If you’re craving a dessert that brings the cozy warmth of churros and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake together, this Churros Cheesecake Bars Recipe is just the thing. Perfect for weekend gatherings or an impressive weeknight treat, these bars hit that sweet spot between crunchy cinnamon sugar and soft, luscious cheesecake. You’ll love how simple ingredients come alive in this fun, handheld dessert.
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In the Kitchen
What I love most about this churros cheesecake bars recipe is how effortlessly it blends familiar flavors with an addictive texture combo. Whether you're serving it up for a casual family night or a festive brunch, it never disappoints.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: The cream cheese layer stays creamy and smooth, never dry or cracked.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The buttery cinnamon-sugar crust crisps up beautifully, just like your favorite churros.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples like crescent roll dough and cinnamon sugar come together for an unexpectedly delicious dessert.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Quick to assemble and perfect for when you want a homemade treat without fuss.
Ingredients at a Glance
For this Churros Cheesecake Bars Recipe, focus on using quality cream cheese for that smooth texture, and fresh cinnamon for a fragrant, warm flavor. The crescent roll dough is your shortcut to the perfect flaky crust without fuss.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Look for regular cans, not refrigerated biscuit dough, to achieve the best flaky layers.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a creamy cheesecake layer.
- Ground Cinnamon: Freshly ground or good quality pre-ground makes a huge difference in aroma and flavor.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly here to balance the richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and brushed over layers for crispy edges and golden color.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Churros Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1 — Prepare Your Pan and Base Layer
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into every corner of your dish. You want a smooth, even base, so take your time stretching it without tearing. This layer is like a warm blanket - it holds everything together.
Step 2 — Layer with Cinnamon Sugar and Butter
Mix your sugar and cinnamon until it smells like fall in a bowl—sweet with a bit of spice. Sprinkle half of this magical mixture across the dough layer, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top. These simple steps give the base layer that irresistible churro crunch you’ll notice with your very first bite.
Step 3 — Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Grab a large bowl and beat together your softened cream cheese, the remaining ½ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and just a pinch of sea salt until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This filling is the star of the show: rich but light, tangy but sweet. When spreading it over your first dough layer, use a spatula to cover evenly but gently—no need to press too hard here.
Step 4 — Top with the Final Crescent Roll Layer
Unroll your second can of crescent dough and cover the cream cheese filling as evenly as you can. If you need to, cut strips to patch any gaps—this topping seals in the creamy layer while adding a golden finish. Brush it all with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle over the last of your cinnamon sugar mixture. It’s already smelling amazing, right?
Step 5 — Bake to Perfection and Cool
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching as the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and you start smelling the sticky sweet churro aroma filling your kitchen. Once out, let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes so everything sets up nicely before slicing. Warm or room temperature, these bars shine either way.
Things to Remember
When making your Churros Cheesecake Bars Recipe, some little details can make a big difference. I’ve pulled together the essentials to help you nail it every time, especially if it’s your first go.
- Doneness Cue: The top should be golden brown and the filling just set but not jiggly in the center.
- Temperature Trick: Let the cream cheese come fully to room temp for easier mixing and a perfect texture.
- Make-Ahead Move: These bars keep well in the fridge and even taste better the next day once the flavors meld.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid over-baking or the crescent dough can become too brown and the filling dry.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I love drizzling a bit of warm maple syrup or honey over these churros cheesecake bars just before serving. It adds a glossy sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar crust beautifully. You might also try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Plays Well With
Pair these bars with a fresh cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon. For a little balance, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonders, adding cool creaminess against the crunchy edges.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For a special occasion, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts or a few sliced fresh strawberries around the plate. Even a mint leaf on top can add a flash of color and a fresh note that brightens the dessert.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover churros cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’ll soften a touch but still keep that delicious cinnamon-sugar crunch on the edges. I usually place parchment paper between layers to keep them neat and easy to grab.
Freezing Tips
These bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop into a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. The buttery cinnamon crust might soften a bit after thawing, but reheating can bring back some crispiness.
Reheating Churros Cheesecake Bars Recipe Without Drying Out
To warm up your bars without losing moisture, I recommend a quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, then a few minutes in a 300°F oven to crisp up the top again. An air fryer at low temp can also revive that toasty finish—just watch closely to avoid burning!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free dough option if available, but texture may vary slightly. Always check for gluten-free certification on ingredients.
Cut cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 10-second bursts, checking often to avoid melting.
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two pans. Keep an eye on baking time, as it might vary slightly depending on thickness.
Certainly, if you have a favorite dough recipe, you can use it. Just be aware that your texture may differ from the original churro-like flakiness.
Final Thoughts
This Churros Cheesecake Bars Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers. It feels fancy but comes together so easily, reminding me that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated to wow. Next time you want something cozy, comforting, and a little bit creative, these bars are where it’s at. Happy baking—you’ll be slicing these up again and again!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Churros Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Churros Cheesecake Bars combine the crispy, cinnamon-sugared delight of churros with creamy cheesecake in a convenient bar form. This recipe features layers of buttery crescent roll dough filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture, topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating and baked to golden perfection, making for a delicious dessert or snack.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 2 cans (8 oz each) Crescent Roll Dough
- 1 cup Sugar, divided
- ¼ cup Butter, unsalted, melted
- 2 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (2 packages) Cream Cheese, softened
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Bottom Dough Layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching gently to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar Base: Mix half of the sugar with the cinnamon, then evenly sprinkle this mixture over the dough layer.
- Drizzle Butter on Base: Pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the cinnamon-sugar-coated dough to enhance flavor and crispness.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the prepared dough layer in the baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add Top Dough Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cream cheese filling. Gently stretch or cut dough stripes as necessary to cover the entire surface evenly.
- Top Layer Prep: Brush the top dough layer with the remaining melted butter and evenly sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheesecake mixture is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- If desired, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for added sweetness.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; warm slightly before serving to restore softness.
- Use non-stick spray if you prefer a lighter option than butter for greasing.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute crescent roll dough with gluten-free dough alternatives, adjusting baking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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