Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between choosing a cinnamon churro or a creamy cheesecake for dessert, Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are your new favorite solution. Imagine layers of buttery crescent dough sandwiching a rich, vanilla-spiked cream cheese filling, finished with a sparkling crown of cinnamon-sugar and a drizzle of melted butter. Every bite is a festival of textures and flavors—warm, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make you the star of any gathering. Whether you’re looking to wow at a potluck or simply treat yourself after a long week, this dessert delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up these show-stopping bars! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of gooey cheesecake meets crispy, cinnamon-coated delight. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make every flavor shine.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): These make a tender, flaky base and top, mimicking the beloved texture of churros with zero fuss.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): For that signature tangy richness, soften your cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup for topping): Divided between the filling and topping, sugar adds both sweetness and sparkle.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, almost floral warmth to the creamy cheesecake center.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Essential for that authentic churro flavor, giving each bite its spicy-sweet magic.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Poured over the top dough, it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and crisps up the surface beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Just a dash wakes up all the other flavors, ensuring these bars aren’t too sweet.
How to Make Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Cinnamon Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your bars release perfectly. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with the cinnamon—this is your magic topping. Set aside for later; the scent alone will have you excited for what’s to come!
Step 2: Create the Churro Base
Pop open your first can of crescent roll dough and gently unroll it. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish, pinching any seams closed. This forms the foundation—think of it as the “churro” layer that will crisp up under the creamy filling.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it’s gloriously smooth. It should be satiny and lump-free, almost cloud-like. Carefully spread this mixture over your crescent dough base, getting all the way to the edges so every bar gets a luscious bite of filling.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer
Unroll the second can of crescent dough. Lay it gently over the cream cheese layer, covering as much as you can. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect—once it bakes and puffs, any little patchwork will meld right in. Press lightly to seal the edges.
Step 5: Butter, Cinnamon Sugar, and Bake!
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top layer, then shower on your cinnamon-sugar mixture. This is where the “churro” magic happens! Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and puffed. If you love a crispier top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so nothing burns.
Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan. For the prettiest, cleanest slices, chill them in the fridge for about an hour before cutting into bars. This step is totally worth the wait if you want picture-perfect results!
How to Serve Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
The beauty of Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars is in their simplicity, but a few finishing touches can really make them shine. Dust extra cinnamon sugar just before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream, or even drizzle with a little caramel or chocolate sauce for a bit of flair. Fresh berries on the side look gorgeous and add a pop of color too.
Side Dishes
Because these bars are rich and deeply flavorful, they pair wonderfully with something light to drink—think hot coffee, a Mexican hot chocolate, or a frosty glass of cold milk. For a party, a fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside helps balance the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or parties, try cutting the Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars into bite-sized squares and serving them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing. For a little drama, stack them on a platter with cinnamon sticks tucked among the bars. If you’re feeling fancy, set up a make-your-own-topping station with drizzles (honey, dulce de leche, or berry sauce) and let everyone customize their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bars left (lucky you!), simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The bars stay creamy and the flavor actually deepens by the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars. Wrap individual bars or the whole slab in plastic, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight—so easy for make-ahead entertaining.
Reheating
Though they’re delicious cold, if you prefer a warm, just-baked experience, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. To re-crisp the top, pop bars in a toaster oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned crescent rolls?
Absolutely! If you enjoy making dough from scratch, you can substitute with your favorite yeasted dough or puff pastry. The result will still be delicious, though the signature lightness and ease of the canned dough make the process extra speedy and foolproof.
Do Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, it’s safest to refrigerate the bars if not serving right away. They hold their shape best when chilled, and the flavors actually develop after a little time in the fridge.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can! Seek out gluten-free crescent roll dough or use gluten-free puff pastry as a substitute. Just make sure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free for safety, and enjoy!
Why is my cheesecake filling lumpy?
Lumpy filling usually means the cream cheese wasn’t softened enough. For the smoothest results, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour, then beat until completely creamy before adding sugar or vanilla.
How do I get really sharp, clean slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing, and use a long, sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. This helps you get bakery-worthy squares every time, with perfect layers and minimal mess!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars deserve a spot in your dessert repertoire. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for celebrations. Go ahead—give them a try and watch everyone’s eyes light up at the very first bite!
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Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of churros and cheesecake with these scrumptious Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars. A heavenly combination of sweet, creamy, and cinnamon-spiced flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: Combine 1/2 cup of sugar with cinnamon; set aside.
- Layer Crescent Dough: Press one can of crescent dough into the baking dish.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Layer and Bake: Spread filling over dough, top with second crescent dough, pour butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool, slice into bars, and chill for cleaner slices if desired.
Notes
- Bars can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
