Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for a sweet treat that blends classic New York-style cheesecake with the joyfully crispy, cinnamon-dusted churro, look no further than Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars. Each bite is an irresistible fusion of dreamy, creamy filling sandwiched between golden layers of crescent dough and finished with a crackle of cinnamon-sugar. This recipe takes the comfort of a familiar dessert bar and elevates it with nostalgic, fun flavors that everyone at your table will love. Whether for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home, these bars deliver pure delight in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars comes from a handful of easy-to-find, everyday ingredients that create a dessert with stunningly rich flavor and a delightfully crisp finish. Each item brings an essential note to the symphony, from flaky pastry to silky filling and warm, aromatic spices.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The shortcut key to layers that mimic classic churro dough without the fuss – be sure to press those seams tightly to keep everything tidy.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a smooth, luscious filling, so leave it out at room temp for ultra-easy blending.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the filling and the crackly cinnamon topping; don’t skimp for the perfect caramelized finish.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the creamy layer with mellow warmth; pure vanilla adds an extra-special touch.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for capturing that churro flavor—choose a fragrant, fresh cinnamon for best aroma and taste.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on top, it makes the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and toasts the top to golden perfection.
- Nonstick cooking spray: A quick coat ensures you can lift out perfect bars with crisp edges—no sticking or tearing.
How to Make Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Cinnamon-Sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and the 1/3 cup of granulated sugar—that’s your magic churro topping. Having everything ready beforehand makes assembly a breeze and keeps the process mess-free.
Step 2: Layer the First Crescent Dough Sheet
Carefully unroll one can of crescent dough and lay it in the bottom of your prepared dish. Take a minute to pinch and seal the seams, pressing the dough out to the edges for one even layer. This forms the base of your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars, so aim for full coverage.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is velvety and there are no lumps. This glorious filling is the creamy heart of your bars—don’t rush this part, and scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix.
Step 4: Spread the Filling
Gently spoon and spread the cheesecake filling onto the bottom crescent dough layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to even it out—the key is a smooth, consistent layer so every bite delivers the ideal cheesecake-to-dough ratio.
Step 5: Add the Second Crescent Dough Layer
Take the second can of crescent dough, unroll it, and lay it carefully atop the cream cheese mixture. Pinch the seams once more and tuck the dough edges down gently to seal in the filling. This creates a neat package that will bake up golden and gorgeous.
Step 6: Add Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
Brush the melted butter evenly across the surface of the top dough layer. Now for the best part: generously blanket the whole thing with your cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure every last corner is covered. This layer caramelizes and forms the unmistakable churro crunch you crave.
Step 7: Bake and Chill
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and slightly crisp. Let your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to set. Chilled bars hold their shape and showcase all those beautiful layers when sliced into perfect squares.
How to Serve Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
A classic finish is a light dusting of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar, but you can also add a swirl of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a playful touch. Fresh berries lend a pop of color and tartness that balances the sweetness nicely.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a cup of hot coffee or spiced Mexican hot chocolate is pure bliss. For party spreads, offer fresh fruit or a crisp fruit salad on the side—the tart juiciness is a lovely counterpoint to the rich filling and spiced dough.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, serve your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars on a rustic wooden board with colorful napkins or arrange them on a tiered dessert tray. Use mini cupcake liners for a fun, grab-and-go option at potlucks or family gatherings, or slice into bite-sized cubes for an elegant dessert sampler platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld beautifully as they chill, and the texture stays lovely and firm, making these a perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining or treating yourself through the week.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you like your bars ever-so-slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds per piece. Keep in mind the texture is best when they’re chilled, but a quick blast of warmth brings out extra cinnamon aroma and a gooey cheesecake center.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese will work, but the bars will be a bit less rich and creamy. For the best, most decadent texture, stick with full-fat, but the lighter version is still delicious and satisfying.
What if I can’t find crescent roll dough?
If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can substitute with puff pastry for a flakier finish, or even thin layers of refrigerated biscuit dough, pressing and stretching to fit. The texture will be different, but they’ll bake up beautifully.
Do Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars need to be refrigerated?
Absolutely. Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s important to keep the bars chilled when not serving. They taste best straight from the refrigerator and hold their shape much better, too.
Can I add extra spice or mix-ins?
Go for it! A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom adds complexity to the cinnamon-sugar topping. For a special twist, try folding chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cream cheese layer before baking.
What’s the ideal way to cut and serve these bars?
For the cleanest slices, chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp, warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry). Cut into squares or rectangles to your liking—each piece reveals those beautiful layers and plenty of churro sparkle on top.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished for all the fun of a churro and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake in one treat, these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are your answer. There’s something so satisfying about their crispy top, extra-silky filling, and delightful cinnamon warmth. Go ahead—bake a batch, share them (or don’t!), and savor every irresistible bite.
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Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious fusion of cinnamon churro and creamy cheesecake with these irresistible bars. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Other:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar with the cinnamon and set aside.
- Layer the first crescent dough: Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together.
- Make cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the second crescent dough: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully place it on top of the cream cheese layer, pressing seams to seal.
- Add toppings: Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and refrigerate: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.
Notes
- These bars taste best chilled and can be made a day ahead.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar topping or a squeeze of lemon juice to the cream cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
