Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sweet Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Churro cheesecake bars combine two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat that changes ordinary snacking into a culinary adventure.

Sweet cinnamon whispers dance through creamy layers, creating a sensory experience that tingles with excitement.

The magical fusion brings together classic comfort and innovative indulgence, promising a delightful twist on traditional favorites.

Crisp edges and velvety centers make these bars a textural symphony that captivates dessert enthusiasts.

Rich, decadent, and utterly charming, this recipe bridges childhood memories with sophisticated adult palates.

Each bite tells a story of culinary creativity and passionate baking.

You’ll fall in love with the unexpected harmony of flavors and textures that make these bars truly spectacular.

Churro Cheesecake Bars With Cinnamon Bliss

  • Swirl with Cinnamon Sensation: Dive into a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and classic churro flavors, where each bite bursts with warm, sweet cinnamon that dances across your taste buds.
  • Effortless Indulgence: Whip up this dessert using simple refrigerated dough and basic ingredients, making it a foolproof recipe perfect for home bakers of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Designed to satisfy sweet tooths at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats, these bars transform traditional cheesecake into a playful, shareable dessert that brings instant smiles and nostalgic joy.

Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake Bars That Wow

Base Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base for the cheesecake filling that provides creamy texture and tangy flavor.
  • Sugar: Classic sweetener that balances the cream cheese and adds delightful sweetness.
  • Egg: Binding ingredient that helps set the cheesecake layer and creates a silky consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm, aromatic flavor enhancer that complements the cream cheese.
Dough Components:
  • Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: Convenient, flaky pastry that creates a quick and easy base and topping for the bars.
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
  • Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic sweet-spicy combination that gives churro-inspired flavor and creates a golden, crunchy exterior.
Additional Components:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of bars from the baking pan.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Light dusting helps prevent dough from sticking during preparation.

How to Layer and Bake These Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Create Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth. Add these ingredients:
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Continue beating until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Pan

Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Layer First Dough Sheet

On a lightly floured surface, unroll the first can of crescent dough. Press the seams together to create a solid sheet. Carefully transfer the dough into the prepared pan, stretching it to cover the entire bottom.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese Layer

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the first dough layer, ensuring complete and smooth coverage.

Step 6: Top with Second Dough Sheet

Unroll the second can of crescent dough, pressing seams together. Gently place this dough sheet on top of the cream cheese filling, covering the entire surface.

Step 7: Finish with Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top dough layer, creating a delicious coating.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the top turns a light golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely. Cut into squares and enjoy your delectable churro cheesecake bars!

Tips for a Flaky Crust and Creamy Middle

  • Seal Seams Perfectly: Gently press croissant dough seams together to create a smooth, even base that prevents filling leakage and ensures a uniform texture.
  • Control Cinnamon Coating: Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture generously but evenly, tapping the pan gently to distribute the sweet topping across the entire surface.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Watch the top closely during baking, looking for a light golden-brown color that indicates the bars are perfectly cooked without overcooking.
  • Chill Before Cutting: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to help them set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
  • Store Smartly: Keep cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicious texture.

Proper Storage for Churro Cheesecake Squares

  • Refrigerate: Carefully wrap bars in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Layer bars between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their soft, creamy texture.

Pair These Bars With Drinks or Fruits

  • Pair with Warm Mexican Hot Chocolate: Complement the cinnamon-sugar churro flavor with a rich, spicy Mexican hot chocolate that echoes the dessert's sweet and warm profile. The chocolate's depth perfectly balances the creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Enhance the dessert's richness by adding a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, smooth vanilla cuts through the bar's sweetness and provides a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: The coffee's robust flavor and sweet caramel notes create a harmonious pairing that elevates the churro cheesecake's cinnamon and creamy elements. The drink's warmth and complexity make each bite more enjoyable.
  • Accompany with Fresh Berries: Add a small side of fresh strawberries or raspberries to introduce a bright, tangy element that cuts through the dessert's richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.

Ways to Reinvent Churro Cheesecake Bars

  • Mexican Fiesta Bars: Enhance the recipe by adding a splash of tequila to the cream cheese mixture and topping with crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.
  • Chocolate Churro Fusion: Mix cocoa powder into the cinnamon-sugar coating and drizzle melted dark chocolate over the baked bars for a rich, decadent version.
  • Fruit-Infused Churro Cheesecake: Incorporate diced strawberries or raspberries into the cream cheese filling and sprinkle some fresh berries on top before serving for a fruity twist.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between the dough layers and add a caramel drizzle after baking for a sophisticated flavor profile.
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Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Mexican churro cheesecake bars blend creamy cheesecake with cinnamon-sugar crunch in a dessert that delights taste buds. Crisp pastry layers and rich filling create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls
  • 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a delectable cinnamon-sugar coating by thoroughly mixing sugar and ground cinnamon in a compact vessel, setting this aromatic blend aside for later application.
  2. Transform cream cheese into a silky smooth base by vigorously whisking until no lumps remain, gradually incorporating sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a luxurious, uniform consistency.
  3. Prepare a rectangular baking vessel by generously coating with non-stick spray, then elegantly dust the bottom surface with half of the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Carefully unroll the first pastry dough sheet onto a lightly floured surface, gently pressing together any visible seams to create a seamless canvas.
  5. Delicately transfer the dough into the prepared pan, carefully stretching and pressing to create an even, complete bottom layer that reaches all edges.
  6. Meticulously spread the cream cheese mixture across the dough, creating a smooth, consistent layer that covers the entire surface.
  7. Repeat the dough preparation process with the second pastry sheet, positioning it gently atop the cream cheese filling to create a complete top layer.
  8. Lavishly sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top dough, ensuring a generous and even coating that promises a sweet, fragrant finish.
  9. Slide the pan into a preheated oven, allowing the bars to bake until the surface transforms into a golden-brown landscape, typically requiring approximately 30 minutes of patient cooking.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads effortlessly.
  • Dough Handling: Carefully unroll crescent roll dough on a floured surface, gently pressing seams together to create a seamless base and topping.
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Magic: Generously coat the baking pan’s bottom and top layer with the sweet, aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture for an authentic churro-like experience.
  • Baking Perfection: Watch the bars closely during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to achieve a golden-brown top without overcooking.
  • Cooling Technique: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices that hold their shape.
  • Storage Tip: Refrigerate leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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