Churro Cheesecake Bars Cinnamon

Churro cheesecake bars turn a classic fairground treat into an irresistible, make-ahead dessert. Crisp cinnamon sugar meets creamy cheesecake, all nestled between soft layers of crescent dough—pure comfort and always a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, holidays, or spontaneous celebrations.

The first time I made these, the scent of cinnamon filled the kitchen, and now my family asks for churro cheesecake bars every birthday and snow day.

Ingredients

• Ground cinnamon: For authentic churro spice aroma matters so choose a fresh, fragrant jar
• Granulated sugar: Provides both sweetness and crunch in the signature topping
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets: Makes it easy to achieve tender, flaky layers opt for seamless sheets if available
• Full-fat cream cheese: Ensures a rich, creamy texture try to use good-quality block cream cheese
• Large egg: Brings the cheesecake filling together and improves structure pick a fresh egg for best results
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor use pure extract for the deepest flavor
• Unsalted butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar topping develop that golden crispness select butter that smells fresh and is a pale yellow color

Instructions

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:

Mix one tablespoon ground cinnamon with half a cup granulated sugar in a small bowl until fully combined and fragrant. Set aside for later.

Preheat and Prep Pan:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a nine by thirteen inch baking pan lightly with oil or nonstick spray. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of cinnamon sugar over the bottom to create the first layer of churro crunch.

Create Base Layer:

Unroll one package of crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. If using perforated dough, press seams together so no filling leaks through. Gently lift the sheet into the pan, pressing to the edges for full coverage.

Make Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with three fourths cup granulated sugar, one large egg, and one and a half teaspoons vanilla extract. Whip until velvety smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.

Add Filling:

Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the dough base, smoothing into an even layer all the way to every corner.

Top Layer and Butter Coating:

Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough. Seal any seams firmly, then place it gently over the filling to fully cover. Pour melted butter evenly over the surface, using a spoon or brush to make sure all corners are coated.

Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

Liberally sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar across the buttered top so it covers every inch and forms a crunchy crust.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for twenty six to thirty minutes until the top is deeply golden and the dough is puffed up. The kitchen will fill with the scent of baked cinnamon and sugar.

Chill and Serve:

Let the dish cool completely on a wire rack. Once at room temperature, refrigerate for at least three hours. Chilling is essential for clean slicing. Cut into bars just before serving.

My favorite part is the cinnamon sugar topping which crystalizes into a sparkly sweet crust. As a kid, I always begged for the corner pieces where the sugar was thickest and now I sneak a little extra on my slice when I bake these for my own kids.

Storage Tips

Keep churro cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you enjoy a warm treat, a quick ten seconds in the microwave will revive them without losing texture. For longer storage, freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and dust with extra cinnamon sugar if desired.

Ingredient Substitutions

If full-fat cream cheese is unavailable, neufchatel can work but will be slightly less rich. If you do not have crescent dough sheets, the standard perforated variety is fine as long as you press the seams until they are invisible. You can use brown sugar for half the cinnamon sugar for a deeper flavor. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans between layers.

Serving Suggestions

Set the scene by serving these bars slightly chilled with fresh berries for a pop of color and added brightness. A little dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce is always welcome. Sometimes I sprinkle a touch of flaky salt on top for a grown-up finish perfect with hot coffee.

Cultural History

Churros have their roots in Spanish and Latin American traditions, often enjoyed on chilly mornings with hot chocolate. This recipe celebrates the joy of those crunchy treats by marrying their essence with American cheesecake, creating a dessert that bridges beloved favorites from different food cultures.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon for an autumn twist Swirl in a few tablespoons of raspberry jam before the top layer for a summer berry touch Try replacing a few tablespoons of sugar with maple sugar for a cozy winter version

Success Stories

Every bake sale I bring these to, the tray is wiped clean before anything else. Neighbors have asked for the recipe after just one bite. They make a stunning addition to a holiday dessert buffet and always spark conversation about other churro-inspired creations.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the bars as usual and cool completely. Before chilling, cut into individual servings and layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container. They thaw beautifully in the refrigerator so you can have a sweet emergency treat whenever you need one.

Serve chilled for the cleanest slices and best flavor. These churro cheesecake bars are always the first to disappear at any party.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, you can substitute homemade dough for the crescent rolls, just ensure it's rolled thin for even layering and baking.

→ How can I prevent gaps in the base layer?

Press the seams of the dough tightly together when forming each sheet to keep the filling contained and the texture uniform.

→ Can I add toppings or mix-ins?

Absolutely. Fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel make excellent additions when serving.

→ How long should I chill the bars before serving?

Chill the bars for at least three hours to help the layers set and make slicing easier and neater.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage.