If you’re craving a dessert that blends creamy cheesecake with the cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros, look no further than these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars. With layers of flaky crust, rich cheesecake, and a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, these bars offer the ultimate fusion of flavors. Perfect for gatherings, holiday treats, or just because you deserve something delicious, these cheesecake bars are sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
These bars take the classic flavors of churros and combine them with a creamy cheesecake filling, creating a unique and decadent dessert. Plus, they’re easy to make and don’t require deep-frying, so you can enjoy churro flavors without the mess. With a buttery crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a crunchy cinnamon topping, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s both sweet and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars, gather the following simple ingredients:
Crust and Topping:
- 2 cans of crescent roll dough
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This will be used to sprinkle over the layers for that iconic churro flavor.
Step 3: Layer the First Crescent Roll
- Roll out one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Press it evenly to form a flat base.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth and creamy.
- Spread this mixture over the bottom crust in the pan.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer and Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- Roll out the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cheesecake filling to form the top crust.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top layer of dough.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Once cool, slice into squares and serve. For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour to help set the cheesecake.
Tips for Making the Perfect Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Use Crescent Roll Dough Carefully: For an even crust, roll the crescent dough out to cover each layer without gaps.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Soften the cream cheese and bring the egg to room temperature for a smoother cheesecake filling.
- Extra Cinnamon Sugar: If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Toppings: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or melted chocolate for added richness.
- Swaps: Substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry for a flakier texture.
- Garnish: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously decadent dessert.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 20g
Wrap-Up
These Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are a perfect mix of two beloved desserts. Ideal for sharing, they bring the warmth of churros and the smoothness of cheesecake together in a single bite. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to bring smiles and satisfy cravings.
Serving and Storage Tips for Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Serving Tips:
- Chill Before Serving: For the best texture, let the bars chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour after baking. This helps the cheesecake layer to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Slice Neatly: Use a sharp knife, and for cleaner cuts, wipe the blade with a damp cloth between each slice.
- Optional Toppings: Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, or dust lightly with powdered sugar to add a special touch before serving.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm cinnamon flavors.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate for Freshness: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days.
- Freezing for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a couple of hours.
- Avoid Room Temperature Storage: Due to the cream cheese filling, these bars should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
These tips will help you get the most out of your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars, whether you’re serving them fresh or saving them for later!
1. Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes! You can use homemade pastry dough if you prefer. Just roll it out to fit the pan dimensions, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Crescent roll dough, however, is a convenient and time-saving option that gives a nice, flaky texture.
2. Can I make these cheesecake bars without eggs?
Absolutely! If you’d like to make the recipe egg-free, you can replace the egg in the filling with ¼ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the cheesecake filling.
3. How do I keep the cinnamon sugar layer from getting soggy?
To keep the cinnamon sugar topping crunchy, make sure the bars cool completely before covering or storing. For extra crispness, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the bars just before serving.
4. Can I add more flavors to the cheesecake filling?
Certainly! You can mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, or even a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the cheesecake filling for added depth. For a touch of brightness, try adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest.
Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican-American)
Description
Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars bring together the crispy, cinnamon-sugar flavor of churros with creamy cheesecake filling in a delightful dessert bar. With layers of flaky dough, a smooth cheesecake center, and a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, these bars are an irresistible treat perfect for parties, gatherings, or any time you need a sweet fix!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Pinch the seams together if necessary.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer in the baking dish.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it over the cream cheese layer, gently pressing it to fit and form a top crust.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon together.
- Brush the top layer of dough with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serve warm for an extra indulgent treat, or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.
- For an added twist, drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup before serving.