Caramel Cheesecake-Stuffed Churro Rings combine two beloved desserts into one decadent treat. The crispy, golden churro rings are coated in cinnamon sugar and filled with creamy cheesecake and luscious caramel. Each bite is a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, from the crunchy exterior to the smooth and rich filling. These churro rings are perfect for special occasions, parties, or anytime you want to impress your guests with something extraordinary.
What makes this recipe truly irresistible is its fusion of flavors and presentation. The cheesecake filling adds a creamy tanginess that balances the sweetness of the caramel sauce, while the churro dough provides a slightly crisp texture that melts in your mouth. Whether served warm as a dessert centerpiece or enjoyed as a fun snack, these stuffed churro rings are guaranteed to leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Irresistible Combination: Crispy churros paired with creamy cheesecake and caramel create a dessert dream.
• Fun and Unique Presentation: The ring shape is perfect for parties or as an eye-catching dessert.
• Make-Ahead Options: Prep the cheesecake filling in advance for easy assembly.
Ingredients
For the Churro Dough:
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling:
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Frying:
• Vegetable oil
Instructions
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Refrigerate until needed.
Prepare the Churro Dough:
1. Combine water, unsalted butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Form and Fry the Churro Rings:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep saucepan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pipe rings of churro dough onto small squares of parchment paper.
3. Carefully lower the parchment paper into the hot oil, allowing the dough rings to separate from the paper. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer churro rings to paper towels to drain. Toss them in the cinnamon sugar coating while still warm.
Assemble the Churro Rings:
1. Once the churro rings have cooled slightly, use a small knife to create a slit on the side of each ring.
2. Pipe the cheesecake filling into each ring until full.
3. Drizzle or pipe the caramel sauce into the cheesecake-filled churro rings.
Serve:
Serve the churro rings immediately while warm, with the cheesecake filling slightly gooey and the caramel perfectly drizzled.
Tips
• Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F for even frying. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Mess-Free Piping: Use a large star tip for the dough and a fine round tip for the cheesecake filling for precision.
• Customize the Filling: Swap out caramel for chocolate ganache or fruit compote for a twist.
Storage Options
• Room Temperature: Store unfilled churro rings in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat briefly in the oven before serving.
• Refrigeration: Store assembled churro rings in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the churros may lose some crispness.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled churro rings in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven until crisp before filling and serving.
Caramel Cheesecake-Stuffed Churro Rings bring together the best of crispy churros and creamy cheesecake, making them a must-try dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning.
