Churro Cheesecake Bars

These Churro Cheesecake Bars are a delicious, decadent treat with a creamy cheesecake center, a buttery crescent dough crust, and a cinnamon-sugar topping that brings all the flavors of a churro to a bar form. Perfect for dessert, these bars are quick to make and sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent dough
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the bottom layer: Press one can of crescent dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring it covers the entire bottom.
3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the bars: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough in the baking dish.
5. Top with dough: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it on top of the cream cheese mixture.
6. Add butter and cinnamon sugar: Pour the melted butter over the top layer of crescent dough and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and bubbly.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool before cutting them into squares and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate sauce over the bars for an extra indulgent touch.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese mixture for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Berries: Top the cheesecake filling with fresh berries or jam before adding the top layer of dough for a fruity twist.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover churro cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm or serve cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different dough?
   Yes, you can use puff pastry or pie dough instead of crescent dough, though the texture will be slightly different.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and serve when ready.
3. What can I use if I don’t have cinnamon sugar?
   You can easily make your own cinnamon sugar by combining 3 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
4. Can I freeze these churro cheesecake bars?
   Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
5. How do I know when they’re done baking?
   The bars should be golden brown and bubbly. You can insert a toothpick in the center to check if it comes out clean, though the filling will be creamy.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry to make these bars gluten-free.
7. Can I reduce the sugar?
   Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the cream cheese mixture or the cinnamon-sugar topping if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
8. Can I add a cream cheese frosting?
   Yes, for an extra creamy finish, add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the baked bars.
9. How thick should I roll the dough?
   The dough should be rolled out as thin as possible while still covering the dish. The thinner the dough, the lighter and flakier the crust will be.
10. Can I add other spices to the cinnamon-sugar?
    Yes, feel free to experiment with nutmeg or cloves for added flavor depth.

Conclusion

Churro Cheesecake Bars are a perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating of a churro. Easy to make and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a simple indulgence!

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