Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines churro flavors with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries
• No water bath needed—easy to prepare
• A crunchy, flavorful topping for extra texture
• Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or casual gatherings
• Can be made ahead of time

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Cinnamon sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Strawberry puree
• Granulated sugar

For the topping:

• Strawberry crunch crumbs (from strawberry shortcake ice cream bars or homemade)
• Melted butter

Directions

Make the crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and cinnamon sugar in a bowl.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan or 9x9 baking dish.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

Prepare the cheesecake filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy.
3. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Prepare the topping:

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with strawberry crunch crumbs.
2. Evenly sprinkle over the cheesecake.

Chill and serve:

1. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
2. Cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolatey base.
• Different Fruit Options: Swap strawberry puree for raspberry, blueberry, or mango puree.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed cinnamon cereal on top for added churro texture.
• No-Bake Version: Skip baking the crust and freeze for an hour before adding the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: This cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

How do I make homemade strawberry crunch topping?

You can crush freeze-dried strawberries and mix them with crushed vanilla wafers and a bit of melted butter for a homemade version.

Can I use store-bought strawberry puree?

Yes! If using store-bought, make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid an overly sweet cheesecake.

What can I use instead of a springform pan?

A 9x9 baking dish works well; just line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake is best when chilled overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

How can I make the cheesecake firmer?

Reduce the heavy cream slightly or add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the filling for a denser texture.

Can I skip the strawberry topping?

Yes! You can top the cheesecake with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or even caramel drizzle instead.

Is this cheesecake baked or no-bake?

It’s a no-bake cheesecake, except for the crust, which is briefly baked for added texture.

Can I use a different crust?

Definitely! Try using crushed Oreos, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers.

How do I prevent a lumpy cheesecake filling?

Make sure your cream cheese is softened and beat it thoroughly before adding other ingredients.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger pan, but make sure to chill it longer for proper setting.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Churro Cheesecake is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just indulging in a homemade treat, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try different variations, store leftovers for later, and enjoy every bite!