Description
These Cherry Churro Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert combining creamy cheesecake, sweet cherry pie filling, and a cinnamon-sugar topped crescent dough crust. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of tangy cherries, smooth cream cheese, and the warm flavors of cinnamon churros in every bite.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Crust and Topping
- 2 (8 ounce) cans crescent dough sheets
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided use)
- 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
Filling
- 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of bars.
- Create Cinnamon Sugar Base: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Sprinkle a light layer of this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Press Bottom Dough Layer: Unroll one crescent dough sheet and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish, making sure to gently seal any seams for an even crust.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining ½ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crescent dough bottom layer in the baking dish, ensuring a smooth and consistent surface.
- Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake mixture, distributing it uniformly.
- Top with Second Dough Layer: Unroll the second crescent dough sheet and carefully place it over the cherry filling. Gently stretch it to fit the pan completely, covering the filling.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top layer of dough to add flavor and a churro-like texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the crescent dough is fully cooked.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature; then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps set the layers, making slicing easier and cleaner. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Press and seal crescent dough seams carefully to prevent leakage during baking.
- Chilling the bars after baking helps the layers to firm up for clean slices.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking (optional).
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.