Description
Imagine the magic of crispy churros meeting creamy cheesecake — these Churro Cheesecake Bars are a dream come true!
Golden, buttery layers sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and filled with luscious cream cheese… every bite is pure happiness!
Ingredients:
2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
(5 minutes)
Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. (2 minutes)
First layer: Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish. (3 minutes)
Make the filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. (4 minutes)
Spread the mixture evenly over the crescent layer. (2 minutes)
Top it off: Unroll the second can of dough and gently place it over the cream cheese layer. (2 minutes)
Cinnamon magic: Mix the remaining ½ cup sugar with cinnamon, then sprinkle over the top. Pour melted butter evenly across the surface. (3 minutes)
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. (30 minutes)
Cool completely before cutting into bars for the perfect texture. (30 minutes)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
#ChurroCheesecakeBars #CinnamonDelight #SweetTreats #DessertGoals
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars every time. After preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), thoroughly grease your 9×13-inch pan. Unroll the first can of crescent dough, pressing it firmly into the bottom to seal any perforations and create a solid base. For the filling, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Beat it with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until completely smooth. Spread this evenly over the dough layer using an offset spatula. Carefully unroll the second can of dough on a flat surface before lifting and placing it over the filling to prevent tearing. For the topping, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon, then sprinkle it uniformly. Drizzle the melted butter slowly to cover the entire surface. Bake on the center rack for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown. Crucially, let the pan cool completely on a wire rack—this sets the layers and ensures clean cuts.
Serving Suggestions
These decadent bars are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them further. Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a drizzle, consider caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or dulce de leche. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds visual appeal. They pair wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
How-to Summary
In brief: Press one can of crescent dough into a greased pan. Top with a smooth blend of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Cover with the second can of dough. Sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mix, drizzle with melted butter, and bake at 350°F until golden. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, they are an excellent make-ahead dessert. Bake, cool completely, and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and intensify.
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned crescent rolls? Absolutely. A simple sheet of homemade or store-bought puff pastry can be used, though baking time may vary slightly.
Why did my cream cheese filling turn out lumpy? This is almost always because the cream cheese was too cold. Ensure it is softened at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing.
How do I get clean, sharp cuts on the bars? Use a very sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between each cut. For the cleanest slices, chill the entire pan in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting.
Can I freeze Churro Cheesecake Bars? They freeze very well. Individually wrap cooled bars in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not cooling completely: Cutting while warm causes the filling to ooze and results in messy bars.
- Under-mixing the filling: Beat the cream cheese mixture until no lumps remain for a silky texture.
- Uneven butter drizzle: Pour the melted butter slowly in a zig-zag pattern to ensure every bit of the top gets coated for maximum crispness.
- Overbaking: The bars are done when the top is a consistent golden brown. Overbaking can dry out the crescent layers.
- Using cold cream cheese: This is the primary cause of a grainy, uneven filling texture.
Conclusion
These Churro Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fusion dessert, combining beloved textures and flavors into one irresistible treat. With a crispy, cinnamon-sugar top, a creamy cheesecake center, and a buttery crust, they are surprisingly simple to create. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you’re guaranteed a stunning dessert that will impress at any gathering. Whether served plain or dressed up with your favorite toppings, each bar delivers a perfect bite of sweet, spiced joy.