There is something magical about the smell of cinnamon on a crisp autumn evening. These Churro Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate cozy treat for your family. They combine a crunchy cinnamon crust with a smooth, creamy center. You won’t believe how easy they are to make for your next gathering.
Why These Churro Cheesecake Bars Work
These bars are perfect for busy fall weeknights when you need a quick win. They use simple refrigerated dough to save you so much time. Your kids will love the sweet, sugary crunch on every single bite. It is truly a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks much fancier than it is.
You only need a few basic pantry staples to get started. The contrast between the flaky crust and velvet filling is just wonderful. It feels like a special bakery treat without the high price tag.
Simple Cooking Steps
You just layer the dough and the sweet cream cheese filling. There is no need for a fancy mixer or complicated techniques. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this recipe easily. It comes together quickly so you can focus on your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen right now.
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press into the bottom of the pan, sealing seams.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough base.
- Place the second sheet of crescent roll dough over the cream cheese layer.
- Brush the top layer with melted butter.
- Combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these bars at your next family gathering or school potluck. They look beautiful when cut into neat, golden squares. For a special treat, add a drizzle of warm caramel on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes them extra indulgent for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to five days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain that crispy top layer. You can also freeze these bars for a later date. Simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before you plan to serve them.
Tips for Best Results
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid any lumps in your filling.
- Don’t skip the two-hour chilling time so the bars set perfectly.
- Seal the dough seams well to keep the filling tucked inside.
- For Thanksgiving gatherings, double the batch because they go fast.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to get those clean, professional-looking edges.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add a layer of chocolate chips for a rich twist.
- Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during the holidays.
- Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for a vegan-friendly version.
- Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for a nice crunch.
Common Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are actually better when made a day early. The flavors meld together perfectly while they chill in the fridge. This makes them a great stress-free option for entertaining.
How do I know when they are done?
The top should be a beautiful golden brown color. The edges will look slightly crisp and pulled away from the pan. It usually takes exactly 30 minutes in most ovens.
I hope these sweet bars bring a little extra warmth to your home this season. They are so simple to make and even more fun to share. Happy baking!
— Lidia
Churro Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press into the bottom of the pan, sealing seams.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough base.
- Place the second sheet of crescent roll dough over the cream cheese layer.
- Brush the top layer with melted butter.
- Combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
