Name: Churro Cheesecake Bars: Delicious & Festiv
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 packages crescent roll dough (8 oz each, refrigerated); 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; Caramel sauce drizzle; Chocolate ganache; Whipped cream; Powdered sugar dusting; Cream cheese: Full-fat is best for a creamy, rich filling.; Crescent dough: You can use crescent sheets or pinch together perforated dough.; Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar topping adhere and creates that churro crunch.

Looking for a dessert that’s bold, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness? These Churro Cheesecake Bars are your dream come true. They combine the creamy decadence of classic cheesecake with the crispy, cinnamon-dusted delight of churros—all in one irresistible bar. Whether you’re hosting a party, baking for a holiday spread, or simply treating yourself, this easy recipe delivers flavor and flair with every bite.

From the flaky crescent dough crust to the rich cheesecake center and the sweet cinnamon sugar topping, these bars are pure magic. You’ll love how simple they are to throw together, and your guests will be begging for seconds.

What Are Churro Cheesecake Bars?

Churro Cheesecake Bars are a decadent layered dessert made with crescent roll dough, a rich cheesecake filling, and a cinnamon sugar coating inspired by traditional churros. Think of them as the perfect mashup between a churro and a cheesecake—all the warm spices and crunch of a churro paired with a silky-smooth, tangy cream cheese center.

These bars are baked in a single pan, cut into squares, and typically served warm or chilled. They’re chewy, creamy, crispy, and sweet—all at once.

The idea behind these bars is simple but brilliant: take store-bought dough, layer in a velvety filling, and finish with a churro-style topping. The result is a quick and easy dessert that tastes like it took hours.

Why You’ll Love This Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

There are so many reasons these bars have become a fan-favorite dessert:

Quick and easy: Minimal prep and only a few ingredients.
Uses store-bought dough: No need to make pastry from scratch.
Perfect texture combo: Crispy top, soft cheesecake middle, flaky crust.
Crowd-pleasing: Great for potlucks, parties, bake sales, or holidays.
Make-ahead friendly: These bars are just as good the next day.

If you’re a fan of both churros and cheesecake, this dessert was made for you.

Ingredients for Churro Cheesecake Bars

Here’s everything you need to make a batch of delicious churro cheesecake bars:

2 packages crescent roll dough (8 oz each, refrigerated)
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings:

Caramel sauce drizzle
Chocolate ganache
Whipped cream
Powdered sugar dusting

Ingredient Notes:

Cream cheese: Full-fat is best for a creamy, rich filling.
Crescent dough: You can use crescent sheets or pinch together perforated dough.
Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar topping adhere and creates that churro crunch.

Essential Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this recipe seamless and mess-free, have the following on hand:

9×13-inch baking dish
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Pastry brush (for melted butter)
Sharp knife (for clean cutting)

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Lay the Dough

Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust. Press seams together if using perforated dough.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the cheesecake mixture over the dough in the pan.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer

Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully lay it over the cream cheese layer. Gently stretch it to the edges and press down lightly.

Step 5: Add Churro Topping

Mix the remaining ¼ cup of sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the top layer of dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. The center should be set but soft.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. They will set more as they cool. For clean cuts, chill them before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Churro Cheesecake Bars Every Time

Use room-temperature cream cheese: This ensures a lump-free filling.
Don’t skip the butter: It creates that signature churro crust on top.
Chill before slicing: If you want perfectly square bars, cool completely or refrigerate first.
Use crescent sheets if available: They’re easier to handle and don’t require sealing seams.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Churro Cheesecake Bars

Using cold cream cheese – Leads to a lumpy filling. Let it soften fully first.
Overbaking – The bars should be set but not dry. Check at 30 minutes.
Not sealing the dough – This can cause filling leakage during baking.
Skipping parchment paper – Makes removing and cutting bars easier, especially when chilled.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

These bars are showstoppers on their own, but here are some ways to elevate the presentation:

Drizzle with warm caramel or chocolate sauce.
Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Cut into small squares for a bite-sized dessert platter.

Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, brunch tables, or holiday dessert spreads.

Storage and Leftovers: How to Keep Bars Fresh

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Let come to room temp before serving, or enjoy cold.

Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating: Microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds to warm them slightly without melting the cheesecake layer.

Churro Cheesecake Bar Variations to Try

Want to make them your own? Here are some flavorful twists:

Caramel swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer before adding the top crust.
Pumpkin churro bars: Mix ½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese filling.
Chocolate chip cheesecake: Fold mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling.
Apple pie churro bars: Add a thin layer of apple pie filling over the cheesecake before the top crust.

These variations make your Churro Cheesecake Bars even more festive and fun!

Perfect Pairings for Churro Cheesecake Bars

Complement this sweet treat with a refreshing or creamy beverage:

Iced coffee or café con leche
Mexican hot chocolate with cinnamon
Chilled horchata
Strawberry or mango agua fresca
Vanilla almond milk

You can also serve alongside fresh fruit, churro cupcakes, or mini flan for a full dessert buffet.

Make-Ahead and Party Tips

Bake the day before: Churro cheesecake bars are even better the next day after chilling.
Slice just before serving: Prevents drying out and keeps presentation fresh.
Transport tip: Leave them in the baking dish with a tight-fitting lid for easy travel.
Double the batch: Easily made in a larger pan (11×15) for big gatherings.

Great for birthdays, potlucks, showers, or any time you need a dessert that wows!

FAQs About Churro Cheesecake Bars

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free crescent dough if available and ensure all ingredients are certified GF.

What if I don’t have crescent dough?
Try using puff pastry sheets (thawed) or make a simple pie dough as a substitute.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Make sure your bottom layer of dough is flat and pressed evenly. Pre-baking for 5 minutes can help, but it’s usually not necessary.

Can I serve these warm?
Absolutely! They’re delicious warm, room temp, or chilled.

Final Thoughts on These Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Bars

Whether you’re a lifelong churro fan or just love a good cheesecake, these Churro Cheesecake Bars offer the best of both worlds. They’re quick, easy, and dangerously delicious. Perfect for any celebration—or just because—it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

The crispy cinnamon sugar topping, rich and creamy filling, and buttery crust come together in the ultimate dessert bar experience. Trust us: once you try these, you’ll want to make a double batch every time.