Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites Recipe
If you are searching for a delightful treat that combines creamy cheesecake, cinnamon sugar goodness, and juicy fresh strawberries, then the Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites are exactly what you need. These little bites of heaven blend the crispy, buttery crescent dough with a luscious cheesecake filling and a cinnamon sugar crust, perfectly complemented by vibrant strawberries and a sweet drizzle. Whether it’s for a party, a snack, or just a cozy dessert at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites right is all about using simple, everyday ingredients that each play an important part in bringing the flavors and textures to life. Every item has a purpose, from the creamy cream cheese to the warm cinnamon, making it easy yet incredibly satisfying to create this recipe.
- Crescent roll dough (8 oz): Provides a flaky, buttery base that crisps up beautifully and holds the cheesecake filling.
- Very soft cream cheese (8 oz): The creamy heart of the cheesecake layer, giving richness and smooth texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk (3/4 cup plus extra for drizzle): Adds sweetness and a silky finish, plus a perfect drizzle topping to enhance flavor.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness with tang and keeps the cheesecake moist.
- Egg (1): Helps set the cheesecake filling, giving it structure without heaviness.
- Cornflour (1 teaspoon): A small addition that keeps the cheesecake smooth and prevents cracking.
- Vanilla essence (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth, complementing the cream cheese beautifully.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): For brushing, ensuring a golden, flavorful crust.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cinnamon mixture that gives the bites their signature churro taste.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The aromatic spice that makes every bite unmistakably churro-inspired.
- Chopped fresh strawberries (1 cup): Adds fruity freshness and a pop of color.
- Flour for rolling: Keeps your dough from sticking and helps achieve a perfect roll-out.
How to Make Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create that classic churro coating. In a separate bowl, whip the very soft cream cheese until it’s silky smooth — getting rid of lumps here is key for luscious cheesecake bites. Next, stir in the egg, sour cream, and cornflour, making sure it’s well combined. Finish off by blending in the vanilla essence and the sweetened condensed milk until you have a creamy, dreamy cheesecake batter ready to go.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish and Dough
Grab your baking dish and brush half of the melted butter all over the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter to make a sweet, crunchy base. On a floured surface, unroll your crescent dough and cut it in half using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Roll each half to fit the size of your baking dish, trimming any excess so the layers fit snugly without bunching up.
Step 3: Assemble and Par Bake the Base
Place one piece of the rolled-out dough into the baking dish, pressing it gently atop the buttery cinnamon sugar layer. Pop the dish into your oven and par bake this base for about 5 minutes; this helps it set and prevents sogginess. Carefully take it out of the oven and pour in your silky cheesecake mixture, spreading it out into an even layer so every bite is rich and creamy.
Step 4: Add Top Layer and Bake
Next, lay the second piece of crescent dough over the cheesecake filling. Brush it with the remaining melted butter, and sprinkle the rest of your cinnamon sugar mixture over the top for that sweet, crunchy finish. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, revealing that perfect blend of soft filling and crisp dough.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Once out of the oven, let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. This will allow it to firm up a bit before refrigeration. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, for the full set and best texture. For easier slicing, pop the cheesecake into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before you cut it into irresistible mini squares.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your chilled cheesecake into small bite-sized squares and arrange them beautifully on a serving dish or even in small cups for a playful presentation. Garnish lavishly with fresh chopped strawberries and finish with a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce. These Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites are now ready to be devoured, delivering that incredible churro flavor combined with fruity freshness and cheesecake luxury.
How to Serve Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites to next-level deliciousness. Fresh chopped strawberries provide a juicy burst of flavor and vivid color, echoing the strawberry center. A light drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce gives an indulgent sweetness that ties the whole dessert together. You might also try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top for that irresistible churro crunch.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bites are delightful on their own, but if you want to make a full dessert spread, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Fresh fruit salad or a refreshing mint-infused lemonade can balance the richness perfectly, making for a complete and satisfying dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun with these Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites. Try serving them in small dessert cups topped with strawberries and a drizzle for an elegant look. You can also stack them on a tiered dessert platter for a festive party vibe or use toothpicks to create mini cheesecake skewers. Adding edible flowers or a mint sprig can further enhance their charm and wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, store your leftover Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered prevents the cheesecake from drying out and preserves the crispness of the cinnamony dough layers.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bites later, they freeze beautifully. Arrange the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Avoid stacking initially to maintain their shape. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For the best experience, thaw frozen Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispy crust and warm the cheesecake slightly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which could make the bites soggy.
Is there a substitute for crescent roll dough?
You can use puff pastry as an alternative; it offers a similar flaky texture and buttery flavor. Just be sure to adjust baking times as puff pastry can brown faster.
How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?
Adding cornstarch and sour cream in the batter helps keep the cheesecake smooth and crack-free. Avoid overbaking, and allow it to cool gradually for best results.
Can these bites be made dairy-free?
Yes, swapping standard cream cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives works well, and using vegan crescent dough will keep these bites suitable for dairy-free diets.
What’s the best way to cut the cheesecake into bites?
Chilling and then briefly freezing the cheesecake before slicing results in clean cuts and neat bites, making serving easier and presentation prettier.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making these Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites enough! They strike such an addictive balance between creamy, crunchy, sweet, and a little tangy, all wrapped up in that warm cinnamon sugar magic. Whether you’re spoiling your family or surprising guests, these cheesecake bites deliver smiles and happy taste buds every time. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll thank yourself for it!
Print
Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Best Strawberry Churro Cheesecake Bites, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake sandwiched between crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated crescent dough layers, topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce. These bite-sized treats combine classic churro flavors with rich cheesecake for an irresistible dessert ideal for parties or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough and Coating
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough (or crescent sheet)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup granulated white or cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Flour for rolling out the dough
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) very soft cream cheese
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
Toppings
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- A drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the sugar and cinnamon, and set aside. In another bowl, beat the very soft cream cheese until smooth. Add the egg, sour cream, and cornflour, mixing well. Finally, stir in vanilla essence and sweetened condensed milk until the batter is smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Baking Dish and Dough: Brush half of the melted butter over the base of your baking dish, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter. On a floured surface, unroll the crescent dough and cut it in half using a pizza cutter. Roll each half to match the size of the baking dish, trimming any excess as needed.
- Assemble and Par Bake the Base: Place one piece of rolled crescent dough into the baking dish over the butter and cinnamon sugar layer. Par bake this base in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the base.
- Add Top Layer and Bake: Cover the cheesecake layer with the second rolled crescent dough piece. Brush the remaining melted butter on top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Set: Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully. For cleaner slices, freeze the cheesecake for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the cheesecake into small squares and place them on a serving dish or in cups. Top each piece with freshly chopped strawberries and drizzle with sweetened condensed milk or caramel sauce for extra sweetness. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry churro cheesecake bites!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is very soft to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Par baking the base prevents sogginess from the filling and ensures a crisp crust.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Freezing briefly before slicing makes cutting easier and cleaner.
- Use fresh ripe strawberries for optimal flavor and texture.
- You can substitute dulce de leche for the drizzle if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (approximately 1/12th of the recipe)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Strawberry cheesecake bites, churro cheesecake, dessert bites, cinnamon sugar dessert, crescent roll cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe
