Simple Churro Cheesecake for Parties

If there’s one dessert that never fails to impress a crowd, it’s this Simple Churro Cheesecake. I’ve made it more times than I can count—potlucks, holiday get-togethers, birthday parties—you name it. It’s the kind of dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours making it, but it actually comes together in under an hour (plus a bit of chilling). And trust me, once you try that crispy cinnamon-sugar top with the creamy cheesecake center, you’ll understand why it disappears so fast!

I remember the first time I brought these bars to a family barbecue. I didn’t even get a chance to grab one before the tray was empty! That’s when I knew I had to keep this recipe in rotation. It’s the ultimate mash-up of churros and cheesecake—a flaky, buttery base, smooth vanilla cream cheese filling, and a golden, crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that tastes just like your favorite carnival treat.

Whether you’re a baking pro or a total beginner, this recipe is as simple as it gets. Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love These Churro Cheesecake Bars

This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons:

• Quick and easy – Just 15 minutes of prep and the oven does the rest.

• Crowd-pleaser – Sweet, creamy, and crispy in every bite.

• Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for prepping the night before a party.

• Minimal ingredients – You probably already have most of these in your kitchen!

Now, let’s get to baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this decadent dessert:

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

STEPS: How to Make Simple Churro Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter. This will keep the bars from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

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Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This simple mix is going to give your bars that classic churro flavor on top. Set it aside—you’ll need it later.

Step 3: Create the Bottom Crust

Open one can of crescent dough and unroll it onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers to gently press it out into an even layer, sealing the seams as you go. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just make sure there are no large gaps.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining ½ cup of sugar and the vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and lump-free. It should look silky and spreadable—like a thick frosting.

Step 5: Spread the Filling

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough in the baking dish. A rubber spatula works great here to get everything nice and even. Try to keep it level so each bite has the same creamy goodness.

Alright, now that we’ve built that dreamy cream cheese layer, it’s time to finish assembling and bake these irresistible churro cheesecake bars. This next part is where all the magic happens—flaky dough, buttery topping, and that warm cinnamon-sugar crunch that makes it feel like you’re biting into a freshly made churro… only better, because there’s cheesecake involved.

If you’ve followed along so far, you’re already halfway to dessert heaven. Let’s keep it going!

STEPS: Final Assembly and Baking

Step 6: Add the Top Layer of Dough

Grab your second can of crescent roll dough and unroll it carefully over the cream cheese layer. Try to line it up as evenly as possible with the bottom layer, pressing gently to create a smooth, sealed surface. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the cinnamon-sugar topping will cover any small flaws.

Pro Tip: If the dough feels a little sticky or hard to handle, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes before unrolling. Cooler dough is much easier to work with.

Step 7: Pour on the Melted Butter

Next, take that melted butter and pour it evenly over the top layer of dough. Make sure it’s completely covered—this is what helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and gives you that crispy, golden finish.

Step 8: Sprinkle the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

Now grab that cinnamon-sugar mixture you set aside earlier and sprinkle it generously over the buttery top layer. Don’t skimp here—the more coverage, the more that churro-like crunch will shine through once it’s baked.

You’ll want to make sure the entire surface is coated from edge to edge. It’s going to caramelize just slightly in the oven and give the bars that irresistible sweet crust.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top that’s slightly crisp to the touch.

When it’s done, the edges will be bubbly and the top should look beautifully golden with that cinnamon sugar baked right in. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 30–40 minutes.

Cooling and Chilling Tips for Perfect Squares

Now, I know it’s tempting to dig in right away. The smell alone is enough to test anyone’s patience. But for clean, pretty squares that hold their shape, you’ll want to chill the bars in the fridge for at least an hour. Longer is even better.

Not only does chilling help the cream cheese filling set up nicely, but it also makes slicing so much easier.

Tip: For clean, bakery-style cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe it between slices for neat edges.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Once chilled, go ahead and slice into squares. You’ll get 12 generous bars out of this recipe, but you can make smaller pieces if you’re feeding a bigger crowd.

Here are a few fun ways to change things up if you want to put your own spin on it:

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts between the cream cheese and top dough layer for added texture.

• Chocolate Drizzle: After baking and chilling, drizzle with melted chocolate or serve with a side of chocolate sauce.

• Mini Versions: Use a muffin tin and cut the dough to fit each cup for bite-sized churro cheesecake bites—perfect for party trays.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. You can easily make it a day in advance, which is perfect for party prep or busy holidays.

To store: Keep the bars covered in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4-5 days—if they last that long!

To freeze: Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.