Imagine biting into a dessert that perfectly blends the warm, cinnamon-sugar crunch of a churro with the creamy, indulgent richness of cheesecake. That’s exactly what you get with Churro Cheesecake Bars—a delightful fusion of two beloved treats. Whether you’re preparing for a party, looking for a new family favorite, or simply craving something special, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Churro Cheesecake Bars have the magic of a classic churro, but without the need for deep frying. The layers of flaky crescent roll dough, luscious cheesecake filling, and a crispy cinnamon-sugar topping make each bite heavenly. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, using just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand. Ready to whip up a batch? Let’s get started!
What Are Churro Cheesecake Bars?
Churro Cheesecake Bars are a hybrid dessert that combines the cinnamon-sugar coating of churros with the creamy texture of cheesecake. Picture a buttery, flaky crust topped with a smooth, vanilla-infused cheesecake filling, finished with a crisp, caramelized cinnamon-sugar topping. The result is a bar that’s soft on the inside and slightly crunchy on the outside—perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.
This dessert is inspired by traditional churros but brings in the decadent twist of cheesecake. While churros are typically fried, these bars are baked, making them a bit lighter while still capturing that classic cinnamon-sugar goodness. They’re great for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Simple to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this a stress-free dessert.
- Delightfully Rich: The cheesecake layer is creamy and smooth, perfectly contrasting the churro-inspired topping.
- Versatile: Great for potlucks, brunches, or weeknight desserts.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, berries, or caramel for a unique twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake layer, providing a rich, creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Used in both the filling and the cinnamon-sugar topping for sweetness and a caramelized crust.
- Cinnamon: The key spice that gives the dessert its iconic churro flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the creamy, slightly tangy flavor of the cheesecake filling.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Forms the flaky, buttery crust and top layer, holding the cheesecake filling in place.
- Egg: Helps set the cheesecake filling, giving it structure without being too dense.
- Butter: Adds richness to the topping and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, forming an even layer. Sprinkle a thin layer of cinnamon sugar over the dough. This base layer will give the bars a slight crunch and infuse them with warm cinnamon notes.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and egg, blending until creamy and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the filling to become too airy. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Add the Top Layer
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it carefully over the cheesecake filling. Brush the top with melted butter to create a golden crust. Sprinkle generously with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature before chilling for at least an hour. This step ensures the filling firms up for easy slicing.
Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Chill Before Slicing: Cooling the bars fully prevents the filling from spilling out.
- Don’t Overbake: The bars should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the filling mix smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Brush with Butter: The butter not only helps the cinnamon sugar stick but also gives the crust a glossy, golden finish.
- Chill for 10 Minutes: Before baking, chilling the assembled bars can help the layers hold together better.
Delicious Variations to Try
Chocolate Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Add a layer of chocolate chips between the cheesecake filling and the top dough for a rich, chocolatey bite.
Berry Cheesecake Bars
- Spread a thin layer of berry jam over the cheesecake filling before adding the top layer of dough for a fruity twist.
Pumpkin Churro Bars
- Mix a bit of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the cheesecake filling for a fall-inspired treat.
How to Serve and Store Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Serving: Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. They pair well with coffee or hot chocolate.
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freezing: Wrap each bar individually and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slightly in the oven for a crispier top.
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bar | 300 | 25g | 5g | 18g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes, they taste even better after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
Can I Use Puff Pastry Instead of Crescent Dough?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter and flakier. Make sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
How Do I Prevent the Bottom from Getting Soggy?
Pre-baking the bottom layer for a few minutes before adding the filling can help keep it crisp.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, but the filling may be less rich and creamy.
Churro Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of cinnamon and creamy cheesecake. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe will become your go-to. Make a batch today and discover why everyone loves these irresistible, cinnamon-sugar-infused bars!
PrintChurro Cheesecake Bars
Churro Cheesecake Bars are a delicious fusion of creamy cheesecake and the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of churros, baked to perfection with a flaky, buttery crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese – Softened, provides a creamy, rich base for the filling.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and caramelizes in the topping.
- Cinnamon – Key spice that gives the bars their signature churro flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the creamy flavor of the cheesecake layer.
- Crescent Roll Dough – Forms the flaky crust and top layer, holding the filling.
- Egg – Helps set the cheesecake filling for a stable texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the top layer.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, sprinkling lightly with cinnamon sugar.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and an egg until smooth.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the prepared dough layer.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it on top of the cheesecake filling.
- Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle generously with more cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let the bars cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least an hour to firm up.
Notes
- Chill the bars before slicing to keep the layers intact.
- Using room temperature cream cheese prevents lumps in the filling.
- Brush the top with butter for a golden, glossy finish.
- Chill for 10 minutes before baking to help the layers hold together.
