Picture this: the sweet, spicy aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, buttery crust crumbling perfectly, and silky cream filling that melts in your mouth. That’s what you get with this Decadent Churro Cream Pie. Inspired by the classic churro, this pie is a fusion of crunchy cinnamon sugar goodness and creamy indulgence. If you’re a churro fan—or just someone who loves desserts that make your taste buds dance—you’re in for a treat.
Honestly, this recipe is like a party in pie form. I first tried it when I was looking for a unique dessert for a family gathering, and it stole the show! It’s perfect for celebrations, cozy nights in, or whenever you need a little something sweet. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No need for fancy techniques. This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Unique Twist: Combines the irresistible flavor of churros with the creamy decadence of a pie.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday dinner, or just a midweek treat, this pie fits the bill.
- Kid-Approved: The cinnamon-sugar crust and creamy filling are a hit with kids (and adults) alike!
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavor or toppings to suit your preferences.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The cinnamon-sugar crunch paired with the creamy filling will make you close your eyes and savor every bite.
Unlike traditional churros, this pie is baked—not fried—and offers a more decadent experience with its creamy filling and buttery crust. It’s comfort food, dessert-style.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create bold flavors and textures. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for that churro flavor!)
- For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- For the Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: whipped cream and chocolate drizzle
If you’re gluten-free, swap the graham crackers for a gluten-free alternative. Need dairy-free? Use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll use:
- 9-inch pie pan (a springform pan works too!)
- Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or offset spatula for spreading
If you don’t have a pie pan, you can use a baking dish instead—it’ll just have a more rustic look.
Preparation Method
- Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of your pie pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for a polished look.
- Add the Topping: Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over the top of the pie. Optional: add dollops of whipped cream or drizzle with chocolate for an extra flourish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, pop the pie in the freezer for 1-2 hours to speed up the chilling process.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling. Cold cream cheese can make your filling lumpy.
- Don’t overmix the whipped cream—it should hold stiff peaks but still be light and airy.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when slicing.
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
- If you’re making this ahead of time, hold off on the cinnamon-sugar topping until serving to keep it crisp.
Little tweaks like these can make all the difference when it comes to nailing this recipe!
Variations & Adaptations
Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of melted chocolate between the crust and filling for a churro-chocolate pie.
- Seasonal Twist: Add pumpkin spice to the filling for a fall-themed churro pie.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and cream cheese for vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed churros or cinnamon cereal on top for added texture.
I once made a caramel drizzle version, and let me tell you—it was divine!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This pie is best served chilled. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Serving: Slice into wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
- Storage: Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: While the pie is best served cold, you can warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for a softer texture.
The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, so don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
The cinnamon in this recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s known to have antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar. Plus, the creamy filling is indulgent but balanced, making this a dessert that feels luxurious without being overly heavy.
Conclusion
There you have it—the Decadent Churro Cream Pie that’s guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy sweet tooths everywhere. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a slice solo, this pie is pure happiness in dessert form. I love how customizable it is, so feel free to make it your own!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below, snap some photos, and share your creations on social media. Let’s spread the churro cream pie love!
Happy baking!
FAQs
- Can I use a store-bought crust? Absolutely! A pre-made graham cracker crust works perfectly for this recipe.
- How long does it take to chill? The pie needs at least 4 hours in the fridge, but overnight is even better.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes! It’s a great make-ahead dessert. Just add the topping right before serving.
- What’s the best way to slice the pie? Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Definitely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw before serving.
Pin This Recipe!
Decadent Churro Cream Pie
A fusion of crunchy cinnamon sugar goodness and creamy indulgence, this Decadent Churro Cream Pie is perfect for celebrations, cozy nights in, or whenever you need a sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: whipped cream
- Optional: chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of your pie pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for a polished look.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over the top of the pie. Optional: add dollops of whipped cream or drizzle with chocolate for an extra flourish.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling. Press the crust firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling when slicing. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: churro cream pie, cinnamon dessert, easy pie recipe, no-bake pie, churro-inspired dessert