Why You’ll Love these Sweet Churro Cheesecake Bars
If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, and cinnamon-sweet in every bite, these Churro Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new obsession.
I can’t get enough of how the flaky crescent roll layers transform into that authentic churro texture while sandwiching a decadent cream cheese filling.
What makes these bars truly irresistible? They’re ridiculously simple to make with store-bought ingredients, yet taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The warm cinnamon-sugar topping creates that classic churro flavor we all crave, while the cheesecake center adds a luxurious richness.
Perfect for potlucks or family dessert nights.
What Ingredients are in Sweet Churro Cheesecake Bars?
These Churro Cheesecake Bars blend the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a classic churro with rich, creamy cheesecake in one irresistible treat. I love how this recipe transforms simple, store-bought ingredients into something that tastes totally homemade and special.
The combination of flaky crescent roll dough and silky cream cheese filling creates the perfect texture contrast in every bite.
- 2 (8 ounce) cans Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
- 2 (8 ounce) packages Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1 cup sugar (divided into two 1/2 cup portions)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
When shopping for these ingredients, make sure your cream cheese is full-fat for the creamiest texture—trust me, this isn’t the time to go light!
You’ll also want to pull the cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least an hour before baking so it properly softens. Can’t find name-brand ingredients? Don’t worry—store brands work perfectly fine in this recipe.
And if you’re a true cinnamon lover like me, you might want to keep a little extra on hand to sprinkle on individual servings while they’re still warm.
How to Make these Sweet Churro Cheesecake Bars
Making these churro cheesecake bars is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth it.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13×9 baking pan. Open one of the 8-ounce cans of Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls and spread the dough evenly across the bottom of your pan. Make sure to press the perforated edges together to seal them completely—this creates your bottom crust, and nobody wants a leaky cheesecake situation. Trust me on this one.
Now for the dreamy filling. In a mixer, combine your 2 packages of softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese (this is where that hour of softening really pays off), 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 slightly beaten egg, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Beat everything on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well blended, with no lumps in sight.
Spread this velvety cream cheese mixture evenly over your bottom crust. For the top layer, unroll the second can of crescent rolls onto a piece of wax paper cut to the size of your baking pan. Press the seams together just like you did with the bottom layer, then—here’s the slightly tricky part—invert the dough sheet onto the cream cheese layer. This becomes your top crust, creating that perfect churro-like sandwich.
For authentic Asian-inspired desserts, many chefs prefer using a wok cooking system that provides the high, even heat perfect for frying churro-style treats.
Pop your creation into the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. While it’s baking, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
As soon as the bars come out of the oven, sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the warm top. The heat helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the surface, creating that iconic churro coating we all love.
Allow the bars to cool slightly before cutting—though I can never wait that long. These bars can be served warm for a gooey experience or chilled for a more cheesecake-like texture, depending on your mood or the occasion.
For a decadent breakfast alternative, you could make Belgian-style waffles with a high end waffle maker that creates deep pockets for holding extra cinnamon sugar or syrup.
Sweet Churro Cheesecake Bars Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for churro cheesecake bars is absolutely divine, you don’t need to feel constrained by the exact ingredients I’ve listed above.
Feel free to swap in Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version, or try mascarpone for an indulgent twist. Not a fan of crescent rolls? Graham cracker or cookie crusts work beautifully too.
You can even play with flavors—add a touch of orange zest to the filling, or sprinkle chocolate chips between layers. For a grown-up version, consider a splash of rum or coffee liqueur in the cheesecake mixture.
Gluten-free? Look for GF crescent rolls at specialty stores. The cinnamon-sugar topping is non-negotiable, though. That’s where the churro magic happens!
What to Serve with Sweet Churro Cheesecake Bars
Churro cheesecake bars deserve some thoughtful accompaniments to complete your dessert spread.
I love pairing these cinnamon-sugar treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess against the warm spiced bars is simply divine.
For a coffee shop vibe, serve with a shot of espresso or dulce de leche latte.
The bitter coffee cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Fresh berries add a tart contrast, while a drizzle of chocolate sauce takes things to indulgent territory.
For brunch, why not include some Mexican hot chocolate?
The warming spices complement the cinnamon in your bars, creating a cohesive flavor experience.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with this recipe, I’m convinced these churro cheesecake bars represent the perfect marriage between two beloved desserts.
The warm cinnamon-sugar coating delivers that classic churro experience, while the creamy cheesecake filling adds a rich indulgence that’s simply irresistible.
What makes these bars special is their accessibility—store-bought crescent rolls transform into flaky, buttery layers that cradle the velvety filling.
Could there be an easier way to impress guests?
For a savory counterpart to these sweet treats, try a slow-cooked roast prepared with a flavorful blend of wine and herbs for your next family dinner.
For busy mornings after indulging in dessert, consider preparing overnight oats as a nutritious make-ahead breakfast option.
Whenever you’re craving something sweet with a hint of Mexican-inspired flair, these churro cheesecake bars should be your go-to dessert.
Trust me, they’re worth every calorie.
