What are Churro Cheesecake Bars made of?

These bars are made with layers of crescent roll dough , a creamy cream cheese filling , and a generous cinnamon-sugar topping . The combination mimics the crisp, sweet flavor of a churro while delivering the rich texture of a classic cheesecake. They’re easy to bake, slice, and serve—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes! If you're avoiding processed dough or want a more from-scratch feel, homemade dough works beautifully. Just make sure it's: Rolled thin enough to bake through evenly Buttery enough to create flakiness similar to crescent dough Not too sweet—since the cinnamon sugar will add plenty of flavor

How long do churro cheesecake bars last?

Properly stored, these bars will keep: Up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container Up to 2 months in the freezer (wrap individually in plastic and store in a sealed bag or container) For best texture, enjoy within the first 48 hours . Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator and serve chilled or gently warmed.

Do I have to use eggs in the filling?

Not necessarily. The egg helps the cheesecake set and gives it a firmer texture. However, if you’re avoiding eggs: You can omit the egg and expect a denser, softer center Consider using cornstarch (1 tbsp) or Greek yogurt (¼ cup) as a binding substitute Egg-Free Tip: Let it chill overnight for best structure if skipping the egg.

What Makes Churro Cheesecake Bars Different From Classic Cheesecake?

While traditional cheesecake is often made with a graham cracker crust and baked in a springform pan, churro cheesecake bars flip the script with a flaky crescent dough crust and a cinnamon-sugar topping . They’re baked in a rectangular dish and sliced into squares, making them perfect for sharing at parties or potlucks. Unlike standard cheesecakes, these bars deliver: A cinnamon roll cheesecake vibe, thanks to the buttery cinnamon coating No-fuss prep —no water bath or complex steps required A handheld format with nostalgic flavor in every bite This fusion dessert is ideal for those who want the creamy richness of cheesecake without all the hassle.

Is Churro Cheesecake a Mexican Dessert?

Not exactly. While inspired by Mexican churros and often included in Mexican-American dessert recipes , churro cheesecake bars are more of a Mexican-American fusion than a traditional Mexican dish. Churros themselves originated in Spain and became deeply embedded in Latin American street food culture—especially in Mexico. Cheesecake, on the other hand, has roots in ancient Greece but gained its creamy identity in America. So while the flavors reflect Latin influences, this dessert is a creative hybrid born from culinary innovation in American kitchens .

What’s a Churro, Anyway?

A churro is a deep-fried pastry made from choux or flour-based dough , piped into long ridged strips and fried until crispy. After frying, they’re usually coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche. In this recipe, I take the essence of a churro—cinnamon, sugar, golden brown crust—and bake it into a cheesecake bar format , eliminating the mess and oil of frying while keeping the irresistible flavor.

Why Is It Called “Churro”?

The name “churro” is believed to come from the Churra sheep , a breed raised by Spanish shepherds. The pastry’s ridged shape was thought to resemble the sheep’s horns. The shepherds created churros as a simple bread alternative they could make while out in the mountains, using just basic ingredients and an open fire. This rustic origin eventually evolved into the sweet treat we know today, beloved around the world—from Madrid to Mexico City to Miami .

11 Insanely Addictive Churro Cheesecake Bars You Must Bake Now

Name: 11 Insanely Addictive Churro Cheesecake Bars You Must Bake Now
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Description

These Churro Cheesecake Bars are layered with flaky dough, creamy cheesecake, and a cinnamon-sugar topping—easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment.
Roll out one can of crescent dough and press into the bottom of the pan.
Mix softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the dough evenly.
Layer second crescent dough sheet on top of the filling.
Pour melted butter over the top layer. Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle generously.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion