Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites

Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: churros and cheesecake. These bite-sized treats feature a soft, doughy churro exterior, filled with a creamy cheesecake center, and finished off with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating.

Each bite is a delightful combination of crispy, chewy, and creamy textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Whether served for a special occasion or as an everyday indulgence, these churro cheesecake bites are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and fun, hand-held size!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites recipe for several reasons!

First, it’s a fun and creative combination of two popular desserts—crispy, cinnamon-sugar churros and creamy, indulgent cheesecake.

The contrast of textures, with the warm, doughy exterior and the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling, is simply irresistible.

Additionally, they’re bite-sized, making them easy to serve and enjoy at parties, gatherings, or as a sweet snack.

The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a nostalgic touch, while the cheesecake filling delivers a luxurious richness.

These treats are a perfect balance of comfort and decadence, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages!

Key Ingredients:

The Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites are made with simple yet delicious key ingredients that come together to create a sweet, indulgent treat.

The cheesecake filling combines creamy cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg, creating a rich and smooth center.

The churro dough is made from water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior.

Finally, for the cinnamon-sugar coating, granulated sugar and cinnamon are mixed together to give the bites a perfect sweet and spicy finish.

These ingredients combine for a perfect balance of rich, creamy, and crispy in every bite!

Churro Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg

For the Churro Dough:

1 cup water

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

For Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Beat in the egg until smooth and well-combined. Set aside to use for stuffing the churro dough.

2. Make the Churro Dough:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the all-purpose flour. Mix until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.

Let the dough cool for a few minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake Bites:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Using a piping bag or spoon, pipe or scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of churro dough into small rounds (about 1-2 inches in size) on the prepared baking sheet.

Use your finger or a small spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball.

Fill each indentation with a small amount of the cheesecake filling, ensuring that the dough fully encases the filling.

4. Bake the Cheesecake Bites:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.

The bites should be puffed up, and the dough should be slightly crispy on the outside.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

5. Coat the Bites:

While the cheesecake bites are cooling, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a bowl.

Immediately brush the warm churro bites with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

6. Serve:

Allow the bites to cool just enough to handle, then serve warm for the best flavor. Enjoy the combination of the crispy churro dough and creamy cheesecake filling.

Tips:

Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can mix some mini chocolate chips or fruit preserves into the cheesecake filling before stuffing the dough.

Filling Variations: If you’d like a fruit twist, you can add a spoonful of strawberry or raspberry jam to the cheesecake filling for a burst of flavor.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave for the best experience.

Notes:

Dough Consistency: The churro dough should form a smooth ball when stirred in the saucepan. It will be slightly sticky but not wet. If it feels too wet or loose, add a bit more flour (a tablespoon at a time) to adjust the texture.

Cooling the Dough: After making the churro dough, allow it to cool slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking immediately and ensures a smooth batter.

Cheesecake Filling: For a smoother cheesecake filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. You can even whip the cream cheese on its own for a minute or two to make it fluffier before adding the sugar and vanilla.

Sealing the Dough: When filling the churro dough with cheesecake filling, be sure to seal the edges of the dough completely so that the filling does not leak out during baking. Pinch the dough edges tightly around the filling to create a secure seal.

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the churro bites while they bake. They should turn a golden brown, but baking times can vary based on your oven. Test with a toothpick to ensure the dough is cooked through.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: It’s important to coat the churro bites in cinnamon sugar immediately after they come out of the oven while they’re still hot. This helps the sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough for a delicious, sweet coating.

Serving Suggestions: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these bites with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for dipping. You can also mix chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a chocolaty twist!

Storage: These churro bites are best served warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their crispness before serving.

Nutrition Informaiton:

YIELDS: 24 bites | SERVING SIZ: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these churro bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the churro stuffed cheesecake bites in advance.

After filling the dough with the cheesecake mixture, cover them and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.

If you prefer, you can freeze the unbaked bites for up to a month.

When ready to bake, just follow the instructions, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

The traditional cheesecake filling uses cream cheese, but you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or even a combination of ricotta and cream cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Keep in mind that altering the cheese might slightly affect the creaminess of the filling.

How do I know when the churro bites are fully baked?

The churro bites should be golden brown and firm to the touch when they are done.

After 20-25 minutes of baking, you can check by carefully inserting a toothpick or knife into one of the bites—if it comes out clean, the bites are baked through.

You also want to make sure the dough isn’t raw in the center.

Can I bake these churro bites without filling them with cheesecake?

Absolutely! If you prefer a simple churro dough without the cheesecake filling, you can skip the filling step and just bake the dough balls.

You can still roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture after baking for a classic churro flavor.

How should I store leftover churro stuffed cheesecake bites?

Store any leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

The bites are best enjoyed fresh, but they still taste great when stored and reheated!

What should the churro dough consistency be like?

The churro dough should be smooth, slightly sticky, and able to hold its shape when piped or scooped into balls.

After mixing, it should be thick enough to form a ball without being runny, but not so dry that it cracks.

If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Can I make the cheesecake filling without eggs?

Yes, you can make a no-egg cheesecake filling by substituting the egg with a tablespoon of cornstarch or a similar thickener.

The egg helps to bind the filling and gives it a smooth texture, but the recipe will still work without it.

Just make sure to whisk the filling well to ensure it remains creamy.

How can I prevent the churro bites from leaking filling while baking?

To prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking, make sure you completely seal the churro dough around the filling.

Gently pinch the dough together to ensure there are no gaps.

If you find that the dough is too thin or fragile around the filling, you can refrigerate the dough balls for 10-15 minutes before baking to help them firm up.

What can I do if the dough gets too hard while mixing?

If your churro dough becomes too hard while mixing, it’s likely due to overcooking the flour in the saucepan or adding too much flour.

If this happens, add a little more water (a tablespoon at a time) and mix until the dough becomes soft and smooth again.

It’s important to keep the dough at the right consistency, so don’t add too much flour.

Can I use a different coating for the churro bites instead of cinnamon sugar?

Yes! While the classic churro coating is cinnamon sugar, you can experiment with different coatings like powdered sugar, a chocolate glaze, or even a drizzle of caramel.

If you want a more decadent flavor, try rolling the baked bites in a mixture of cocoa powder and sugar for a chocolate churro effect.

Just be sure to coat the bites immediately after baking while they are still warm so the coating sticks well.