in mind the filling may be slightly softer and less rich. Full-fat cream cheese delivers the dreamiest texture, but either works.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free crescent-style dough and gluten-free vanilla sandwich cookies for the Golden Oreos. Double-check all labels, including strawberry gelatin and freeze-dried fruit, to ensure they’re safe for your dietary needs.
How far in advance can I prepare the Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake?
It’s actually better when made ahead! Assemble completely, including the crunch topping, and chill up to 24 hours before serving. If storing longer, add the crunch right before serving to maintain full crispiness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family, friends, or even yourself, this Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake is just the treat to make. Bursting with flavors and contrasting textures, it’s a playful, nostalgic twist on classic cheesecake, and I hope it earns a spot in your personal hall of fame desserts. Give it a try—you’ll be dreaming about that first bite long after the last crumb is gone!
Print
Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake that combines a creamy cheesecake layer with a crunchy strawberry topping, all nestled between layers of buttery crescent dough.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Churro Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 12 Golden Oreos
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base: Press one can of crescent dough into the dish.
- Make the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, and vanilla. Spread over dough.
- Add top layer: Place the second can of crescent dough over the cream cheese layer.
- Prepare churro topping: Mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon; brush over dough.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Make strawberry crunch: Pulse strawberries, Oreos, and gelatin in a processor; mix in melted butter.
- Top and chill: Sprinkle crunch topping over cheesecake, chill for 1 hour.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Drizzle with white chocolate or add fresh strawberries for extra decadence.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
