Churro Cheesecake Bars

This indulgent churro cheesecake bar recipe combines the warm cinnamon sweetness of a churro with the creamy richness of cheesecake. The contrast between flaky crescent dough, creamy filling, and cinnamon sugar creates a dessert that brings together the best of both treats in an easy-to-make bar form.

I first made these for a Cinco de Mayo celebration and they disappeared faster than any other dessert on the table. Now they're requested at nearly every family gathering regardless of the season.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Two 8oz packages provide the perfect flaky layers that mimic churro texture. Look for the sheet version if available to avoid pressing seams together
• Full fat cream cheese: 16oz softened to room temperature ensures a smooth silky filling. Never substitute low fat versions as they won't set properly
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness for both filling and cinnamon sugar coating. Use fine granulated for best incorporation
• Ground cinnamon: The signature flavor that makes these taste like authentic churros. Fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference
• Large egg: Acts as a binding agent for the cheesecake layer. Room temperature works best
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake layer. Pure extract rather than imitation gives the best flavor
• Unsalted butter: The final touch that helps create that crispy churro exterior. European style butter has a higher fat content for even better results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cinnamon sugar:

Mix 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon with ½ cup granulated sugar until completely combined. This mixture creates that distinctive churro flavor and should be well blended for even distribution. Set aside as you'll use this in multiple steps.

Prepare the pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F positioning a rack in the middle position. Thoroughly grease a 9×13 baking pan making sure to get into corners. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the bottom which will create a delicious crunchy base.

Create the bottom crust:

Open one tube of crescent rolls and carefully unroll the dough. Press all perforated seams together firmly to create one solid rectangular piece. Place this into your prepared pan gently stretching to reach all edges. This layer should completely cover the bottom of the pan creating the foundation for your bars.

Make the cheesecake filling:

In a large bowl combine softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until completely smooth and no lumps remain, about 2 to 3 minutes. The filling should be thick but pourable. Spread this mixture over the bottom crust creating an even layer that reaches all edges.

Add the top crust:

Open the second tube of crescent rolls and repeat the process of pressing seams together to form one sheet. Carefully place this over the cream cheese layer ensuring it covers the filling completely. Gently press the edges to seal without pressing into the filling.

Finish with butter and cinnamon sugar:

Pour the melted butter over the top crust and use the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer reaching all edges. This creates that authentic churro crispness. Generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire surface for that classic churro appearance and flavor.

Bake to golden perfection:

Bake for 26 to 30 minutes until the crescent dough has puffed significantly and turned a beautiful golden brown. The center should be set but might have slight movement. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature before moving to the next step.

Chill before serving:

Once completely cooled at room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight. This crucial step allows the cheesecake layer to set properly and flavors to meld. Once chilled, cut into bars and serve.

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The cinnamon sugar mixture is truly what makes these bars special. My family has a tradition of making churros during the holidays, and these bars capture that same nostalgic flavor without the hassle of deep frying. The first time I brought these to my mother-in-law's house, she asked for the recipe before even finishing her first piece.

Storage Tips

These churro cheesecake bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they'll keep perfectly for up to 4 days. For the best texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. If you need to stack them in storage, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. While they can be frozen for up to 1 month, the texture of the crust may change slightly upon thawing, so refrigeration is preferred for short-term storage.

Delicious Variations

The basic churro cheesecake bar recipe is perfect as is, but there are several delicious ways to customize it. Try adding a drizzle of dulce de leche or chocolate sauce over the top after baking and cooling. For a fruity twist, add a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry preserves over the bottom crust before adding the cheesecake layer. During fall, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a seasonal flavor. For special occasions, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

These churro cheesecake bars make a stunning dessert for any Mexican-themed dinner or Cinco de Mayo celebration. Serve them alongside coffee or Mexican hot chocolate for an authentic pairing. For an elegant presentation, dust individual pieces with a light coating of powdered sugar just before serving and garnish with a small dollop of whipped cream. These bars also work beautifully on a dessert board alongside fresh fruit, particularly strawberries or sliced peaches which complement the cinnamon flavor wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use crescent roll sheets instead of the perforated rolls?

Yes, crescent roll sheets work perfectly and actually save you the step of pressing the seams together. Either option works well for this dessert.

→ How should I store leftover churro cheesecake bars?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crescent dough will soften slightly over time but will still be delicious.

→ Can I freeze these churro cheesecake bars?

Yes, they freeze well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

→ What optional toppings work well with these bars?

Excellent options include a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These bars actually benefit from chilling time, making them perfect for preparing a day ahead. Make them the day before your event, refrigerate overnight, and slice just before serving.

→ Is it necessary to chill the bars before serving?

Yes, chilling is an important step as it allows the cheesecake layer to set properly and makes for cleaner slices. It also enhances the flavor contrast between the crisp cinnamon-sugar coating and creamy filling.