Churro Cheesecake Bars

Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the beloved flavors of cinnamon-sugar churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating a mouthwatering treat you won’t be able to resist. These bars are incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion. The result is a dessert that’s sweet, rich, and perfectly satisfying.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients for your Churro Cheesecake Bars. Here’s everything you’ll need for a batch of delicious bars:

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Crust:

• 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough, cut into squares (or use homemade dough)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For Baking:

• 2 tbsp melted butter (to brush the dough)

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfect Churro Cheesecake Bars.

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated. Once it’s nice and creamy, set the cheesecake filling aside.

2. Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface. If you’re using crescent rolls, make sure to press the seams together and cut the dough into squares. You want each piece to be about 3 inches square, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.

3. Layer the Dough and Cheesecake Filling

Place one tablespoon of cheesecake filling in the center of each dough square. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, ensuring that the edges are sealed tightly. If needed, pinch the edges together to keep the cheesecake filling inside.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. This will be the perfect coating for the churro part of the bars. Set it aside for now.

5. Brush with Butter

Before baking, brush each of the stuffed dough squares lightly with melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden finish when they bake and provide that crispy texture on top.

6. Bake the Bars

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the prepared dough squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

7. Coat the Bars in Cinnamon Sugar

Once the churro cheesecake bars are out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute or two. While they’re still warm, roll each bar in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it evenly. This will give them that irresistible churro flavor.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Your Churro Cheesecake Bars are now ready to be served! Arrange them on a platter and enjoy the perfect fusion of cheesecake and churro flavors. They’re ideal for a sweet snack, party treat, or special occasion.

Recipes You’ll Love

• Churro Stuffed Cheesecake Bites
• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

Expert Tips for the Best Churro Cheesecake Bars

To ensure your Churro Cheesecake Bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling, be sure the cream cheese is softened before you start mixing.
• Don’t Overstuff the Bars: Be careful not to add too much cheesecake filling, as this can cause the dough to open up during baking. A tablespoon per square is perfect!
• Seal the Dough Properly: It’s essential to fully seal the dough around the cheesecake filling to prevent any leakage while baking.
• Let the Bars Cool Slightly Before Coating: Allow the bars to cool for a minute before rolling them in cinnamon sugar. This prevents the sugar from melting and gives you that perfect crunchy exterior.

Variations and Customizations

While Churro Cheesecake Bars are already perfect as they are, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

Chocolate Churro Cheesecake Bars

Add a spoonful of chocolate ganache or a few chocolate chips inside the dough along with the cheesecake filling for a gooey, chocolatey surprise.

Nutella Swirl Churro Cheesecake Bars

Mix a bit of Nutella into your cheesecake filling for a hazelnut twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Baked Churro Cheesecake Bars

If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake these bars instead of frying. Just follow the instructions as is but bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp.

FAQs

What is the best way to store Churro Cheesecake Bars?

Store your Churro Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I make Churro Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and cheesecake filling in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake them on the day you plan to serve.

Can I use different dough for Churro Cheesecake Bars?

While crescent roll dough is the easiest and most popular option, you can also use puff pastry or homemade dough for a flakier texture.

Can I freeze Churro Cheesecake Bars?

Yes! Freeze the uncoated bars on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in the oven before rolling them in cinnamon sugar.

Can I bake Churro Cheesecake Bars instead of frying them?

Absolutely! You can bake these bars at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown. This method is less greasy but just as delicious.

What should I serve Churro Cheesecake Bars with?

Churro Cheesecake Bars pair well with a variety of dips, including chocolate sauce, caramel, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

How do I get the cinnamon-sugar coating to stick?

Be sure to coat the bars while they’re still warm, and lightly brush them with butter before rolling in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for the best coverage.