Description
Delight in these Churro Cheesecake Bars featuring a creamy cheesecake layer nestled between cinnamon-sugar coated crescent dough. Inspired by classic churros, these bars combine a crunchy, buttery crust with a rich, smooth cheesecake filling for a delectable treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Two 8-oz packages refrigerated crescent roll dough or sheets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz full fat cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Additional cinnamon sugar for sprinkling after baking
- Honey or caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cinnamon with ½ cup granulated sugar, set aside for crust coating and optional topping.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll and press one package of refrigerated crescent roll dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pinching seams to seal. Brush the dough lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¾ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Layers: Pour and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crescent dough layer.
- Add Top Layer: Gently unroll the second package of crescent dough and place it over the cheesecake filling, trimming if necessary to fit. For neatness, you can pinch the edges of top and bottom dough layers together.
- Finish with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the top dough layer evenly with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into 16 bars. Optionally, drizzle with honey or caramel sauce and sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar for enhanced churro flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Using parchment paper makes removal and cleanup easier.
- Optional toppings like honey or caramel sauce complement the churro flavor wonderfully.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.
