If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that is as heavenly as it is unforgettable, these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the unmistakable flavor of warm churros combined with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling and hugged by buttery crescent dough — all nestled into shareable, perfectly spiced bars. With a simple ingredient list and an easy-to-follow method, this recipe brings authentic bakery vibes straight to your home kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a treat for a family night, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve the best, these bars will win hearts in just one bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you — each one plays a crucial role in creating Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars that are rich, golden, and packed with flavor. From the silky smooth cream cheese to the fragrant cinnamon-sugar topping, every item brings something special to the dessert table.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The foundation and topping for these bars, creating a flaky, buttery crust reminiscent of fried churros without the mess.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides that irresistibly smooth, tangy cheesecake layer; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Granulated sugar (divided): Adds sweetness both to the creamy filling and the cinnamon-sugar topping, ensuring every bite is balanced.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor of the cheesecake with its warm, comforting notes — pure vanilla makes a real difference here.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and crisps the top layer, making it rich and golden.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show — gives these bars their signature churro scent and warmth.
How to Make Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly — either with a bit of melted butter or a trusty non-stick spray. This will help your bars release cleanly later and keep the bottoms golden rather than soggy. Line up all your ingredients so you’re ready to build layers with ease.
Step 2: Create the Bottom Crust
Take your first can of crescent roll dough and gently unroll it, then press it into the bottom of your prepared dish. Don’t be shy about pinching the seams together to create one even layer; this becomes the crispy, chewy base for your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars. If the dough tears a bit, just patch it with your fingers.
Step 3: Make and Spread the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and the vanilla extract until everything is rich and free of lumps. Spread this dreamy mixture evenly on top of the crescent roll base, right up to the edges. Trust me, a generous layer here is what sets these bars apart!
Step 4: Top with Crescent Dough
Now, unroll your second can of crescent roll dough and carefully lay it over the creamy filling. Do your best to make one smooth layer — again, pinch those seams together to keep everything neat. This will bake up into a gorgeously golden crust.
Step 5: Cinnamon-Sugar Magic
Stir together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top layer of dough. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the buttered dough. This step transforms your bars into an irresistibly spiced, slightly crunchy delight, echoing everything we love about churros.
Step 6: Bake and Chill
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. If you crave a little extra crunch, give the bars a quick 1–2 minute under the broiler (just watch closely!). Once baked, cool the bars completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This step ensures the cheesecake sets perfectly so you can cut clean, beautiful squares.
How to Serve Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
These bars are already stunning straight from the dish, but a little garnish never hurt anyone. Try a dusting of extra cinnamon-sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a swirl of whipped cream on each bar. You can even top with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for some added flair and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars with simple sides like a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special twist, serve with a bit of dulce de leche or caramel sauce — the combination is simply out of this world!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow a crowd? Stack the bars pyramid-style on a serving platter, or cut them into fun shapes with a cookie cutter for parties. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve each bar in a cupcake liner for easy grabbing, or offer alongside shot glasses of cinnamon-spiked coffee or hot chocolate for a truly indulgent experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious and fresh for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for surprise guests or late-night cravings.
Freezing
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! After chilling and cutting, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you like your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars a bit warm and gooey, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm them in a low oven. This brings out the aromas and softens the cheesecake without melting it. Just don’t overheat, or you’ll lose that perfect creamy center.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! If you enjoy making homemade dough, go for it — just roll it thin enough to mimic the texture of crescent rolls. The recipe is flexible and will still deliver delicious results.
What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting, and use a sharp knife wiped clean with a damp cloth between slices. This prevents the filling from sticking and gives you neat, bakery-case worthy bars every time.
Can I add mix-ins to the filling?
Of course! Mix in mini chocolate chips, a pinch of orange zest, or even a handful of toasted chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. The basic cheesecake layer is a blank canvas for your creativity.
Do these travel well for potlucks or parties?
Definitely! Once chilled and cut, Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are sturdy enough for stacking in containers and bring all the sweet, spicy charm to any get-together.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute a gluten-free crescent roll dough (many stores carry these now) and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as tasty and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars bring a little spark of joy to any day. With their perfect layers, addictive cinnamon crunch, and the ease of a make-ahead recipe, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again. Happy baking!
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Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of a classic churro and creamy cheesecake with these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars. Layers of crescent roll dough, sweetened cream cheese, and a cinnamon-sugar topping come together to create a perfect dessert treat for any occasion.
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 (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, pinching seams to seal.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent dough.
- Add the top layer: Unroll the second can of dough and lay it over the cream cheese layer, pressing seams together gently.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with the cinnamon. Brush melted butter over the top dough layer and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Bake and chill: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
- Best served chilled but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
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