Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love churros and cheesecake, this dessert is a dream come true. It brings together the warm, cinnamon-sugar crunch of a churro with the smooth, creamy goodness of cheesecake. The crescent dough gives it a buttery, flaky texture, while the cheesecake filling adds richness. This dessert is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet indulgence for yourself.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Sugar:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Bars:

• Two 8-ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets

• 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar until fully combined. Set aside.

Preheat and Prep Pan:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle.

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on the bottom.

Create Base Layer:

1. Open one tube of crescent roll dough. Unroll it carefully, then press the seams together to form a single rectangular sheet.

2. Place this sheet into the prepared pan, ensuring it covers the bottom completely.

Make Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

2. Pour this mixture over the base layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.

Top Layer and Butter Coating:

1. Open the second tube of crescent roll dough. Repeat the process of sealing seams and gently place it over the cheesecake filling to form a top layer.

2. Pour the melted butter over this layer and spread it evenly using a spoon or pastry brush.

Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1. Generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the buttered top layer.

Bake to Perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 26–30 minutes or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown.

2. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.

Chill and Serve:

1. Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the layers to set.

2. Slice into bars before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 bars

• Prep Time: 21 minutes

• Cook Time: 28 minutes

• Total Time: 3 hours 49 minutes (including chill time)

Variations

• Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for an added burst of flavor and freshness.

• Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top before baking for a crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.

• Freezing: These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Puff pastry can work as a substitute, though the texture may be flakier. Crescent dough gives a more soft and buttery texture, but puff pastry will still yield a delicious result.

2. Can I make these without the egg?

If you need an egg-free version, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) for a similar binding effect.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

For a lighter version, you can try using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, though the texture and taste may differ slightly.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make these bars a day in advance and refrigerate them. They’ll actually set better after chilling for a few hours.

5. How do I know when the churro cheesecake is done?

The churro cheesecake is done when the top is golden brown and puffed, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the crescent dough with gluten-free crescent dough or gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free.

7. Can I freeze this churro cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly and store them in an airtight container.

8. How can I make the top more crispy?

If you prefer an extra-crispy top, you can bake the dessert for an additional 5 minutes or broil it for 1-2 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes, feel free to fold in some mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist.

10. Can I skip the chill time?

Chill time helps the cheesecake set and firm up. While you can eat them right away, they’ll be easier to slice and have a better texture if you refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Conclusion

Churro Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert fusion, combining the crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake. It’s easy to make, impressive to serve, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these churro cheesecake bars will become an instant favorite!

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