Imagine the magical marriage of two beloved desserts — crispy, cinnamon-kissed churros and lusciously creamy cheesecake. That’s exactly what you get with these Churro Cheesecake Bars! This treat is a brilliant blend of flavors and textures, from the flaky layers of crescent dough to the velvety cheesecake center, all topped off with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve something sweet, these bars will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into this cinnamon-sugary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to Make: Using crescent roll dough saves you time and effort, so you can whip up a stunning dessert without breaking a sweat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors is a surefire hit with adults and kids alike.
• Versatile: Enjoy them warm from the oven, chilled from the fridge, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance, and they’ll taste just as delicious the next day.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Layers:

• 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

HOW TO MAKE CHURRO CHEESECAKE BARS:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or, if you want to make cleanup a breeze, line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper can help lift the bars out easily once they’re cooled.

Step 2: Create the Bottom Layer
Open up one can of crescent roll dough. Gently unroll it and lay it flat in the bottom of your baking dish. Press down and pinch the seams together so there are no gaps — this will form a sturdy base for your cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg. You’re aiming for a smooth and creamy texture here. Spread this creamy goodness evenly over the crescent roll base you just prepared.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer
Now, unroll the second can of crescent roll dough. Carefully lay it over the cheesecake filling. Just like with the bottom layer, pinch the seams together to create a seamless layer. This will bake up beautifully golden.

Step 5: Add Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
Brush the top crescent layer with melted butter — this will help the cinnamon sugar stick and create that classic churro flavor. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top. Your kitchen probably already smells amazing!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a lovely golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through.

Step 7: Cool and Slice
Patience, my friend! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For cleaner slices (and a firmer texture), chill them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. When you’re ready, slice them into squares.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve them as-is or with a drizzle of caramel sauce or melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence. Pairing with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk makes them even more delightful!

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Achieve Even Layers: Use a silicone spatula to spread the cheesecake filling evenly across the dough. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference!
• Extra Crispiness: If you prefer a crispier top, let the bars bake for an additional 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
• Chill for Cleaner Slices: Chilling the bars before cutting will make slicing much easier and cleaner — plus, the flavors get even better after a bit of time to meld together.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 12 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re perfect for prepping ahead of time for a party or keeping around for whenever your sweet tooth strikes.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of sliced strawberries or a handful of chocolate chips between the cheesecake and the top dough layer for a fun twist!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Approximate, per bar:
Calories: ~250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 220mg
Sugar: 19g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite pastry dough recipe, go for it. Just make sure it’s rolled out thinly and evenly.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
Leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth filling.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
• Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

Conclusion

There you have it — Churro Cheesecake Bars that combine the comforting flavors of churros with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. These bars are a breeze to make but offer a flavor punch that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re bound to be a hit. Now, all that’s left is to grab your apron and start baking! Happy indulging!

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