Churro Cake

Easy Churro Cake — Cinnamon Sugar Layered Dessert is my answer to those nights when you want something cozy and sweet, but you do not want a big baking project taking over your kitchen. You know the vibe, you are craving that warm cinnamon sugar thing, but driving out for churros feels like too much. This cake gives you that same flavor in a simple, layered, sliceable dessert. It is soft, a little gooey in the best way, and the top tastes like the bottom of a churro bag where all the cinnamon sugar settles. If you are feeding family or bringing something to a get together, this is the kind of dessert that disappears fast.

Why this recipe works

The reason I keep coming back to this Easy Churro Cake — Cinnamon Sugar Layered Dessert is that it hits the sweet spot between easy and impressive. It uses basic ingredients, but the texture feels special because of the layers. You get a fluffy cake base, a creamy middle, and that cinnamon sugar finish that makes people go, wait, what is on top of this?

I also like that it is forgiving. You do not have to bake perfectly even layers like a bakery cake. It is more like a cozy, snackable layered dessert where little imperfections just make it feel homemade.

And if you love cinnamon sugar desserts as much as I do, you should also check out these easy churro cheesecake cinnamon sugar bars. They scratch the same itch, especially when you want something you can slice into bars for sharing.

Ingredients needed

Nothing fancy here. I am all about using what you can find at a regular grocery store. This is the lineup I use most of the time. If you already bake even a little bit, you probably have half of this in your pantry right now.

What you will need

• Yellow cake mix (plus whatever the box calls for, usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Cream cheese (softened so it blends smoothly)
• Sweetened condensed milk (this makes the filling rich and creamy)
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Granulated sugar (for the cinnamon sugar topping)
• Butter (melted, to help the cinnamon sugar stick and taste extra good)
• Optional: a pinch of salt if you like a little balance

If you are a layered dessert person, you might also like this easy banana pudding cheesecake no bake layered dessert for when you want something creamy and cool instead of warm and cinnamon-y.

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“I made this for a family dinner and everyone asked for the recipe. My brother said it tastes like churros turned into cake, and he went back for seconds before we even sat down.”

How to make a Churro Layer Cake

I am going to walk you through it the same way I do it at home. This is not a fussy cake. It is a bake, layer, sprinkle, and enjoy situation. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill enough to slice without getting messy, and even then, messy is not really a problem when it tastes this good.

Step by step directions

1) Bake the cake layer.
Mix up your cake batter according to the package directions. Pour it into a greased 9×13 pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for at least 20 to 30 minutes. If you are in a hurry, you can pop it in the fridge once it is not steaming hot anymore.

2) Make the creamy layer.
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, then mix again until it looks thick, creamy, and lump free. If you see little cream cheese bumps, keep mixing. This is where taking an extra minute pays off.

3) Add the filling.
Once the cake is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture over the top. I use an offset spatula, but a butter knife works too. Just go gently so you do not tear up the cake.

4) Make the cinnamon sugar topping.
In a small bowl, stir sugar and cinnamon. Melt butter and lightly brush or drizzle it over the creamy layer, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over. Do not be shy. This is the churro part.

5) Chill, slice, and serve.
Chill it for at least 1 to 2 hours so the layers set. Then slice into squares. If you want super neat slices, wipe your knife between cuts, but honestly I usually do not bother.

For another fun party style dessert that is super easy to scoop and serve, this easy oreo dirt cake no bake layered dessert is one of my go to options when kids are around.

Tips for Success

I have made this enough times to learn what helps and what does not. Here are the little practical things that make your Easy Churro Cake — Cinnamon Sugar Layered Dessert come out dreamy every time.

My best real life tips

Soften the cream cheese on purpose. If it is too cold, your filling can turn lumpy. I leave it out for 30 to 45 minutes. If you forget, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but do not melt it.

Cool the cake before you spread the filling. Warm cake plus cream cheese filling can get runny. Still tasty, but less layered and pretty.

Use plenty of cinnamon sugar. This is where the churro flavor really comes from, so do not hold back.

Chill before serving. This one is big. It tastes great right away, but it slices and eats better once it has had time to firm up.

Want extra churro vibes? Add a light drizzle of caramel or dulce de leche on top right before serving. It makes it feel bakery special without extra work.

If you are making desserts for a crowd and want something that feels fresh and fruity, this easy banana pudding trifle layered dessert in a bowl is another easy win, especially in warmer months.

Similar Recipes You’ll Love

If you like cinnamon, creamy layers, and desserts that are easy to slice and share, you have a lot of options. I rotate these kinds of recipes depending on the season.

In the fall, I cannot stop making these easy caramel apple cheesecake bars fall dessert. They are sweet, a little tangy, and perfect with coffee.

And if you are specifically on a churro kick, Easy Churro Cake — Cinnamon Sugar Layered Dessert is a great starting point because it is simple, and you can tweak it a dozen ways. You can add a pinch of nutmeg, swap the cake mix flavor, or even add a thin layer of whipped topping if you want it lighter.

Common Questions

Can I make this Easy Churro Cake — Cinnamon Sugar Layered Dessert a day ahead?
Yes, it is actually better the next day. The layers set nicely, and the cinnamon sugar flavor sinks in a bit more.

Do I have to use a cake mix?
No, you can use your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe. I use a mix when I want it quick and consistent.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover the pan and keep it in the fridge. It is best within 3 to 4 days. Serve it chilled or let it sit out for 10 minutes if you want it softer.

Can I freeze it?
You can, but the texture can change a little because of the cream cheese layer. If you do freeze it, wrap slices well and thaw in the fridge overnight.

What if I want it more like a churro cheesecake vibe?
Add a little extra cinnamon in the topping, and consider a thicker cream cheese layer. You can also look up other churro inspired ideas and mix and match what you like.

A sweet little wrap up

If you want a dessert that tastes like your favorite cinnamon sugar treat but feels easy enough for a random weeknight, this one is it. Easy Churro Cake — Cinnamon Sugar Layered Dessert is cozy, simple, and totally shareable, with layers that make it feel special without complicated steps. If you want more churro style inspiration, I really like reading Churro Cheesecake (So Easy!) – Celebrating Sweets and this fun one from Churro Layer Cake – Life Love and Sugar when I am in the mood to compare ideas. Try it once, and I promise it is going into your repeat dessert list. Let me know if you add your own twist, because I am always looking for an excuse to make it again.