If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the irresistible flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese combined, then you are going to adore this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, golden crust with a decadent cream cheese filling, finished with a crispy cinnamon sugar topping that perfectly mimics those beloved churros from fairs and bakeries. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat that blends two classic desserts into one dreamy bar, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the crescent roll dough creates a flaky base and top, cream cheese adds rich creaminess, and cinnamon sugar gives that iconic churro flavor and crunch.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes essential for classic churro flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and blends with cinnamon for that signature coating.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Forms the buttery, flaky layers on the bottom and top.
- Full-fat cream cheese (softened): Creates a dense and smooth filling that balances the sweet cinnamon.
- Large egg: Helps bind the cream cheese filling for the perfect texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle aromatic sweetness to the filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Brush on top for golden browning and moisture.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar
Start by combining ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. This simple mixture will be split between the bottom of your pan and sprinkled on top, infusing the whole dessert with that unmistakable churro essence. Set it aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Assemble the Base Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture on the bottom of the pan—this will give the crust an extra touch of sweetness and spice right from the start. Next, unroll one tube of the crescent roll dough and press the seams to form one large rectangle. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it covers the entire surface.
Step 3: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and blended. The cream cheese mixture is the luscious heart of this recipe, providing the creamy contrast to the crispy edges. Pour this mixture over the crescent roll base and spread it out evenly, ensuring every bar will have that rich, tangy layer.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer of Dough
Just like with the base, unroll and press together the seams of the second tube of crescent roll dough. Place this dough carefully over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely. This top layer will puff up beautifully in the oven, creating the classic churro-like texture once baked.
Step 5: Butter and Sugar Topping
Pour the melted, slightly cooled butter evenly over the top dough, spreading it with the back of a spoon. This step is crucial because butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives the bars a rich golden color with a slight crisp on the top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered surface, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Bake and Chill
Bake the assembled bars for 26 to 30 minutes in the middle rack of your oven, or until the crescent roll dough is puffed and golden brown. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator before slicing, helping the filling set firmly so each piece holds its shape perfectly.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are show-stopping on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate their presentation and flavor even more. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a refreshing contrast that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a cup of rich coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a memorable dessert experience. They also pair well with a simple fruit salad to balance the richness with some natural sweetness and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into small, bite-sized squares for party platters or layer them in a dessert trifle with additional cream cheese frosting and cinnamon sugar on top. For a fun twist, serve them warm with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or sprinkled with chopped nuts for extra texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store any leftover churro cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert to enjoy over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars for longer storage by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bars last up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy these bars warm after refrigeration or freezing, pop them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven until just heated through. This helps revive that fresh-baked softness and amplifies the cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! While crescent roll dough offers unbeatable convenience and a great flaky texture, a homemade pie crust or puff pastry can be used if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times and textures might vary slightly.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before cutting?
Chilling helps the cream cheese filling set firmly, making it easier to cut clean bars without the filling oozing out. While you can serve them at room temperature, refrigeration leads to neater slices and a better texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try swapping in a dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitute, but be aware this might slightly change the flavor and texture. Look for high-quality vegan cream cheeses for the best results.
What is the best way to get an even layer of cream cheese filling?
Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon helps spread the filling evenly and smoothly over the base dough. Take your time to avoid tearing the dough underneath and you’ll get a perfect layer every time.
How can I make these bars extra crispy on top?
Brush the top dough layer generously with melted butter, and don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar topping. You can also broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking for extra crispness, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a delightful fusion that brings together the warmth of cinnamon, the rich tang of cream cheese, and the flaky goodness of crescent rolls into one unforgettable treat. Whether for a casual get-together or a special dessert craving, these bars are sure to become an instant favorite. Go ahead and try making them—you’ll thank yourself every time you indulge!
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Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Delight in these irresistible Churro Cheesecake Bars, combining the buttery, flaky texture of crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweet cheesecake filling. Topped with a cinnamon sugar glaze reminiscent of classic churros, these bars are perfect for dessert or a special treat any time.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Mix
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Crescent Dough Base and Top
- 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: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and ½ cup granulated sugar thoroughly and set aside to use for layering and topping.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Form Bottom Crust: Open one package of crescent roll dough and unroll it, pressing the seams together to form one continuous rectangular sheet. Press this dough sheet firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, covering it completely.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Assemble Layers: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the crescent dough in the pan and spread with a spatula to smooth the surface. Then, take the second package of crescent roll dough, press the seams together to form another sheet, and lay it carefully over the cheesecake filling, fully covering it.
- Add Butter and Sugar Topping: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top dough layer and gently spread it using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture lavishly over the buttered surface for that signature churro flavor and crispiness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 26 to 30 minutes, or until the top crescent dough is puffed up and golden brown, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars until chilled for best texture and flavor, generally a minimum of 1-2 hours is recommended.
- Serve: After chilling, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and crispy cinnamon-sugary crust in each bite.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce before serving.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Use a sharp knife to cut bars for clean edges.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
