Introduction

Churro Cheesecake bars combine the delightful cinnamon sugar crunch of churros with the creamy richness of classic cheesecake. This easy-to-make dessert features layers of buttery crescent dough and a smooth cream cheese filling, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

A stack of four square pastry layers is shown on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Each layer has a crispy, golden-brown crust with a fine dusting of cinnamon and sugar on top. Between the crust layers, there is a thick, creamy, white filling that appears smooth and soft. The top crust is drizzled lightly with amber syrup that pools slightly on the plate, adding a glossy texture contrast. The layers are evenly stacked, creating a neat tower of dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and ½ cup sugar. Set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar evenly on the bottom.
Step 3: Open one package of crescent roll dough and unroll it carefully. Press the seams together to form one continuous rectangular sheet. Place this dough sheet into the prepared pan, covering the bottom completely.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough layer in the pan.
Step 5: Open the second package of crescent roll dough, unroll, and press the seams to form a rectangular sheet. Gently place this on top of the cheesecake filling, covering it completely.
Step 6: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top dough layer, spreading it with a spoon or pastry brush. Then, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar generously over the buttered top.
Step 7: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 26 to 30 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
Step 8: Once the bars reach room temperature, refrigerate them for at least 3 hours to let the layers set. Slice into bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix.
Use pre-made crescent roll sheets if available for easier handling and a neater finish.
Top with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce just before serving for a decadent touch.
Swap full-fat cream cheese for reduced-fat to lighten the dish, though the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Storage

Store leftover churro cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a soft, fresh-baked feel. They can also be served chilled if preferred.

How to Serve

A stack of three square pastry sandwiches sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface, each sandwich with three layers: the top and bottom layers are golden brown and covered with a cinnamon sugar coating, having a crispy texture with sparkling sugar granules; the middle layer is thick and creamy white, looking smooth and soft, and there is a drizzle of golden caramel sauce oozing slightly from between the layers and dripping onto the plate below. The background is soft beige, softly blurred, emphasizing the detailed texture of the pastries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are perfect for making in advance. Prepare and bake them, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the layers set perfectly.

Can I freeze churro cheesecake bars?

You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and warm slightly if desired.

Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 127 reviews

Churro Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert combining the flaky, buttery texture of crescent roll dough with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a cinnamon sugar coating reminiscent of classic churros. This easy-to-make treat offers a perfect balance of sweet and spice, ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special homemade dessert.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Sugar:

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Bars:

Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Instructions

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar until they are well combined. Set this mixture aside to be used later in the recipe.
Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly, then sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan to create a flavorful base layer.
Create Base Layer: Open one package of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. Press the seams together with your hands to make a single, large rectangular sheet. Place this sheet into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down to ensure it covers the entire bottom evenly.
Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened full-fat cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, one large egg, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat the mixture thoroughly with a mixer or whisk until it becomes smooth and creamy. Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crescent dough base in the pan.
Top Layer and Butter Coating: Open the second package of crescent roll dough, unroll it, and press the seams to form a single sheet just like the first. Gently place this dough over the cheesecake filling, covering it completely as the top layer. Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of melted, slightly cooled unsalted butter over the top and spread evenly using a spoon or pastry brush to enhance browning and flavor.
Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture generously and evenly over the buttered top dough layer to give the bars their signature churro-inspired sweetness and crunch.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 26 to 30 minutes or until the crescent dough puffs up and turns a beautiful golden brown color. Once done, carefully remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool down.
Chill and Serve: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 3 hours. This chilling step helps the cheesecake filling set firmly. After chilling, slice the dessert into bars and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese to achieve a rich and creamy cheesecake texture.
Ensure the butter is slightly cooled before drizzling over the dough to prevent melting it prematurely.
Refrigeration time is crucial for the cheesecake filling to set properly; do not skip this step.
You can adjust the cinnamon sugar topping amount according to your taste preference for sweetness and spice.
Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Churro Cheesecake, Cheesecake Bars, Crescent Roll Dessert, Cinnamon Sugar Dessert, Easy Cheesecake Bars