Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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Cook Time: 30 minutes

These churro cheesecake bars are rich, decadent, and incredibly simple to make. They make the perfect treat to serve after a meal or alongside a cup of coffee. Heres how you can make them at home:

Churro Cheesecake Bar Ingredients

• cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 (7.5-ounce) packages of brown sugar and cinnamon spreadable cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 2 (8-ounce) packages of refrigerated crescent sheets
• cup salted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons cajeta (Mexican caramel), warmed (optional)

How to Make Churro Cheesecake Bars

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious churro cheesecake bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this sugar mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Place one crescent sheet into the pan, trimming it to fit if necessary.
4. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using) with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent sheet in the pan.
6. Gently place the remaining crescent sheet over the cream cheese layer, pressing down lightly to ensure it sticks.
7. Pour the melted butter evenly over the top layer of crescent dough.
8. Sprinkle the remaining sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered crescent sheet.
9. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and the filling is set.
10. Allow the bars to cool slightly before cutting them into squares. Serve them warm, or refrigerate and serve within 24 hours. If desired, drizzle with warm cajeta before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Test Kitchen Tips

• If you cant find cream cheese spread with brown sugar and cinnamon, substitute two 8-ounce packages of plain cream cheese and beat in cup of packed brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, along with the vanilla and orange zest (if using).
• If you're using perforated crescent rolls instead of crescent sheets, just roll them out and pinch the perforated marks together to form a solid sheet.

How to Store Churro Cheesecake Bars

Store the churro cheesecake bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Churro Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories	167
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	42mg
Sodium	151mg
Total Carbohydrate	13g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	3g
Calcium	29mg
Iron	0mg
Potassium	48mg

Churro Cheesecake Bars are a unique dessert that combines two beloved treats: the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar-coated churro and the smooth, rich texture of cheesecake. This dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a standout at any gathering. The recipe is easy to prepare, and its delightful combination of cinnamon, cream cheese, and buttery crescent dough creates a deliciously decadent treat.

History and Origins of Churros

Churros have a long history in Spain and Latin America. Originally, they were made by shepherds in the mountains of Spain, who would fry dough over an open fire and coat it in sugar and cinnamon for a quick, portable snack. Over time, churros became popular throughout the Spanish-speaking world, including Mexico, where they are often enjoyed as a street food, especially when paired with hot chocolate. The fusion of churros with cheesecake bars is a modern twist on this traditional snack, bringing together the rich flavors of a cheesecake with the familiar cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros.

Regional Differences in Churros

In different regions, churros can vary significantly. In Spain, churros are typically served plain or with a dusting of sugar, and they are often eaten with thick hot chocolate for dipping. In Mexico, churros are frequently served with a variety of fillings or coatings, such as caramel (cajeta), chocolate, or even fruit. The addition of cream cheese filling in the Churro Cheesecake Bars adds a uniquely American influence to the traditional churro recipe, creating a fusion of Mexican and American dessert cultures.

What Makes Churro Cheesecake Bars Different?

Unlike traditional churros, which are deep-fried and often enjoyed hot and fresh, Churro Cheesecake Bars are baked in the oven. The base is made from crescent dough, which is both quick and convenient, and the filling is a combination of cinnamon-sugar cream cheese, giving it a rich, creamy texture. This dessert is served in bar form, making it easy to share and perfect for parties or gatherings. The addition of cinnamon sugar on top of the bars creates a crisp, flavorful finish that mimics the churros exterior crunch, but with the added indulgence of cheesecake filling.

Where Are Churro Cheesecake Bars Typically Served?

Churro Cheesecake Bars are perfect for any occasion where you want to impress guests with a sweet treat. They are particularly popular at gatherings such as birthdays, holiday parties, and family reunions. Due to their convenient bar form, they are easy to serve and share. You might also find them at dessert tables at celebrations, or as a snack served alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The versatility of this dessert makes it suitable for both casual and more formal events.

Interesting Facts About Churros

• The word churro is believed to have originated from the Spanish word for the churra sheep, which has a twisted, spiral-like horn that resembles the shape of the churro dough.
• In Mexico, churros are often enjoyed with hot chocolate or a caramel sauce called cajeta, which is made from goats milk and adds a distinctively rich flavor.
• Churros have been adopted by various cultures worldwide, with each region adding their own variations, such as filled churros in the United States or churro-style donuts in Japan.

Conclusion

Churro Cheesecake Bars offer a unique and indulgent twist on the classic churro, combining the best of both worlds in a single dessert. Whether youre making them for a party or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their easy preparation and delightful cinnamon flavor, they bring the rich tradition of churros to a whole new level, making them an irresistible treat for all dessert lovers.

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