Name: Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar; 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon; 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 2 reviews

I absolutely adore this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe because it combines two of my favorite treats into one irresistible dessert. The creamy richness of the cheesecake melds perfectly with the warm cinnamon-sugar flavors that remind me of classic churros, all wrapped up in a buttery crescent roll crust. Whenever I make this, it feels like a cozy celebration in every bite, and it’s so easy to whip up that I find myself reaching for this recipe anytime I want a sweet pick-me-up or to impress friends with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

What makes this recipe so special to me is the incredible harmony of flavors. The sweet, creamy cheesecake layer is just the right counterpart to the crispy cinnamon-sugar crust that’s reminiscent of a churro’s classic taste. I love that the cinnamon-sugar blend is sprinkled both underneath and on top, creating that perfect crunch and sweetness in every bite. It’s like having a bite of a churro and cheesecake all at once, which honestly feels like a little indulgent gift to myself.

Aside from the flavor, I really appreciate how easy this recipe is to prepare. It doesn’t require complicated baking skills or a ton of ingredients, but it still delivers big on taste and texture. This makes it perfect for casual get-togethers, potlucks, or even a sweet treat after a weeknight dinner. What stands out for me is how quick everything comes together, yet the result feels so special and homemade that it always gets compliments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular dish filled with two visible layers; the bottom layer is light brown with a soft texture, and the top layer is a thick, smooth cream-colored frosting spread evenly over the entire dish, with some gentle swirl patterns. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, working together to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the creamy softness of the cream cheese to the buttery richness of the crescent rolls, every component has its role in making these bars unforgettable.

Sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness and pairs beautifully with cinnamon to mimic churro flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy note that defines churros and makes these bars irresistible.
Cream cheese (2 packages, softened): Creates the smooth, rich cheesecake layer that’s creamy without overwhelming.
Egg: Helps bind and set the cheesecake mixture perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cheesecake flavor with its aromatic sweetness.
Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls (2 cans): Serve as the buttery, flaky crust layers that wrap the filling with a subtle golden crunch.

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon and set the mixture aside. This cinnamon sugar will be used twice, so having it ready makes the process smooth.

Step 2: Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then continue beating until the filling is creamy and completely blended. Set this aside for layering later.

Step 3: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar evenly across the bottom of the pan—this will add a sweet, crunchy base.

Step 4: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured sheet of waxed paper. Press all the seams together gently to create one continuous dough sheet. Carefully lift this dough and place it on top of the cinnamon sugar in the pan, pressing the edges to fit the pan perfectly.

Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, ensuring every corner is covered with that luscious filling. Next, unroll the second can of dough. Roll it out the same way as the first, pressing seams together. Place this second dough sheet on top of the cheesecake filling, sealing in the goodness.

Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar evenly over the top dough layer. Bake everything at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until the top turns a light golden brown and looks perfectly baked. Let it cool slightly before slicing into bars.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 15 delicious bars, so it’s great for sharing with family or a small crowd. Preparation time is quite short, around 10 to 15 minutes, mainly spent mixing and layering. Bake time is approximately 30 minutes, so the total time from start to finish comes to about 45 to 50 minutes. I like to let the bars cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to ensure they hold their shape nicely.

How to Serve This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

A square dessert bar with three visible layers is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light golden-brown crust, the middle layer is a thick, creamy pale yellow filling, and the top layer is a dusting of light brown cinnamon sugar, giving it a slightly rough texture. In front, one bar rests on a small square of white parchment paper, with a bite taken out of one corner, revealing the creamy filling inside. Behind it, two more bars are stacked slightly apart, all with smooth, clean edges. To the right side, two brown cinnamon sticks lay on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these Churro Cheesecake Bars, I love to keep things simple so their flavor shines. They taste incredible slightly warm straight from the oven, but they’re also fantastic at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. For a little extra flair, I sometimes dust a bit of powdered sugar on top or add a drizzle of caramel sauce, which pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and cream cheese layers.

These bars are wonderful served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which adds a creamy softness that balances the crunchy topping. For drinks, I often reach for a rich, smooth coffee or a spiced chai latte to complement the cinnamon notes, but a glass of dessert wine like Moscato also works beautifully for evening gatherings.

They’re perfect to bring out for afternoon tea, holiday parties, or casual dinners with friends and family. I usually cut them into smaller squares for a nice, bite-sized treat that feels just right for snacking or as a dessert portion.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to make these gluten-free, you can swap out the crescent rolls for a gluten-free pastry dough or pizza crust. For a vegan twist, I’d recommend using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and a vegan crescent dough if you can find one or make your own.

Flavor-wise, I’ve played around by adding a bit of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar to give the bars a more complex spice profile. You could also swirl in some melted chocolate or add chopped nuts between the layers for an added texture and flavor boost. Another fun trick is to brush the top dough layer with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar to get an even richer, more golden crust.

If you want to speed things up, I’ve experimented with baking these as muffins in a lined muffin tin for individual portions—just adjust baking time to about 20 minutes at 350 degrees. This way you get mini churro cheesecakes that are great for parties or lunchbox treats.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover churro cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days, and I find that keeping them cool actually helps maintain the cheesecake’s creamy texture while keeping that cinnamon crunch intact. If the bars start to dry out, covering them tightly with plastic wrap before putting them in the container really helps.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze these bars if you want to save some for later. I like to wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place all the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, they keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming them gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warm throughout. This helps to revive the crispiness of the top layer and keeps the cheesecake creamy. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it sometimes makes the crust soggy or the cheesecake too runny.

FAQs

Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of canned crescent rolls?

Absolutely! Homemade crescent roll dough can add an extra layer of freshness and buttery flavor. Just make sure the dough is rolled out to the appropriate size and that seams are well sealed to keep the filling inside during baking.

Is it possible to make these bars nut-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free. Just be sure the crescent rolls you purchase or use don’t contain any nut ingredients or traces if you have allergies.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the bars and keep them refrigerated before baking for up to 24 hours. Just bring them to room temperature before popping them into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

I find using a sharp knife dipped in warm water between cuts helps get clean edges without sticking. Wiping the knife between slices also helps keep your bars looking neat.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Yes! Adding thinly sliced apples or berries to the cream cheese layer can be a delicious twist. Just be mindful not to overload with fruit so the bars still hold their shape well.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe enough—it’s such a joyful blend of flavors that feels comforting yet special every time. Whether you’re baking it for a party, a family dessert, or just because you crave a sweet treat, it never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and eating these bars as much as I do; they have a way of turning any day into a celebration!