Welcome to the ultimate dessert hybrid you never knew you needed! These Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a churro with the rich, creamy delight of a classic cheesecake. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients to create a treat that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Whether you need a standout dessert for a party or just a special treat for a Tuesday, these bars are the perfect solution. Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert.
Why This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a Must-Try
You’ll fall in love with this recipe from the very first bite. The bottom layer is a tender, buttery crust, holding a perfectly smooth and tangy cream cheese filling. But the magic happens on top, with another layer of dough baked until golden and then showered in a generous coating of cinnamon and sugar. It’s a texture and flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
What Are Churro Cheesecake Bars?
Churro Cheesecake Bars are a delightful layered dessert bar. They feature a sweet and tangy cheesecake filling sandwiched between two layers of a soft, buttery crust (often made with crescent roll dough for simplicity). The top crust is baked to a perfect golden brown and then coated in a classic cinnamon-sugar mixture, mimicking the iconic flavor of a fresh churro. They are often compared to Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars due to their similar construction and flavor profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We use simple, easy-to-find ingredients for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Crust and Topping:
- Crescent Roll Dough: Two 8-ounce tubes of refrigerated crescent roll dough create the perfect buttery, flaky layers.
- Melted Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar topping adhere beautifully.
- Cinnamon & Sugar: A generous mix of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon creates that classic, irresistible churro coating.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese: Two blocks of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature for a lump-free filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Egg: One large egg acts as a binder, giving the cheesecake structure.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the creamy flavor of the filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Churro Cheesecake Bars is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps for dessert perfection.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Create the Bottom Crust: Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pinch together any seams to create a solid base.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Layer the Filling: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom crust in the baking dish.
- Add the Top Crust: Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough and place it gently over the cheesecake filling. Stretch it slightly if needed to cover the entire surface.
- Prepare the Topping: Brush the top layer of dough with the melted butter. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the melted butter.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. The center may have a slight wobble.
- Cool Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for the filling to set properly for clean cuts.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled and set, slice into bars and serve.
Pro Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake Bars
Want to ensure your bars are absolutely flawless? Follow these expert tips.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest, creamiest cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature. This prevents lumps.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can cause the cheesecake filling to crack. The bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Seal the Seams: Take a moment to firmly pinch together the perforations in the crescent roll dough for both the top and bottom crusts. This creates a solid layer and prevents the filling from seeping through.
- Chill Thoroughly: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but chilling is non-negotiable! A well-chilled bar will be firm, creamy, and easy to slice cleanly.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic recipe is a winner, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations.
Chocolate Drizzle
After the bars have cooled, melt a half-cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle it over the top for a decadent finish.
Dulce de Leche Swirl
Before adding the top crust, dollop a few spoonfuls of dulce de leche over the cheesecake filling and use a knife to gently swirl it in.
How to Store Your Cheesecake Bars
To keep your Churro Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the cut bars on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Churro Cheesecake Bars
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Once they are completely chilled, cut them into individual bars. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld together and taste even better the next day.
The bars are done when the top crust is a deep golden brown and the edges are set. The center of the bars will still have a slight jiggle to it when you gently shake the pan. The filling will firm up completely as it cools and chills.
To prevent a soggy bottom, ensure you press the crescent roll dough firmly into the pan, sealing all the seams. This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp during baking. Also, don’t let the bars sit at room temperature for too long after they’ve cooled.
They are very similar! The main difference is that sopapillas are typically fried dough, while churros are piped and fried. In the context of these bars, the names are often used interchangeably because both feature a cinnamon-sugar topping on a baked dough.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these bars, you’ll love exploring other sweet treats. For a rich and fudgy option, try these Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake bars. Or, for another simple yet impressive dessert, check out this classic Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. And if you’re a fan of no-bake treats, these Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies are a must-try.
The Best Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Churro Cheesecake Bars (The Ultimate Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
- Unroll the second tube of crescent dough and place it over the filling.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
- Brush the top dough with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
Do not overbake; a slight jiggle in the center is perfect.
Chill the bars thoroughly for clean, beautiful slices.
Share Your Creation!
I hope you love this easy Churro Cheesecake Bars recipe as much as I do! If you make them, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on Pinterest!
