Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap the bottom and sides of the springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in if using a water bath.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until all crumbs are moistened.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, beating until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce too much air.
- Mix in the sour cream, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until the yolk disappears. Do not overmix.
Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
- Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it comes about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. (This is a water bath, which helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracks).
- Carefully transfer the roasting pan with the cheesecake to the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the water bath inside the oven for 1 hour. This slow cooling also helps prevent cracks.
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and the roasting pan. Carefully remove the foil from around the springform pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for another 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, cover the cheesecake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
Prepare the Churro Topping and Assemble
- Once the cheesecake is chilled and firm, carefully run a thin knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the springform sides. Transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the churro sugar mixture.
- In another small bowl, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
- Brush the top of the chilled cheesecake with a thin layer of melted butter. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Gently press the crushed cinnamon sugar crisps (like Cinnamon Toast Crunch) onto the top of the cheesecake, ensuring good coverage. You can crush them by hand or in a food processor for varying textures.
- Slice with a warm, sharp knife for clean cuts. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
For best results, ensure all cold ingredients for the filling (cream cheese, sour cream, eggs) are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Cheesecake can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. For an extra touch, serve with a drizzle of dulce de leche or a dollop of whipped cream.
