If you’re searching for a dessert that brings together the irresistible flavors of cinnamon, cream cheese, and a hint of sweetness, then look no further than these delightful Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars! Imagine the perfect amount of crispy, cinnamon-sugar topping that beautifully contrasts with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling sandwiched between flaky layers of crescent roll dough. This delicious treat is not only easy to make but also sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. The way the creamy cheesecake filling melds with the cinnamon-sugar crust creates an explosion of flavor in every square, making these bars an instant favorite for gatherings or an indulgent weeknight dessert.
The appeal of Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars lies not only in their mouthwatering flavors but also in their simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time. Whether you serve these bars at a party or save them for a quiet night in, they’re bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. And with vegetarian-friendly ingredients, they cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Irresistible Flavor: A sweet and creamy filling combines with crunchy cinnamon goodness.
- Easy Preparation: Using crescent roll dough makes this recipe quick and approachable.
- Rich Texture: The creamy cheesecake perfectly complements the crunchy topping.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Simple ingredients that can be enjoyed by everyone.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a gathering, party, or a cozy night in, these bars are a hit!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the recipe for these scrumptious Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown. For this recipe, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish that is either coated with non-stick cooking spray or lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Having both options prepared will give you a hassle-free experience once your dessert is ready to be removed.
For mixing the cheesecake filling, an electric mixer is ideal, but you can use a sturdy whisk if you prefer a workout! Make sure to have measuring cups and spoons handy and keep your butter melted before you begin. Since the bars involve layered dough and filling, an offset spatula or a rubber spatula is helpful for spreading and smoothing out the creamy layer. Finally, remember a wire rack for cooling, so your dessert can reach optimal chilliness before serving.

Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step in achieving that perfect golden crust on your bars. While the oven heats, spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, lining it with parchment paper for easy release. Ensure that the parchment overhangs slightly on the sides; this will be your handle to lift the bars out later without fuss.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base
Once your baking dish is ready, unroll the first can of crescent dough directly into the dish. Use your fingers to gently stretch and press the dough, ensuring it covers the bottom completely. Take care to pinch any perforations closed; this ensures that your creamy filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it reaches a smooth consistency, which should take about two minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the cream cheese evenly. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and the vanilla extract, continuing to mix for an additional minute until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The texture should be creamy with no lumps, so take your time with this step!
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Using a spoon, drop dollops of your cheesecake filling over the base layer of dough. With an offset spatula, gently spread the filling evenly across the dough, leaving about a 1/4 inch border around the edges to prevent any overflow during baking. This border is key to maintaining neat layers in your bars.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer of Dough
Unroll the second can of crescent dough onto a clean work surface. Carefully peel it off and transfer it over the cheesecake filling layer. Gently stretch it to ensure complete coverage. Press the edges lightly with your fingers to help it adhere to the base layer.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Brush the top layer of dough generously with the melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the cinnamon until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttery surface, creating that irresistible churro-like topping.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes. Your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars should turn golden brown on top, and a gentle jiggle in the middle will indicate they are ready. After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour. This cooling period is important to set the filling.
Step 8: Chill Before Serving
Once your bars have cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps them slice cleanly into squares. After chilling, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Variations
- Protein: Incorporate cooked, crumbled bacon or flavored nuts for an added crunch and savory contrast.
- Vegetables: For a twist, consider adding finely grated zucchini or carrot to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle texture and moisture.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or even a hint of cayenne for a spicy kick in your cinnamon-sugar topping.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is well softened to achieve a smooth filling.
- Allow the bars ample time to cool and chill; this significantly enhances their flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these bars as a stand-alone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Pair with a light drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the cheesecake mix.
- Store the bars in an airtight container, and they can last in the refrigerator for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28-32 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including cooling and chilling time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 180 per bar (based on 24 servings)
- Protein: 2.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of dough for this recipe?
Definitely! If you’d like a different flavor profile, you can try puff pastry or even homemade pastry dough, though baking times might vary.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
Look for that golden brown top, and the center should only jiggle slightly when shaken; over baking can lead to a dry texture.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Yes! After they have cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they can be frozen for up to three months.
Can I add chocolate to the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! You can melt some chocolate and fold it into the cheesecake mixture before spreading it onto the dough for a rich chocolate twist.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of flavors and textures to satisfy any sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Their delicious, comforting taste is reminiscent of popular churro flavors combined with creamy cheesecake goodness. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and additions to make this recipe your own! We invite you to make them for your next event, share your thoughts, or tell us your favorite variations in the comments below. Happy baking!
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Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Experience the delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and cinnamon-sugar topped crescents.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step in achieving that perfect golden crust on your bars. While the oven heats, spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, lining it with parchment paper for easy release. Ensure that the parchment overhangs slightly on the sides; this will be your handle to lift the bars out later without fuss.
- Once your baking dish is ready, unroll the first can of crescent dough directly into the dish. Use your fingers to gently stretch and press the dough, ensuring it covers the bottom completely. Take care to pinch any perforations closed; this ensures that your creamy filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it reaches a smooth consistency, which should take about two minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the cream cheese evenly. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and the vanilla extract, continuing to mix for an additional minute until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The texture should be creamy with no lumps, so take your time with this step!
- Using a spoon, drop dollops of your cheesecake filling over the base layer of dough. With an offset spatula, gently spread the filling evenly across the dough, leaving about a 1/4 inch border around the edges to prevent any overflow during baking. This border is key to maintaining neat layers in your bars.
- Unroll the second can of crescent dough onto a clean work surface. Carefully peel it off and transfer it over the cheesecake filling layer. Gently stretch it to ensure complete coverage. Press the edges lightly with your fingers to help it adhere to the base layer.
- Brush the top layer of dough generously with the melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the cinnamon until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttery surface, creating that irresistible churro-like topping.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes. Your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars should turn golden brown on top, and a gentle jiggle in the middle will indicate they are ready. After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about an hour. This cooling period is important to set the filling.
- Once your bars have cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps them slice cleanly into squares. After chilling, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the cheesecake mix. Store the bars in an airtight container, and they can last in the refrigerator for up to a week (if they last that long!).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28-32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 2.5 g