If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that bring a cozy, cinnamon-scented hug, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Combining the tender, buttery crunch of crescent roll dough with creamy, rich cheesecake and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these bars strike the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. They capture all the best parts of a churro and a cheesecake in a handheld, sliceable treat that’s ideal for sharing or sneaking as a special snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet come together to create layers of texture and flavor that make the Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe so irresistible. Each one plays a crucial role, from buttery richness to that signature cinnamon sugar topping.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): Acts as the easy-to-use, flaky crust and topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): Provides a smooth, velvety cheesecake layer that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, divided): Sweetens the cheesecake and mixes with cinnamon for the classic churro coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the cheesecake’s flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar crisp up on top.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that gives the bars their signature churro flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), so it’s perfectly hot when your bars are ready to bake. Next, mix half a cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will give you that sweet, spicy topping that makes these bars feel just like freshly fried churros.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining half cup of sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This filling is wonderfully rich and tangy—exactly what you want in a cheesecake bar.
Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer
Unroll one can of the crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Make sure to seal any seams so the cheesecake filling won’t leak through—this dough forms a crisp, buttery base that sets the stage for the luscious filling.
Step 4: Spread the Cheesecake Layer
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough layer, smoothing it out with a spatula for a uniform filling layer. This gooey, creamy layer is the heart of your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe.
Step 5: Add the Top Dough Layer
Carefully unroll the second can of crescent roll dough over the cheesecake filling, again sealing all seams. This creates a golden, flaky topping that bakes up with a delightful crunch, perfectly contrasting the creamy filling below.
Step 6: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top dough layer, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously across the entire surface. This step is the key to that irresistible churro flavor and that beautifully caramelized crust.
Step 7: Bake and Chill
Bake your bars for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is a warm golden brown and slightly crisp. After baking, let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring to the fridge to chill for at least two hours. Chilling helps the bars set fully, making them easier to slice and enhancing their rich flavor.
How to Serve Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe extra festive, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few dollops of whipped cream can also add a lovely finishing touch that complements the cinnamon and cream cheese perfectly.
Side Dishes
These bars are a dessert all on their own, but if you want to turn them into part of a spread, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream make fabulous companions. Coffee or a chai latte balance the sweetness with their comforting warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cheesecake bars warm and wrapped in colorful parchment or waxed paper for parties. You can also cut them into bite-size squares and arrange them on a decorative platter for easy sharing. For a brunch twist, pair them with fresh fruit salad to balance indulgence and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying some of your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, making them a convenient and tasty treat for later.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars in advance or save some for later, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy chilled bars, you can reheat them in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 10 minutes to bring back the flaky texture of the crescent roll topping. Avoid microwaving for reheating, as it can make the crust soggy and the cheesecake filling rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular pie crust instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes, pie crust can be a substitute, but crescent roll dough gives a lighter, flakier texture that mimics the churro’s exterior much better. Pie crust will be denser and less buttery.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free crescent roll dough if available, but keep in mind this may alter the texture slightly. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
How long do these bars need to chill for the best texture?
Chilling for at least two hours in the refrigerator is crucial for the cheesecake layer to set properly and to make slicing clean and neat. If you can wait longer, that’s even better.
Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! A bit of lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon inside the cream cheese filling can add a fresh twist. Just keep in mind the classic cinnamon sugar topping is the star of this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe.
What’s the best way to cut the bars evenly?
Use a sharp knife and cool the bars thoroughly before cutting. Running the knife under hot water and wiping it dry between slices helps achieve clean edges without sticking.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with the Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food vibes with every bite and is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just to treat yourself, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
