Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with a little butter or cooking spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will help you get a clean, perfect slice of cheesecake every time.

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon.

Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well-combined and has the consistency of wet sand.

Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, making sure it’s packed tightly and evenly.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and firm. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Tip: If you want an extra crispy, churro-like texture, consider pressing a little more cinnamon sugar on top of the crust before baking.

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Add the vanilla extract, eggs, and flour (or gluten-free flour) one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Pour in the sour cream and heavy cream, followed by the ground cinnamon, and mix until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can introduce air bubbles that might cause cracks when baking.

Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.

After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.

Tip: To prevent cracking, don’t open the oven door during the baking process until the cheesecake is done.

Before serving, mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the chilled cheesecake for that signature churro flavor and texture.

Tip: For a more decadent touch, drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top for an extra layer of sweetness.