There is nothing quite as delightfully indulgent and crowd-pleasing as Churro Cheesecake Bars. These bars combine the irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch of classic churros with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake center, all wrapped in buttery crescent roll layers. If you love desserts that marry textures and flavors perfectly, this recipe is going to become your new obsession — picture golden, flaky layers enclosing smooth, sweet cheesecake, with that signature cinnamon sugar coating making every bite magical.

Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple but smart. Every ingredient is chosen to build that perfect balance of flaky, creamy, and sweet, creating Churro Cheesecake Bars that taste like a bakery treat but come together easily at home.

Ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm and fragrant churro flavor, mixed with sugar for a perfect crunchy topping.
Granulated sugar: You’ll need this both baked into the bars and sprinkled on top for sweetness and texture contrast.
Refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets: This creates the flaky, buttery crust and topping, making the recipe remarkably simple yet satisfying.
Full fat cream cheese (softened): The heart of the cheesecake layer – it provides creaminess and richness.
Large egg: Binds the filling ingredients together, giving a smooth texture without cracking.
Vanilla extract: Adds just the right hint of flavor depth to complement the cinnamon-sugar exterior.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Poured over the top dough for crispness and richness, helping that crunchy coat to form perfectly.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mix

Begin by combining the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. This mixture is the foundation of that classic churro taste and will be sprinkled on both the crust and topping for that signature cinnamon crunch. Set this aside for now because you’ll use it in multiple steps.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Bottom Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. To add extra crunch and flavor to the crust, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of your cinnamon sugar mix evenly across the bottom of the pan. Then, open one tube of your crescent roll dough and unroll it fully. Press the seams together gently to make one solid sheet, and carefully press it into the pan covering the bottom completely. This will be your buttery base layer.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s silky smooth and well combined, making sure there are no lumps. This creamy mixture is what will make your Churro Cheesecake Bars stand out with luxurious texture and flavor.

Step 4: Add Filling and Top Layer

Pour your smooth cream cheese batter evenly over the crust layer, spreading it carefully so it covers every inch. Next, take the second tube of crescent roll dough and repeat the process of unrolling and pressing seams together. Cover the cream cheese filling completely with this top dough layer.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Brush the melted unsalted butter over the top dough layer using the back of a spoon, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top generously to create that perfect churro crunch after baking. Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 26 to 30 minutes, until the crescent dough has puffed up and turned a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool on a wire rack completely, then chill them in the fridge — this helps the cheesecake set for easier slicing.

How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving adds an irresistible sparkle and crunch. For an elegant touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take these from delicious to dazzling. Fresh berry compote alongside offers a bright, tangy contrast to balance the rich cheesecake.

Side Dishes

Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. A cup of strong coffee or spicy hot chocolate complements the warm cinnamon notes beautifully, turning any gathering into a festive celebration of flavor and comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for parties — these make perfect finger food. For a brunch spread, arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and mint sprigs for a colorful display. If you’re feeling adventurous, layer the bars with whipped cream and sliced bananas for a churro-inspired trifle that wows visually and taste-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Churro Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and improve after a day, so leftovers can be just as delightful as when fresh out of the oven.

Freezing

If you want to store these bars for longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy warm bars, gently heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back the crispness of the cinnamon sugar topping and softens the cheesecake just perfectly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the topping soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of crescent roll dough?

Absolutely! While crescent roll dough is convenient and gives a lovely flaky texture, a homemade pie crust or puff pastry can also work beautifully and add your personal touch.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key for that rich, velvety cheesecake layer, but for a lighter twist you can try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough or pie crust alternatives. Just be sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified to keep the recipe safe for those with sensitivities.

Do I need to chill the bars before cutting?

Yes, chilling the bars lets the cheesecake layer firm up nicely, which makes slicing cleaner and ensures each piece holds together well without crumbs or cracks.

Can I add toppings like nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts between the cream cheese and top dough layer adds delightful crunch, and mini chocolate chips folded into the cheesecake filling can bring exciting bursts of chocolate flavor.

Final Thoughts

Giving Churro Cheesecake Bars a try is one of those simple pleasures that turns ordinary ingredients into a spectacular treat. They’re easy to make, decadent without being fussy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite at any time of day. Once you taste that perfect blend of cinnamon crunch and creamy cheesecake, I bet you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!

Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 2 hours 43 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the perfect blend of crispy cinnamon sugar crust and creamy cheesecake filling with these Churro Cheesecake Bars. Featuring layers of buttery crescent roll dough, a rich cream cheese mixture, and a golden cinnamon sugar topping, this easy-to-make dessert captures the iconic flavors of churros in a convenient bar form, ideal for sharing or indulging any time.

Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Sugar

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

Instructions

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Combine 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and ½ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly and sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the bottom to create the base layer.
Prepare Bottom Crust: Open one package of crescent roll dough and unroll it. Press the seams together with your fingers or a rolling pin to form one uniform rectangular sheet. Fit this dough sheet into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire bottom evenly.
Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and fully blended with no lumps, creating a creamy consistency.
Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll crust in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the surface to create a uniform layer.
Prepare Top Crust: Open the second tube of crescent roll dough, unroll it, and similarly press the seams together to form a flat sheet. Gently place this sheet over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top crescent dough layer. Use the back of a spoon to spread the butter into a thin, even coat. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top for that signature churro flavor.
Bake: Place the baking pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 26 to 30 minutes or until the dough has puffed up and turned a golden brown color.
Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours.
Serve: After chilling, cut the bars into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors inspired by churros and cheesecake.

Notes

You can top the bars with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, but expect a slight difference in richness.
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Letting the bars chill completely before cutting ensures cleaner slices and better texture.

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: 340
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: churro cheesecake bars, cinnamon sugar dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, crescent roll cheesecake, churro-inspired dessert, baked cheesecake bars