If you’re craving a dessert that combines the warm, cinnamon-sugar magic of churros with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, you’re in for a treat! This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe brings together all those irresistible flavors into one convenient, sliceable bar that’s perfect for sharing—or not! Let me show you why these bars are bound to become your new favorite sweet indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples you likely already have, this recipe is incredibly accessible yet delivers gourmet flavor.
- Perfect Balance: Creamy cheesecake meets flaky crescent crust with a warm cinnamon sugar kiss on top—utter bliss in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill and slice when ready, making it a wonderful option for parties or a sweet treat prep day.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are irresistibly delicious and sure to impress family and friends alike, no fancy baking skills required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is how the simple ingredients come together to create a complex and rewarding flavor profile. Each component has a job: flaky crescent dough for structure, cream cheese for that melt-in-your-mouth richness, and cinnamon sugar bringing everything warmly to life.
- Ground Cinnamon and Granulated Sugar: This duo makes the signature churro topping, adding sweetness and that unmistakable spicy warmth.
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: Using pre-made dough saves time and creates the perfect buttery, flaky crust layers.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: The star of your cheesecake filling ensures a luscious texture and tangy flavor.
- Granulated Sugar & Egg: Sweetens and binds the cheesecake layer for creaminess and structure.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the cheesecake’s sweetness and depth.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and brushed on top, it encourages browning and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the best things about this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with add-ins or tweaks to make it your own—whether you want to adjust sweetness, add fruit, or cater to dietary preferences!
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer before adding the top dough for a melty surprise.
- Swap the Crescent Dough: For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free pie crust or phyllo dough—results may vary but just as delicious!
- Use Brown Butter: Replace regular melted butter with browned butter for a nutty, richer flavor that pairs amazingly with cinnamon.
- Spiced Up: Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar for a seasonal twist perfect for fall.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mix
Begin by blending your ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl until well combined. This fragrant mixture is what transforms these bars into churro-inspired magic, so give it a good stir and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust your oven rack to the middle position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on the bottom—this first layer will infuse the crust with sweet, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Create the Base Layer with Crescent Dough
Open one tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough and gently unroll it. Pinch the seams together carefully to form a single solid sheet without gaps. Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This flaky base will support the creamy filling beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps—this mixture will be luscious and velvety once baked.
Step 5: Assemble the Filling and Top Layer
Pour the cheesecake mixture over your crescent dough base and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now, open the second tube of crescent dough, seal seams as before, and lay it gently over the cheesecake filling as a top crust layer.
Step 6: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Brush the melted butter all over the top crescent dough layer. This step is crucial—it helps the topping brown nicely and gives that shining glaze. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top for an authentic churro finish.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 26 to 30 minutes, or until the dough has puffed up and turned a gorgeous golden brown. Remove the pan and set it on a wire rack to cool to room temperature—this prevents sogginess and helps the layers settle perfectly.
Step 8: Chill and Slice
Once cooled, refrigerate your bars for at least 3 hours to let the cheesecake layer firm up. This chilling step ensures clean slicing and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. When ready, cut into 16 squares and prepare to delight!
Pro Tips for Making Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Seam Pressing: Press the seams of the crescent dough gently but firmly to prevent gaps or leaks during baking.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the bars before slicing improves the texture and helps your bars stay intact.
- Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing: For perfect edges, clean your knife with a warm towel between each cut.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your churro cheesecake bars by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for some extra elegance. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint can brighten the presentation and add a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee, spiced chai, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit and maybe some whipped cream for a festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter with toothpicks for easy party snacking. You can also layer them in clear dessert cups with extra cinnamon sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for individual servings that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them a convenient treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you like your cheesecake bars warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked charm and makes the cinnamon aroma pop.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated crescent rolls are a convenient shortcut, homemade puff pastry or pie crust can work beautifully if you prefer. Just ensure the dough is rolled out to fit your pan and watch the baking time as it may vary slightly.
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Is it necessary to chill the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling is key for clean slices and optimal texture. The cheesecake filling needs time to set firmly. Without chilling, the bars can be too soft and might crumble during cutting.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
While this recipe relies on cream cheese and butter for classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives. The texture may differ but it’s a great way to customize for dietary needs.
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How do I prevent the crescent dough from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the bars thoroughly and allow them to cool completely before refrigeration. Pressing the crescent dough seams well also prevents filling from leaking, helping maintain a flaky, crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that perfect blend of cozy flavors and creamy texture, the Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe truly delivers in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a weekend brunch, a party, or just indulging yourself, it’s a dessert that feels both special and wonderfully comforting. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintChurro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Churro Cheesecake bars combine the delightful flavors of cinnamon sugar and creamy cheesecake wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, baked to golden perfection and chilled for a refreshing finish. Ideal for dessert lovers seeking a quick yet indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 21 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 49 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Bars:
- Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together until well combined, then set aside for later use.
- Preheat 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 add flavor and prevent sticking.
- Create Base Layer: Open one tube of crescent roll dough and unroll it carefully. Press the seams together to form a single rectangular sheet, then place this sheet into the prepared pan, making sure it covers the bottom completely.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour this cheesecake filling evenly over the base layer in the baking pan.
- Top Layer and Butter Coating: Open the second tube of crescent roll dough, unroll it, and seal the seams to form another rectangle. Gently place this dough over the cheesecake filling as the top layer. Pour melted butter over the top layer and spread it evenly with a spoon or pastry brush to ensure a golden crust.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered top layer to create a sweet and aromatic finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 26 to 30 minutes or until the crescent dough puffs up and turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
- Chill and Serve: Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, refrigerate them for at least 3 hours. This chilling time helps the layers set properly. Finally, slice into 16 bars before serving and enjoy.
Notes
- Be sure to seal the seams of the crescent dough to prevent leakage of the cheesecake filling during baking.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Chilling the bars is essential to achieve clean slices and proper consistency.
- You can store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free option, consider cream cheese alternatives and dairy-free butter, though texture may vary.
