Imagine the irresistible scent of warm cinnamon sugar wafting through your kitchen as these Churro Cheesecake Bars bake to golden perfection. With a sweet and creamy cheesecake center hugged by layers of flaky crescent dough, this treat brings the best of two worlds, the crunchy churros and luscious cheesecake which together in perfect harmony.
These bars are as easy to make as they are delicious. Whether you’re planning a party, need a potluck showstopper, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe delivers. Serve them chilled for a clean slice or slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the crust and topping:
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2 cans crescent roll dough
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the filling:
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2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, sealing any seams.
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In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
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Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the bottom layer of dough.
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Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese layer, gently pressing to seal the seams.
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Pour melted butter evenly over the top dough layer.
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In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the buttered dough.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
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Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
Churro Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Fusion of Two Classic Desserts
Desserts have the power to transport us back to childhood, comfort us after a long day, or mark a celebration with indulgent sweetness. One such dessert that checks all these boxes and then some is Churro Cheesecake Bars. Combining the crisp, cinnamon-dusted charm of churros with the luscious creaminess of cheesecake, this recipe is a delicious culinary mash-up that’s both nostalgic and utterly decadent.
If you’re a fan of classic churros dipped in dulce de leche or a smooth slice of New York-style cheesecake, imagine the two coming together in a bar that’s as easy to bake as it is to devour. With just a handful of ingredients and a short prep time, churro cheesecake bars are the ideal treat for potlucks, parties, brunch spreads, or a sweet night in.
Let’s dive into why this dessert deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.
A Match Made in Dessert Heaven
At first glance, churros and cheesecake might seem like unlikely companions. One is a fried Spanish pastry coated in cinnamon sugar, the other a creamy, rich dessert known for its silky texture and sweet tang. But together? Pure magic.
This recipe features a buttery crescent dough base and top crust, creating the perfect flaky, golden sandwich around a thick layer of vanilla-kissed cheesecake filling. Topped generously with cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection, each bite offers a satisfying contrast between crunch and cream. The texture is almost dreamlike, with layers that melt in your mouth and a flavor profile that’s both bold and balanced.
It’s this textural contrast, the crisp outer layer with the soft interior which elevates this dessert beyond a typical bar. Add the warm, aromatic cinnamon sugar, and it’s clear why these bars are so universally loved.
Ingredient Highlights and Substitution Ideas
- Crescent Roll Dough
Store-bought crescent roll dough simplifies the baking process while providing a buttery, flaky texture. You can substitute with puff pastry or pie crust if crescent dough isn’t available, but the texture will slightly vary.
- Cream Cheese
This is the heart of the cheesecake filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for the smoothest blend. You can use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, depending on your dietary preferences, but avoid using whipped or spreadable versions.
- Cinnamon Sugar
The classic churro topping! A blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon delivers the iconic flavor and aromatic finish that makes these bars so irresistible.
- Vanilla Extract
A small amount of pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavor and complements the tang of the cream cheese beautifully.
- Egg
Adding an egg to the filling helps it firm up as it bakes, creating a more structured bar that slices cleanly.
- Butter
Melted butter on top of the dough ensures the cinnamon sugar adheres well and helps crisp up the top crust to a golden-brown finish.
Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake Bars
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Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese ensures your filling is smooth and lump-free. If you’re in a rush, soften the cream cheese by microwaving it for 15-20 seconds (without the foil). -
Seal the Dough Seams
When placing the crescent dough into the baking dish, be sure to pinch the seams together to prevent the filling from seeping through. You can even use a rolling pin to flatten it into one solid sheet. -
Chill Before Cutting
Although it’s tempting to slice and serve these bars right out of the oven, allowing them to cool and chill ensures cleaner slices and a firm, set texture. -
Customize the Flavor
Try adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a spiced twist. Swirl in caramel, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves into the cheesecake layer for extra depth and personalization. -
Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal
Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the entire dessert out once it’s chilled, no sticking, no mess.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation. Here are a few ways to serve them:
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Chilled from the fridge for a denser cheesecake texture.
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Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comfort food-style dessert.
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With a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
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Cut into mini squares and served on a dessert tray for parties or gatherings.
To store leftovers, place the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual bars for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Occasions Perfect for Churro Cheesecake Bars
Because of how easy they are to make and how well they hold their shape, churro cheesecake bars are perfect for a variety of events:
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Holiday dessert tables
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Birthday parties
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Brunches and showers
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Office potlucks
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Family movie nights
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Festive Cinco de Mayo celebrations
They travel well, require minimal prep at serving time, and are guaranteed to impress your guests. If you’re someone who loves bringing a crowd-pleasing dessert to events, these bars will be your new go-to.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
What sets churro cheesecake bars apart from other desserts is how universally appealing they are. The classic flavor of cinnamon sugar evokes childhood memories and cozy vibes. Cheesecake lovers appreciate the creamy filling, while the crescent dough adds an effortless flakiness without needing to fuss with homemade crusts or pastry doughs.
It’s also a highly shareable dessert, meaning you can cut small or large portions depending on your crowd. And let’s be honest, the desserts that taste this indulgent but only take around 15 minutes to prepare are rare gems in the world of baking.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your dessert journey, this recipe is forgiving, customizable, and outrageously good.
Conclusion
Churro Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert, they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. With a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust, rich cheesecake center, and golden flaky layers, they offer everything you want in a treat. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo with a cup of coffee, each bite is pure joy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible payoff. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients or advanced baking skills, just a bit of love and a craving for something sweet, creamy, and unforgettable.
So the next time you’re craving something special, skip the bakery and make these at home. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.