Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Introduction
Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake. This easy dessert is perfect for sharing and brings a delightful twist to classic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and ½ cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the middle position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Step 3: Open one tube of crescent roll dough and unroll it carefully. Press the seams together to form one rectangular sheet, then place it in the prepared pan, covering the bottom completely.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture over the crescent dough base and spread evenly.
- Step 5: Open the second tube of crescent roll dough, seal the seams as before, and gently lay it over the cheesecake filling as a top layer. Pour melted butter over the top and spread it evenly with a spoon or pastry brush.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered top layer.
- Step 7: Bake for 26–30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Step 8: Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the bars to set. Slice into bars before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use homemade cinnamon sugar with fresh cinnamon.
- Swap the cream cheese filling with flavored cream cheese like pumpkin or chocolate for seasonal variations.
- Serve with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Storage
Store the churro cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the top layer before serving if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade crescent dough works well as long as it is rolled out into a similar shape and thickness to ensure even baking.
How long should I chill the cheesecake bars before serving?
It’s best to chill the bars for at least 3 hours to allow the cheesecake filling to set properly and make slicing easier.
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Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the flaky, buttery texture of crescent roll dough with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, all topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar layer reminiscent of classic churros. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for a crowd and offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Bars:
- Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar thoroughly. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Create Base Layer: Open one tube of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. Press the seams together to form one continuous rectangular sheet, then lay this dough into the prepared pan, making sure it completely covers the bottom.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour this cheesecake filling over the crescent roll base layer in the pan and spread it out evenly.
- Top Layer and Butter Coating: Open the second tube of crescent roll dough, unroll and seal the seams to form one sheet. Gently lay this on top of the cheesecake filling to form the top crust. Pour the melted butter evenly over this top dough layer and spread it with a spoon or pastry brush.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered top layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 26 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent dough puffs up and turns a golden brown color. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
- Chill and Serve: After the bars have cooled to room temperature, refrigerate the pan for at least 3 hours to allow the cheesecake layers to set firmly. Slice into bars before serving and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- If you prefer, you can adjust the cinnamon sugar ratio for a more or less intense cinnamon flavor.
- Refrigeration time is important for the cheesecake to set properly and is recommended for the best texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: churro cheesecake, cheesecake bars, cinnamon sugar dessert, crescent roll dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, baked cheesecake bars, cinnamon sugar bars
