Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you love the sweet, cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros paired with the dreamy creaminess of cheesecake, you are absolutely going to adore these Churro Cheesecake Bars. This delightful dessert layers soft crescent roll dough with a luscious cream cheese filling, all topped with buttery cinnamon sugar for that perfect churro-inspired finish. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or indulging in a cozy night treat, these bars bring the magic of churros and cheesecake together in a way that’s simple, irresistible, and utterly comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Churro Cheesecake Bars lies in a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From warm cinnamon and sugar that create a nostalgic sparkle, to buttery crescent dough and creamy cheesecake filling, every element plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of crispness and softness.
- Ground cinnamon: The key spice that gives the churro flavor its iconic warm and cozy taste.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the spice with sparkling sweetness, used both in the cinnamon sugar and cheesecake filling.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides a flaky, tender crust and top layer that bakes up golden and buttery.
- Full fat cream cheese (softened): Creates a rich, silky filling that contrasts perfectly with the crisp dough.
- Large egg: Binds the cheesecake filling for that smooth, firmness you want.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweet aroma that enhances the cream cheese layer.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brushed on top to ensure a glossy finish and help the cinnamon sugar stick.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Start by mixing together ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. This simple blend is your ticket to that classic churro flavor, and setting it aside now lets the sugar absorb some cinnamon warmth for the best taste later.
Step 2: Ready Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan. Sprinkle the bottom with a little cinnamon sugar—this not only keeps the bars from sticking but also adds a flavor surprise under the crust.
Step 3: Form the Bottom Crust
Take one tube of crescent roll dough, unroll it, and gently press the seams together to make one solid rectangle. Press this dough down evenly into the pan, covering the cinnamon sugar layer completely. This creates your buttery, flaky base for the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture is what makes the bars undeniably luscious and rich—spread it evenly over the prepared dough crust, smoothing with a spatula for a consistent layer.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer
Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough and press the seams into another rectangle, just like before. Carefully place this dough over the cream cheese layer so it fully covers it.
Step 6: Add Butter and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Drizzle the melted butter over the top dough layer, then spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. This butter will help create that golden, crisp finish. Finally, sprinkle generously with the remaining cinnamon sugar.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the assembled bars for 26 to 30 minutes until the dough puffs up and turns a beautiful golden brown. Once out of the oven, cool the bars completely on a wire rack, then chill them in the fridge before slicing — this step helps the cheesecake layer set perfectly for neat, clean bars.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
Churro Cheesecake Bars are already vibrant with their cinnamon sugar coat, but adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes them to the next level. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add a refreshing contrast for those who love a little fruit with their sweets.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate churro-inspired dessert experience. The warm spices in the bars beautifully complement creamy or chocolaty sides, making every bite feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Churro Cheesecake Bars into small squares and serve them on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and small ramekins of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. This makes for a fun, shareable dessert that’s perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once chilled, store your cut Churro Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their flavor and texture beautifully for up to 5 days, making them ideal for preparing in advance or enjoying over several days.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When properly sealed, they will retain their wonderful flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, reheat the bars gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. This revives the buttery top crust and warms the cheesecake filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough for the Churro Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely! Homemade crescent dough can add a fresh touch, but be sure it has a similar texture to store-bought for best results. The key is maintaining that flaky, buttery layer characteristic of these bars.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you find a gluten-free crescent roll dough or pie crust substitute, you can swap it out. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly from the classic bars but will still taste delicious.
Can I substitute the cream cheese for a lighter option?
You can try reduced-fat cream cheese, but since full-fat cream cheese adds richness and smoothness, using a lighter variety might affect the texture and flavor a bit.
How long should I chill the bars before cutting?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is best. This helps the cheesecake layer firm up, making it easier to cut clean bars without the filling oozing out.
Are there any tasty toppings you recommend?
Cinnamon sugar is classic and perfect, but feel free to try a drizzle of melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that combines the nostalgic charm of churros with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, these Churro Cheesecake Bars are your new go-to. They’re straightforward to make, deeply satisfying, and bring a little extra warmth and joy into any dessert moment. I promise, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite to bake again and again.
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Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Churro Cheesecake Bars, combining the creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust inspired by churros. Perfectly layered with buttery crescent dough and a smooth cream cheese filling, these bars offer an easy-to-make dessert that’s both indulgent and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Mix
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Crust and Topping
- Two 8-oz packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz full fat cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
- Powdered sugar or caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the bottom to add initial flavor and help prevent sticking.
- Form the Bottom Crust: Open one tube of crescent roll dough, carefully unroll it, and press the seams together to create one solid rectangular sheet. Lay this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it covers the entire base.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, one large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined with no lumps.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the prepared cream cheese filling over the crescent roll crust in the pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer, ensuring it reaches all corners evenly.
- Prepare Top Crust: Repeat the process with the second tube of crescent dough: unroll, press seams together to form a sheet, and carefully place it over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
- Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Drizzle the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter evenly over the top dough layer. Spread the butter gently with the back of a spoon to coat the surface. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar generously over the buttered top layer for that classic churro sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Place the assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 26 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent dough puffs up and turns a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the baking pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for several hours or until fully set.
- Serve: After chilling, cut the bars into squares and serve chilled. Optional toppings like powdered sugar or caramel sauce can be added before serving for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Using full-fat cream cheese ensures the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Pressing the seams of the crescent dough together prevents gaps and creates a uniform crust.
- Chilling the bars thoroughly before cutting helps them hold their shape better.
- Optional toppings such as a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel enhance sweetness and presentation.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make sure the melted butter is cooled slightly before drizzling to avoid melting the top dough layer prematurely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: churro cheesecake bars, cinnamon sugar dessert, cheesecake bars, easy cheesecake recipe, crescent roll cheesecake
