This churro cheesecake recipe marries the sugary cinnamon essence of churros with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating an irresistible dessert innovation.
Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, the flaky crust encases a tangy cream cheese filling, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavors. A perfect blend of Mexican and American culinary traditions, these churro cheesecake bars are a festive choice for Cinco de Mayo or a delightful surprise for any occasion, promising to steal the spotlight at birthdays or family gatherings with their smooth filling and cinnamon-kissed crust.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and get ready to sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over the crescent dough.
Ingredients
- 2 cans Pillsbury crescent dough sheets
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar mixture
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
Unroll one can of the Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls and pinch the seams to form a single sheet. Lay it on a parchment paper-lined tray.
Step 3: Mix The Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Spread Evenly On Dough
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the cheese layer.
Step 5: Use Second Dough Can
Unroll the second can of dough, placing it over the first layer. Pour melted butter on top and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for about 30 minutes or until light brown and the center is set.
Step 7: Allow to Sit and Refrigerate
Once baked to golden brown perfection, allow the cheesecake to cool on a rack, and then transfer it to the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. This will make the cream cheese layer firm for easier slicing and serving.
Step 8: Serve
When you’re ready to have the cheesecake delight, cut them into bars and serve. You’re guests would have a wonderful time with the delicious churro cheesecake.
Optional Additions/Variations:
For those who crave an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle dulce de leche or chocolate sauce over the bars before serving. If you prefer a fruity twist, top with fresh strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.
For a cooler compliment, a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this treat into an even more decadent dessert. These variations can be adjusted to suit your taste or accommodate dietary restrictions, such as low-fat cream cheese or gluten-free crescent dough alternatives.
Variety is the spice of life, and this churro cheesecake recipe is no exception. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like Greek yogurt, for a tangier taste or add a hint of caramel flavor to the cream cheese layer for a deeper flavor profile.
The essence of this recipe is its adaptability, so do not hesitate to personalize it to your liking.
Cooking Tips:
Chill the cheesecake in the fridge before slicing and serving to ensure your cream cheese layer is perfectly set and easy to slice. This will help you achieve clean cuts for a beautiful presentation.
When mixing your filling, aim for a smooth consistency without lumps; this will make spreading the cream cheese layer easier and result in a more uniform texture. Additionally, mix 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon with your sugar before sprinkling it on the dessert for that classic churro flavor.
For a flawless churro cheesecake experience, timing is key. Keep a watchful eye on your oven; the top crust should be golden brown but not overbaked. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
Allow sufficient cooling time as this dessert sets and develops its flavors as it cools.
Equipment Needed
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife or pizza cutter (for slicing)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
Preparation Time
From start to finish, you'll need approximately 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients. Baking takes about 30 minutes, and you should allow 30 minutes for cooling and setting in the fridge. In total, set aside around 1 hour and 15 minutes to create these mouth-watering churro cheesecake bars that combine cream cheese and cinnamon sugar for a truly special dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Present these churro cheesecake bars on a platter with extra cinnamon sugar for a festive look. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a special occasion, garnish each bar with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a touch of elegance.
Storage Instructions
Leftover churro cheesecake bars should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert option.
To enjoy them at their best, let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving, enhancing their flavor and texture. Remember to sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on the bars before serving for that signature churro touch.
Recipe Notes
This churro cheesecake bar recipe is a delightful twist on the recipe card classic. It's particularly suited for the cooler months when warm spices and comforting texture are most appreciated.
For a quick and easy experience, set aside 15 mins for the dessert to come to room temperature before enjoying it. This step helps in enhancing the flavors, making each bite a perfect blend of tangy and sweet.
Can Churro Cheesecake Bars Be Made in Advance?
Churro cheesecake bars can be made in advance, making them a convenient dessert option for gatherings or busy days. You can prepare these bars up to two days before your event and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This make-ahead feature of the churro cheesecake bar recipe ensures the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Can I use the already made-up cream cheese filling?
Utilizing already-made cream cheese filling can save time and simplify making churro cheesecake bars. This approach allows you to focus on assembling the dessert without mixing your cheesecake filling from scratch. Just ensure the premade filling is of good quality to maintain the deliciousness of your dessert.
Can I freeze these churro cheesecake bars for later?
Freezing churro cheesecake bars for later use is an option. After allowing them to cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
How do I know when the churro cheesecake is done?
To determine if the churro cheesecake is done, look for the edges to be set while the center should still have a slight jiggle to it. This indicates that the cheesecake is cooked through but remains creamy. Inserting a toothpick near the center that comes out clean can also be a good test. Avoid overbaking to ensure the dessert retains its optimal texture.
Sweet Fusion Delight: Churro Cheesecake with a Cinnamon Twist Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife or pizza cutter (for slicing)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
Ingredients
- 2 cans Pillsbury crescent dough sheets
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar mixture
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet
- Unroll one can of the Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls and pinch the seams to form a single sheet. Lay it on a parchment paper-lined tray.
Step 3: Mix The Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Spread Evenly On Dough
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the cheese layer.
Step 5: Use Second Dough Can
- Unroll the second can of dough, placing it over the first layer. Pour melted butter on top and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until light brown and the center is set.
Step 7: Allow to Sit and Refrigerate
- Once baked to golden brown perfection, allow the cheesecake to cool on a rack, and then transfer it to the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. This will make the cream cheese layer firm for easier slicing and serving.
Step 8: Serve
- When you’re ready to have the cheesecake delight, cut them into bars and serve. You’re guests would have a wonderful time with the delicious churro cheesecake.
Notes
- This churro cheesecake bar recipe is a delightful twist on the recipe card classic. It's particularly suited for the cooler months when warm spices and comforting texture are most appreciated.
- For a quick and easy experience, set aside 15 mins for the dessert to come to room temperature before enjoying it. This step helps in enhancing the flavors, making each bite a perfect blend of tangy and sweet.
Leave a Reply