Churro Cheesecake Bars: A Sweet, Spiced Treat

If you’ve ever craved the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a churro combined with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, this recipe is for you. Churro cheesecake bars bring together two classic desserts in a way that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. With layers of flaky pastry, a rich cheesecake filling, and a spiced sugar crust, these bars are the perfect fusion of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick dessert to share, or just treating yourself, these churro cheesecake bars are an irresistible option. They’re simple enough for novice bakers yet impressive enough to wow any crowd.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Crescent roll dough	2 (8 oz) cans
Cream cheese (softened)	2 (8 oz) blocks
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter (melted)	4 tablespoons

Notes:

• Use pre-made crescent roll dough for convenience, or substitute with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
• Adjust cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to suit your taste for sweetness or spice.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating evenly sized bars.
• Mixing bowls: For combining the cheesecake filling and cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Spatula: Helps spread the filling and dough layers evenly.
• Pastry brush: Ideal for brushing melted butter across the dough layers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Create the Base Layer

1. Roll out one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching any seams to seal them.
2. Ensure the dough forms a flat, even layer covering the entire base.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar (reserve 1/4 cup for topping), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer

1. Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cheesecake filling, pinching seams and trimming edges if needed.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the remaining sugar and ground cinnamon.
2. Brush the top layer of dough with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over it.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Let the bars cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up before slicing.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve them chilled or at room temperature.
2. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair.

Tips and Variations

• Flakier Option: Use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough for an even crispier texture.
• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spiced twist.
• Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cheesecake layer before adding the top dough layer.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough or pie crust to make the bars gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

These churro cheesecake bars are delightful on their own but can be elevated with a few accompaniments. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of dulce de leche for an extra indulgent dessert.

For a warm, comforting pairing, enjoy these bars with a cup of hot chocolate, a cinnamon latte, or a spiced chai tea. The cozy flavors of the beverages enhance the cinnamon-sugar goodness of the bars perfectly.

Pairings

The sweet and spiced notes of churro cheesecake bars pair beautifully with dessert wines like Moscato or a warm coffee-based cocktail like an Irish coffee. For non-alcoholic options, try a creamy horchata or a cinnamon-infused apple cider to complement the cinnamon sugar topping.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, just until softened, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (approx. 12 bars)	Amount
Calories	250
Fat	16g
Carbohydrates	22g
Protein	4g
Allergens	Dairy, gluten

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Churro cheesecake bars are a delightful marriage of creamy cheesecake and crispy, spiced churro flavors. These handheld treats are as easy to make as they are to enjoy, perfect for sharing at parties, bringing to potlucks, or savoring as a sweet snack.

With their cinnamon-sugar crust and rich filling, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Try the recipe today, and let the irresistible aroma of cinnamon fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!