Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake with the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros. Imagine a soft cheesecake filling surrounded by a golden, slightly crisp churro coating—it’s the perfect dessert bite! Here’s a step-by-step recipe to get those flavors blending perfectly:
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whipped cream or whipped topping (optional for extra creaminess)
For the Churro Batter:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Optionally, fold in the whipped cream to give it a lighter texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the filling stay in place when assembling the bites.
- Prepare the Churro Batter:
- In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth.
- Pipe and Freeze the Cheesecake Centers:
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe small dollops (about 1-inch diameter) of cheesecake filling. Freeze for 20-30 minutes, or until firm. This will make it easier to encase them in the churro batter.
- Assemble the Churro Bites:
- Take a small amount of churro batter and flatten it in your hand. Place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center, and carefully wrap the batter around it, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
- Fry the Churro Bites:
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the churro bites in small batches until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- While still warm, roll the bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm, or let cool slightly if preferred. For a decadent touch, pair them with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce!
These Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites are irresistible, combining creamy, sweet, and crunchy in every bite. Perfect for parties, or just an indulgent snack!
