Sweet & Crispy Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Culinary magic happens when churro stuffed cheesecake bites combine classic dessert flavors into one irresistible treat.

Cinnamon sugar meets creamy cheesecake in a delightful fusion that sparks pure joy.

Sweet memories of carnival snacks dance alongside rich cream cheese notes.

Crispy churro exteriors promise a delectable crunch against smooth, velvety centers.

Each bite delivers a playful contrast of textures that will make taste buds sing.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up these miniature wonders in no time.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that breaks all the delicious rules.

Why Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites Are Pure Joy

  • Craft Decadent Dessert Bites: Impress guests and family with these gourmet-style churro cheesecake bites that blend classic dessert flavors into one incredible treat.
  • Master Complex Technique Simply: Despite looking sophisticated, the recipe breaks down into manageable steps that even intermediate home bakers can confidently execute.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Perfect for potlucks, game days, or dessert tables where guests want bite-sized, shareable sweets with a delightful cinnamon-sugar crunch.
  • Customize with Endless Variations: Experiment by adding chocolate drizzle, incorporating different spices, or trying alternative fillings to make the recipe uniquely yours.

What Goes Into These Cinnamon-Sugar Beauties

Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy foundation that provides rich texture and tangy flavor for the cheesecake filling.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and aromatic notes.
  • Eggs: Bind the cheesecake mixture and provide structure to the filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light and airy texture in the cheesecake mixture.
Pastry and Frying Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry Sheets: Delivers a flaky and crisp exterior for the cheesecake bites.
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying and achieving a golden-brown color.
Coating and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a classic churro-style sweet and spicy coating for the fried cheesecake bites.
  • Butter: Adds an extra layer of richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar coating adhere to the pastry.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bites Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Work the mixture until it becomes silky and uniform in texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs Carefully

Incorporate eggs into the cream cheese mixture one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each egg addition to create a light and airy cheesecake base that’s free of lumps.

Step 3: Fold in Heavy Cream

Gently fold heavy cream into the cheesecake mixture. Use a delicate technique to maintain the mixture’s fluffy consistency without deflating the air bubbles.

Step 4: Prepare Pastry Squares

Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into small squares measuring approximately 2-3 inches wide, creating the perfect base for your bite-sized treats.

Step 5: Fill Pastry Parcels

Spoon a small amount of cheesecake mixture into the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, leaving enough room to seal the edges properly.

Step 6: Seal Pastry Edges

Carefully fold the pastry edges over the cheesecake filling. Pinch the edges firmly to create compact, sealed bite-sized parcels that will prevent leaking during cooking.

Step 7: Heat Frying Oil

Warm vegetable oil in a skillet, bringing the temperature to 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure precise heating for perfect frying.

Step 8: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently place pastry bites into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve an even golden-brown color on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 9: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Create a generous coating that will give your churro cheesecake bites their signature sweet and spicy exterior.

Step 10: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the pastry bites are still warm, roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure complete and even coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 11: Add Buttery Finish

Melt butter and lightly brush over the cinnamon-sugar coated bites. This additional step adds an extra layer of richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step 12: Chill and Serve

Place the coated bites in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This allows the coating to set and helps the cheesecake filling firm up, creating the perfect texture for serving and enjoying.

Tips for Crisp Churro Shells and Creamy Filling

  • Cream Cheese Softening Trick: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing without over-beating.
  • Egg Incorporation Technique: Add eggs slowly and mix gently to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, uniform cheesecake texture.
  • Pastry Handling Hack: Use a light dusting of flour when rolling out puff pastry to prevent sticking and create clean, precise cuts.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature, ensuring perfectly golden-brown churro bites without burning.
  • Coating Pro Tip: Roll warm bites immediately in cinnamon-sugar for maximum flavor absorption and a crispy, caramelized exterior.

Fun Spins on Churro Cheesecake Bite Flavor

  • Mexican Chocolate Churro Bites: Infuse melted dark chocolate with ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper into the cheesecake mixture for a spicy, authentic Mexican flavor profile.
  • Nutella Stuffed Churro Cheesecake Pockets: Replace vanilla extract with Nutella, creating a rich chocolate-hazelnut center that complements the crispy cinnamon exterior.
  • Tropical Fruit Churro Bites: Mix diced mango or passion fruit puree into the cheesecake filling, offering a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon coating.
  • Salted Caramel Churro Bombs: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce inside the cheesecake filling and over the finished bites for an indulgent, gourmet touch.

What to Serve With These Sweet & Spicy Bites

  • Pair Creamy Chocolate Milk: Rich, velvety chocolate milk complements the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating and creamy cheesecake filling, creating a delightful dessert experience.
  • Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Warm, golden caramel sauce adds a luxurious touch, enhancing the churro's crispy exterior and cheesecake's smooth texture with its buttery sweetness.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy churro bites, balancing the dessert's rich flavors and temperature.
  • Sprinkle Toasted Almonds: Crunchy, nutty toasted almonds add a delightful textural contrast and subtle depth to the sweet, creamy cheesecake bites, elevating the overall taste profile.

Storing Churro Cheesecake Bites Without Soggy Results

  • Place cooled churro cheesecake bites in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
  • Arrange bites on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Properly sealed, they'll keep for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their crispy exterior.
  • Consume freshly made bites within 2 hours for optimal taste and crunch. If left out longer, the pastry may become soggy and lose its delectable texture.

Cheesecake Bite FAQs with All the Details

  • Can I use a different type of pastry?

Yes, you can substitute puff pastry with phyllo or crescent roll dough, but the texture and taste will slightly vary.

  • How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking?

Ensure you seal the pastry edges completely by pinching them firmly and avoiding overfilling the squares.

  • What if I don't want to deep fry?

You can bake the cheesecake bites in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, though the texture will be different from frying.

  • Is there a way to make these ahead of time?

Prepare the bites and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours, then fry or bake just before serving to maintain the best texture and taste.

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Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites merge Mexican dessert magic with creamy cheesecake indulgence. Cinnamon-sugar coated pastry hugs rich cream cheese filling, creating a delightful fusion that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Churro Coating:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Pastry and Filling:

  • 1 package puff pastry sheets
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smooth blending, then whip with sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and uniform.
  2. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a silky cheesecake base.
  3. Gently fold heavy cream into the mixture, ensuring a light and airy texture without overmixing.
  4. Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface, cutting into small squares approximately 2-3 inches wide.
  5. Spoon a dollop of cheesecake mixture into the center of each pastry square, being careful not to overfill.
  6. Carefully fold pastry edges over the filling, pinching to seal and create compact bite-sized parcels.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F, preparing for frying the pastry bites.
  8. Fry each pastry bite for 2-3 minutes, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown exterior, then drain on paper towels.
  9. Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish for coating.
  10. While still warm, roll each fried cheesecake bite in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  11. Melt butter and lightly brush over the coated bites for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
  12. Chill for 15 minutes to allow the coating to set and the cheesecake filling to firm up before serving.

Notes

  • Check cream cheese temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free blending for a silky cheesecake base.
  • Avoid overmixing when incorporating eggs and cream to maintain a light, delicate texture.
  • Use a thermometer to precisely monitor oil temperature, preventing burning or undercooking during frying.
  • Experiment with alternative pastry options like gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough for dietary variations.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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