Delight in the taste of Churro Cheesecake Bars, a perfect blend of cinnamon, cream cheese, and flaky crescent pastry. Ideal for dessert lovers seeking a quick and easy treat.
Ah, Churro Cheesecake Bars—this recipe brings back such warm, fuzzy memories. Every year, as autumn's chill begins to whisper through the trees, my family gathers for our annual 'Welcome Fall' fiesta. Amidst a flurry of colorful leaves and laughter, these bars have become a tradition, inspired by my grandmother’s love for both churros and cheesecake. Crafting these treats feels like weaving a tapestry of my heritage, blending the bold flavors of a churro with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all wrapped up in an easy-to-share bar. Whether it's a cozy family gathering or a solo afternoon treat with a book, these cheesecake bars add a sprinkle of cinnamon-spiced joy to any moment.
Why You'll Love Churro Cheesecake Bars
- Fusion of Flavors: Combining the classic street-food charm of churros with the sophisticated richness of cheesecake creates a dessert that's both familiar and novel.
- Ease of Preparation: Utilizing refrigerated crescent dough sheets cuts down prep time significantly, making this recipe accessible even on busy weekdays.
- Customizable: With options for adding orange zest and Cajeta, these bars can be tailored to suit a range of palates, from citrusy undertones to a caramel drizzle.
Ingredients Notes
When embarking on the journey to create these Churro Cheesecake Bars, each ingredient plays a pivotal role. Here’s a quick guide:
- Cream Cheese: Opt for brown sugar and cinnamon flavored cream cheese for a richer taste, ensuring it's softened for seamless blending.
- Crescent Sheets: These are a shortcut to a flaky base and topping, providing a perfect texture contrast to the creamy filling.
- Cinnamon and Sugar: This classic combination infuses the dessert with the quintessential churro flavor.
- Optional Enhancements: Orange zest can introduce a refreshing citrus note, while Cajeta adds a luxurious caramel finish.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
How To Make Churro Cheesecake Bars
Let's dive into making your very own Churro Cheesecake Bars:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and the bars come out perfectly.
- Layering Sugar and Cinnamon: Mix your cinnamon and sugar and then create the first layer in your pan. This step sets the stage for that signature churro flavor.
- Creating the Base: Lay down the first sheet of crescent dough, trimming to fit the pan. This forms the sturdy base that will support the creamy filling.
- Mixing the Filling: Beat the cream cheese mixture until smooth and then evenly spread over the base. This creamy layer is where the cheesecake magic happens.
- Adding the Top Layer: Place the second sheet of dough over the filling and top with melted butter, followed by the rest of the sugar mixture. This top layer will bake into a flaky, golden crust infused with sweetness.
- Baking: Bake until golden brown. This is when all the flavors meld together under the heat to create something truly magical.
- Serving: Serve these bars slightly warm or chilled, drizzled with Cajeta for an extra special touch.
Storage Options
After enjoying the initial bliss of your homemade Churro Cheesecake Bars, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. For those who prefer their treats on the cooler side, refrigerating enhances the flavors and texture, making the bars even more decadent. Alternatively, these bars can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month, perfect for future snacking!
Variations and Substitutions
These Churro Cheesecake Bars are wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas:
- Cream Cheese Alternatives: Not a fan of cinnamon cream cheese? Use plain cream cheese and amp up the cinnamon in the sugar mixture.
- Vegan Adaptations: Use vegan cream cheese and crescent dough to cater to plant-based diets.
- Add-ins: Stir in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling for an extra texture and flavor boost.
- Topping Variations: Instead of Cajeta, try drizzling with chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a different sweet finish.
This recipe not only fills the kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and sweetness but also brings a touch of gourmet indulgence to your dessert repertoire!
Churro Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 packages 7.5 ounces each brown sugar and cinnamon spreadable cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest optional
- 2 packages 8 ounces each refrigerated crescent dough sheets
- ¼ cup salted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons warmed cajeta Mexican caramel (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Utilize cooking spray to lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly. Distribute half of this mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Dough Placement: Unroll one sheet of the refrigerated crescent dough and place it in the pan, trimming the edges as necessary to fit.
- Filling Preparation: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer set to medium speed, blend the softened cream cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crescent dough in the pan.
- Second Dough Layer: Carefully place the second sheet of crescent dough over the cream cheese filling. Smooth it gently to cover the filling completely.
- Final Assembly: Pour the melted salted butter evenly over the top crescent sheet. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
- Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow the churro cheesecake bars to cool slightly in the pan. Cut into bars and serve warm, or refrigerate and serve chilled. For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle warmed Cajeta over the bars just before serving.
