If you have a sweet tooth and a love for combining classic flavors, you are going to adore this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Imagine the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros fused with the creamy, dreamy texture of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a buttery crescent roll crust. This delightful dessert offers the perfect balance of crunchy and smooth, with every bite delivering nostalgic warmth and irresistible sweetness. Whether you’re treating family, impressing friends, or just indulging on your own, these bars are as simple to make as they are unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze because each one plays a vital role in creating the ideal churro-cheesecake experience. From the flaky crescent rolls that form the golden crust to the rich cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth, every component is essential for flavor, texture, and that iconic cinnamon sugar finish.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (2 tubes): These provide a buttery, flaky base and top that bake to perfection, making your bars light yet crispy.
- Cream cheese, 16 oz (room temperature): The star of the cheesecake filling, offering creamy richness and smooth texture.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder to give the cheesecake layer stability and a silky consistency.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without overpowering its delicate flavor.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, 1 stick: Melted and brushed on top to help the cinnamon sugar stick and create that classic churro crust.
- Cinnamon, 1/4 cup: The key spice that delivers the unmistakable churro flavor and lovely golden color.
- Sugar, 1/2 cup: Mixed with cinnamon to coat the top layer, adding crunch and sweetness.
How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature once your bars are assembled. Next, coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks and your bars come out clean and intact.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base
Open both tubes of refrigerated crescent rolls. Lay one tube across the bottom of the baking dish, unrolling and stretching the dough gently as needed to cover the entire surface evenly. Set it aside while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer. Mix until the texture is silky smooth and everything is well combined. This luscious filling will beautifully contrast the crispy crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crescent roll base in the baking dish. Then carefully unroll the second tube of crescent rolls and place it gently over the cheesecake filling. Cover it completely so none of the creamy filling peeks through.
Step 5: Add the Churro Topping
Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave for about 45 seconds until fully liquid. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together until well combined. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top crescent roll layer, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture liberally over it to create that iconic churro crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of buttery cinnamon. Once done, remove the bars and let them cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, perfect squares.
How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these bars with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce instantly elevates the look and taste. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add brightness and a contrasting fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich cinnamon cheesecake.
Side Dishes
These bars are fabulous on their own or alongside a cup of rich coffee or a frothy hot chocolate, especially on cooler days. For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the indulgence with refreshing lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn your Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe into a showstopper? Serve the bars in charming individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick for stirring or cut into bite-sized pieces for a festive party platter. They also look and taste delightful heated slightly and dipped in chocolate sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling fully, store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days and maintain their texture and flavor beautifully, perfect for ready-made dessert whenever a sweet craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm treat, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 20 seconds or place them briefly in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Reheating warms the creamy center and revives that crunch, making them taste just baked fresh.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crescent roll dough instead of refrigerated?
Refrigerated crescent rolls are ideal because they are pre-made with the right consistency and butter content that ensure a flaky, golden crust. Fresh dough might work but can have a different texture and require more prep time.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Since crescent rolls contain gluten, this recipe is not naturally gluten-free. However, if you find a gluten-free crescent roll alternative, you could experiment, but the texture and rise might differ from the classic outcome.
Can I swap out cream cheese for a lighter option?
You can try using a reduced-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that it might affect the richness and texture of the cheesecake layer. For best results, stick to full-fat cream cheese to achieve that indulgent mouthfeel.
How do I prevent the top crescent roll from getting soggy?
Make sure to spread the cheesecake filling evenly and avoid overfilling. The butter and cinnamon sugar topping also helps create a barrier and adds crunch, keeping the top layer crispiness intact through baking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! You can double or even triple the ingredients and bake in larger pans or multiple batches. Just keep the baking time roughly the same and watch closely to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about combining classic dessert elements into one irresistible treat, and this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe does just that. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you get a standout dessert that tastes like a celebration in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bars as much as I do. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some magic in your kitchen!
Print
Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the flaky, buttery texture of crescent rolls with a creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, offering a delightful fusion of classic churro flavors and rich cheesecake in an easy-to-make dessert bar perfect for gatherings or sweet snacking.
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 2 tubes refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking your bars evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for assembly.
- Lay Bottom Crescent Roll: Open one tube of refrigerated crescent rolls and unroll it, then stretch and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room temperature cream cheese, egg, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture over the crescent roll base in the baking dish.
- Add Top Crescent Roll: Unroll the second tube of crescent rolls and carefully place it over the cheesecake filling, covering it fully to encase the filling.
- Melt Butter: In the microwave, melt the unsalted butter for about 45 seconds until liquid.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup sugar with the 1/4 cup ground cinnamon, stirring well to create the churro-style topping.
- Apply Topping: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top crescent roll layer, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
- Cool: Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely before cutting into 16 bars for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
- You can use light or reduced-fat cream cheese for a lower-fat variation.
- Letting the bars cool completely helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle chocolate sauce or caramel over the bars before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
