If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese combined with the nostalgic crunch of churros, then you are absolutely going to adore this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It’s a wonderfully indulgent dessert that brings together a soft, fluffy cream cheese layer nestled between two golden, cinnamon-sugar coated layers of crescent roll dough, perfectly capturing the essence of churros while delighting cheesecake fans. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat for a weekend gathering or an eye-catching dessert for your next party, these bars deliver that irresistible combo of creamy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that effortlessly combine to create a sensational dessert. Each element plays its own key role—crescent roll dough for buttery flakiness, cream cheese for rich creaminess, and cinnamon sugar for that iconic churro flavor and sparkle.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 ounces each): Provides a flaky, buttery crust that frames the creamy cheesecake beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup total): Sweetens the layers and combines with cinnamon to create that classic churro crust.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Infuses the bars with warm spice and authentic churro flavor.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 ounces each; softened): The star ingredient that makes the bars irresistibly creamy and tangy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds smooth sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Brushed on top for a golden, crispy finish that holds that cinnamon sugar coating.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Cinnamon Sugar Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so the bars don’t stick. Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle half of this fragrant mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan. This creates a cinnamon-sugar base layer that the crescent dough will press into, delivering an extra touch of churro magic from the very first bite.
Step 2: Add the First Layer of Dough
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the pan on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Make sure to press the seams together to seal properly—this helps keep the creamy filling in place and the crust nicely crisp when baked.
Step 3: Mix and Spread the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This luscious cheesecake filling is where all the creamy goodness happens. Spread it evenly over the first dough layer to create a velvety, rich center that contrasts perfectly with the crispy crust.
Step 4: Top with the Second Dough Layer and Butter
Carefully unroll your second can of crescent roll dough and lay it gently over the cream cheese layer, making sure to seal the seams just like before. Afterward, brush the melted butter over the entire top dough surface—this step is essential to get that golden, crispy finish once baked.
Step 5: Add the Final Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon evenly over the buttered dough top. Then pop your dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set. Let it cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing into those perfect bars.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped pecans over the bars after baking for a nice crunch. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of decadent sweetness that classy up this simple yet charming dessert. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also be a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Churro Cheesecake Bars are rich enough to stand on their own, but if you’re serving to a crowd, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the cinnamon and cream cheese beautifully. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, offer a subtle tart contrast to the sweet, creamy bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your churro cheesecake bars on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a rustic, inviting look. For parties, consider cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and placing toothpicks in them for easy serving. You could even create a dessert sandwich by sandwiching a small scoop of ice cream between two bars for a fun churro-inspired ice cream treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover churro cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, maintaining their moist, flavorful texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect them. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the bars in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes if you prefer them warm, or simply enjoy chilled for that classic cheesecake texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and the cream cheese filling lose its nice texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular pie crust instead of crescent roll dough?
You could, but crescent roll dough gives a unique flakiness and buttery flavor that’s hard to replicate. Pie crust tends to be denser and might not deliver the same light texture, so you might miss that signature churro crunch.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before slicing?
Yes! Chilling the bars helps the cream cheese layer set firmly, making it easier to cut clean bars without ooziness. Plus, the flavors meld better, so chilling is key for the perfect texture and taste.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to add depth, but cinnamon is the star flavor that defines this recipe, so keep it prominent.
Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin. Just double-check your crescent roll dough ingredients if you want to be sure.
How long do these bars stay fresh at room temperature?
Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best to keep these bars refrigerated. They should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours to maintain safety and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is one of those magical desserts that brings warmth and comfort in every bite. With its flaky cinnamon-sugar crust and luscious cream cheese filling, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but special enough to serve for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe and enjoy its irresistible blend of flavors and textures with your friends and family!
Print
Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Cheesecake is a delightful fusion dessert combining the flaky, buttery layers of crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, all sprinkled with cinnamon sugar reminiscent of traditional churros. This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for parties or casual gatherings, offering a rich, cinnamon-flavored treat with a smooth cheesecake center.
Ingredients
Dough and Topping
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 1/4 cup for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Cream Cheese Filling
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Cinnamon Sugar Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly at the bottom of the greased dish to create a flavorful base.
- Form Bottom Dough Layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and carefully press it into the bottom of the baking dish over the cinnamon sugar layer, making sure to press the seams together so the dough forms a solid, sealed crust.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This ensures a rich and luscious cheesecake filling.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough layer in the pan, making sure it covers the entire surface and reaches the edges.
- Add Top Dough Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently place it over the cream cheese filling, carefully sealing the seams to prevent leaking during baking.
- Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Brush the entire top dough layer evenly with the melted butter, then sprinkle the remaining mixture of 1/4 cup granulated sugar combined with 1 teaspoon cinnamon over the buttered surface, giving it that classic churro flavor and texture.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to set fully and enhance the flavors before slicing into 12 bars and serving.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans on top or drizzle caramel sauce over the bars right before serving.
- This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to preserve the creamy cheesecake texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Press the dough seams firmly to prevent leakage of the cream cheese filling during baking.
