Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe with you because it blends two of my absolute favorite desserts into one luscious treat. Imagine the cinnamon-sugar crunch of classic churros combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake all layered between buttery crescent roll dough—that’s what you’re getting here. It’s a real crowd-pleaser for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a little indulgence.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it is to throw together but how impressive the results are. You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients, and it bakes up beautifully in a single pan, which means less cleanup. Whether you’re serving it for brunch with friends or sneaking a piece after dinner, this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe will quickly become your go-to sweet fix.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component of this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe plays a key role in balancing texture and flavor. The cinnamon-sugar combo brings that iconic churro vibe, while the cream cheese filling adds just the right amount of richness without being overpowering. Be sure to use softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling, and crescent rolls make a great shortcut dough layer.

• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is perfect for mixing with cinnamon to coat the layers and bring that sweet crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon gives the bars their signature warm spice—don’t skimp on this!
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a creamy cheesecake filling; try not to use cold straight from the fridge.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheesecake filling for a smooth, custardy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the cream cheese layer.
• Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls: This is your easy shortcut dough that bakes into light, flaky layers; no rolling required, just press and go.

Variations

Over time, I’ve found that this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is super flexible, so I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you need to tweak it for dietary needs or just want to try new flavors, there’s plenty of room to customize.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the crescent rolls with a gluten-free puff pastry once—it still bakes up crispy and festive.
• Spiced-Up Variation: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mix gave it a nice seasonal twist that my family adored in fall.
• Chocolate Lovers: For an extra treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the top right before serving; it’s a game-changer.
• Mini Bars: I sometimes make individual portions using a muffin tin for easy, grab-and-go treats.

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

Start by combining ½ cup sugar with 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture is what brings that iconic churro crunch to our bars, so make sure it’s well blended. I like to set this aside while I prepare the other parts.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Beat two softened 8-ounce packages of cream cheese until super smooth—no lumps! Then, add ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating again until the batter is creamy and homogenous. This creamy layer is what makes these bars feel so indulgent, so don’t rush this step. I like to use a hand mixer for the easiest, fluffiest filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray, then evenly sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture over the bottom. Next, take one can of crescent roll dough and unroll it on a lightly floured surface. Press along the seams carefully to seal them together so you get one solid sheet of dough. Then, gently transfer this dough into your pan, pressing it to fit snugly against the edges. This layer will bake into a crisp, sweet base that perfectly supports the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Filling and Top Layer

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough layer to ensure every bite has that creamy deliciousness. Now, repeat the process with the second can of crescent roll dough—unroll, seal seams, and place it carefully on top of the filling. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar blend evenly over the top layer. This finishing touch gives the bars that perfect churro-inspired crunch and sweetness.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place your pan in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful light golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is crisp and the edges look set but the filling remains deliciously soft. I like to keep an eye on the last 5 minutes because ovens vary and you don’t want your edges to burn.

How to Serve Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and a pretty finish. Sometimes, I add a small dollop of whipped cream on the side, especially if we’re serving these for brunch—makes it feel extra special without much effort.

Side Dishes

These bars are tasty enough on their own, but I like pairing them with fresh fruit like strawberries or a simple berry compote to cut through the richness. A cup of coffee or spiced chai also complements the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m bringing these to a party, I’ve trimmed the bars into bite-sized squares and served them on a tiered dessert stand, making them look elegant and super easy to grab. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a cute, ready-to-go gift for neighbors or friends too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually slice them after they’ve cooled completely and separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They taste great cold or at room temperature.

Freezing

When I’ve had leftovers, freezing works well too—just wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. They keep well for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To warm leftover bars, I pop them into a preheated oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes. This revives their crisp edges and creamy middle without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust chewy instead of crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe brings together warm cinnamon and creamy cheesecake in such an easy, fuss-free way. It’s one of those recipes that’s fast enough for busy days yet special enough to impress guests without stress. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it again and again because it hits that sweet spot between comfort food and a touch of indulgence. I can’t wait to hear what you think after your first bite!

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