The Best Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Cinnamon Bliss

Sweet cinnamon churro cheesecake bars blend Mexican dessert magic with creamy indulgence.

Our kitchen adventure starts with classic comfort and unexpected twists.

Layers of smooth cream cheese mingle perfectly with crisp, sugary edges.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a sensational treat.

Hints of nostalgia peek through every golden-brown square, reminding you of childhood street fair delights.

Buttery graham cracker crusts cradle rich, velvety filling that melts on your tongue.

Savor these irresistible bars and let your taste buds celebrate pure deliciousness.

Churro Cheesecake Bars Overview

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Enjoy a hassle-free dessert that comes together with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners or experienced bakers wanting a fast treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine the beloved cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating an irresistible dessert that appeals to all taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Savor these bars warm straight from the oven or chilled from the refrigerator, making them adaptable for different preferences and occasions like potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dessert cravings.
• No-Fuss Ingredient List: Utilize common pantry staples and pre-made crescent dough to streamline the baking process, reducing preparation time and complexity while ensuring delicious results.

Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake Bars

Main Ingredients:

• Refrigerated Crescent Dough: A convenient base that provides a flaky and soft foundation for the churro cheesecake bars.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates a rich and creamy center for the dessert.
• Egg: Helps bind and stabilize the cream cheese filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and classic flavor to the creamy mixture.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a classic churro-style sweet and spicy coating for the bars.
• Salted Butter: Provides a rich flavor and helps achieve a golden brown top.
• Orange Zest: An optional ingredient that adds a subtle citrusy brightness to the filling.

• Cajeta: A sweet caramel sauce that can be drizzled over the bars for extra indulgence.

How to Prepare Churro Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Heat the oven to 350°F. Grab a 13×9-inch baking dish and coat it completely with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of this magical mixture across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a delicious base layer.

Step 3: Lay Down the First Dough Layer

Gently unroll one sheet of crescent roll dough. Press it into the pan, making sure it covers the entire bottom.

Trim any excess edges to create a perfect fit.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine cream cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.

Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps. Spread this dreamy filling evenly over the first dough layer.

Step 5: Add the Top Dough Layer

Carefully place the second crescent roll dough sheet on top of the cream cheese filling. Press down gently to ensure complete coverage.

Step 6: Dress with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Drizzle melted butter across the entire top layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a tantalizing golden-brown topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling sets completely.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bars rest in the pan for a few minutes. Slice into generous squares.

Serve warm for a gooey treat, or chill for a firmer texture. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some warm Cajeta over the top just before serving.

Pro Tips for Churro Cheesecake Bars

• Opt for full-fat cream cheese to ensure a rich, creamy texture that melts smoothly in your mouth.
• Gently press the crescent dough layers to prevent air bubbles and create a uniform base for the cheesecake bars.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges that showcase the dessert's beautiful layers.
• Enhance flavor by toasting cinnamon-sugar mixture briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling, which intensifies its warm, aromatic profile.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their delightful texture and taste.

Variations of Churro Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Churro Bars: Replace crescent dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cheesecake Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use plant-based egg replacer, and coconut oil instead of butter for dairy-free option.
• Mexican Chocolate Variation: Add dark chocolate chips to cream cheese filling, sprinkle cocoa powder with cinnamon sugar, and include a pinch of cayenne for authentic Mexican chocolate flavor.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, reduce sugar content, and incorporate Greek yogurt for protein and tanginess while maintaining creamy texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Churro Cheesecake Bars

• Blend red wine sangria with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks to complement the churro cheesecake bars' warm, spicy notes.
• Serve a rich, smooth espresso or cappuccino alongside the bars to balance the creamy texture and enhance the dessert's deep cinnamon flavor.
• Pour a chilled caramel or dulce de leche liqueur that mirrors the dessert's sweet, buttery undertones and creates a luxurious tasting experience.
• Prepare traditional Mexican hot chocolate with its signature cinnamon and chocolate blend to echo the churro's cultural roots and create a harmonious flavor connection.

Storage Guidelines for Churro Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking storage time.
• Thaw Refrigerator Method: Transfer frozen bars from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Allow slow, gentle thawing to maintain texture and prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm bars at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Churro Cheesecake Bars?

The key ingredients include crescent roll dough, cream cheese, egg, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salted butter, and optional orange zest for added flavor.

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

This recipe is beginner-friendly and relatively simple. It requires basic mixing skills and follows straightforward assembly steps with minimal complicated techniques.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the crescent roll dough with gluten-free crescent dough or a gluten-free pastry alternative to create a gluten-free version of these bars.

Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Homemade churro cheesecake bars merge Mexican dessert magic with creamy cheesecake bliss. Cinnamon-sugar coated pastry layers embrace rich cream cheese filling, creating a delightful fusion you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent dough sheets
• 2 packages (7.5 oz each) brown sugar and cinnamon spreadable cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
• 2 tbsps warmed cajeta (Mexican caramel (optional))
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Create a cinnamon-sugar blend by thoroughly mixing sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this mixture across the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Carefully spread the first crescent dough sheet over the cinnamon-sugar layer, trimming edges to ensure a perfect fit.
4. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Gently distribute the cream cheese mixture evenly across the first dough layer, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Layer the second crescent dough sheet atop the cream cheese filling, pressing delicately to seal the surface.
7. Drizzle melted salted butter uniformly over the top dough layer, then generously dust with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden and the filling sets completely.
9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly in the pan. Slice into bars and serve either warm or chilled.
10. Optional: Enhance with a luxurious Cajeta drizzle just before presenting for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

• Use refrigerated crescent dough at room temperature for easier handling and seamless layering.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a velvety, lump-free filling that spreads effortlessly.
• Generously coat the bottom and top layers with cinnamon-sugar mixture for an authentic churro-like experience and extra caramelization.
• Swap regular crescent dough with gluten-free alternatives and use lactose-free cream cheese to accommodate various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 203 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 127 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg