Get ready to fall in love with the perfect marriage of textures and flavors in this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Imagine the crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated exterior reminiscent of your favorite churros paired with a lusciously creamy cheesecake center, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crescent dough crust. These bars bring a fun twist to traditional cheesecake desserts and are a dream come true for anyone craving that warm, cinnamony indulgence any time of the year. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these churro cheesecake bars will quickly become your go-to sweet treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is delightfully simple but crucial for achieving that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Each staple, from the refrigerated crescent roll dough to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, works together to create the rich flavor and inviting look of these bars.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): Provides a flaky and buttery crust that crisps beautifully during baking.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): The star of the filling, lending a smooth, tangy creaminess that contrasts the crunchy topping.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup for filling): Sweetens the cheesecake layer just right without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup for topping): Mixed with cinnamon for that signature churro crunch and warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Brings the unmistakable churro flavor and aroma.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the cheesecake filling.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Drizzled on top to help the cinnamon sugar stick and to enrich the flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cinnamon Sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, mix together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with the tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl—this mixture is what transforms your bars into churro magic with that perfect cinnamon-sugar coating.
Step 2: Create the Crescent Dough Base
Unroll one can of the refrigerated crescent roll dough and carefully press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, making sure to seal any seams to prevent the filling from leaking. This layer will become golden and flaky, so press it evenly for the best crust.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This luscious filling is what makes the bars irresistibly rich and cheesecake-like.
Step 4: Spread the Filling and Add Top Layer
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough base. Then, unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully place it over the filling, pressing down gently to seal the edges and keep everything snug inside.
Step 5: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top crescent dough layer. Following that, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously across the surface to create that iconic churro crunch and aroma.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. It’s the moment when all those luscious layers meld together and develop an inviting cinnamon crust.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow your churro cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner, neater bars, it’s even better to chill them before slicing into 12 squares. This step helps firm up the filling and keeps the layers intact when cutting.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate your churro cheesecake bars to dessert competition worthy status. For an added touch, sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon sugar right before serving to enhance that cinnamon crunch experience.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the warm spices and creamy filling. For something refreshing, a small fruit salad or berries bring a nice contrast that balances out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper and garnish with cinnamon sticks for a festive look. You can also cut them smaller for bite-sized party treats, stacking them on a tiered stand for an eye-catching display that invites guests to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. Properly stored, churro cheesecake bars maintain their texture and flavor for up to 4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars at a later date, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen churro cheesecake bars stay delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To revive the warm, fresh-baked vibe, thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave also works if you’re short on time, but keep it brief to avoid melting the cheesecake filling too much.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry makes for an even flakier crust and pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling. Just ensure it is thawed properly before assembling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products and uses common dairy ingredients.
How do I get cleaner slices when cutting the bars?
For the neatest cuts, refrigerate the bars until thoroughly chilled. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between slices to maintain smooth edges.
Can I add a vanilla glaze or other toppings?
Definitely! A vanilla glaze drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar enhances both appearance and taste, adding a delightful sweetness and extra charm.
Are these bars good for parties and potlucks?
Yes, they make a fantastic party dessert because they’re easy to transport, share, and are universally loved for their mix of crunchy, creamy, and cinnamon flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to enjoy a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, give this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe a try. It’s a fun and approachable twist on classic sweets that will impress your friends and satisfy your sweet tooth in one delicious bite. You’ll find yourself making these bars again and again, perfect for any occasion or just because life deserves a little extra sweetness.
Print
Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the warm, cinnamon-sugar crunch of a churro with the creamy richness of cheesecake. Layers of flaky crescent dough sandwich a smooth cheesecake filling, all coated with a generous cinnamon-sugar topping. These bars are easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun dessert at home.
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside for topping later.
- Form Bottom Crust: Unroll one can of crescent dough and carefully press it into the bottom of the greased baking dish, making sure to seal all the seams to create a solid crust base.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough layer in the baking dish, ensuring an even layer without gaps.
- Add Top Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and lay it gently over the cream cheese filling. Press the seams together firmly to seal in the filling and maintain the structure.
- Add Butter and Topping: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttery surface for that classic churro flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely before slicing into 12 squares. This helps the bars firm up for cleaner cuts and better presentation.
Notes
- For cleaner cuts, chill the bars before slicing.
- You can substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- For an extra touch, drizzle the bars with a simple vanilla glaze or serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
