Love churros and cheesecake? These no churro cheesecake bars deliver the best of both worlds — creamy vanilla cheesecake layered between crisp, golden cinnamon-sugar crusts, all made without deep frying. This crowd-pleasing dessert captures the flavor of classic churros with a soft, velvety twist that’s easy to prepare and even easier to devour.
Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, or casual sweet cravings, this no-fry churro dessert offers the same warmth and flavor as traditional churros, without the mess or oil. The layers come together quickly using simple ingredients, and chilling does the rest of the work.
Ingredients
This recipe makes 12 to 16 bars depending on serving size.
For the Crust and Topping
- Two cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Half cup granulated sugar
- Two teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Three tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Two packages cream cheese, softened (eight ounces each)
- Three quarters cup granulated sugar
- One large egg
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 30 to 35 minutes
- Chill time: At least 2 hours
- Total time: About 3 hours including chilling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, combine the half cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Set aside for topping and layering.
Step 3: Prepare the Bottom Crust
- Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching seams together to seal.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the dough.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Beat until well combined and creamy, about two minutes.
Step 5: Layer the Filling
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
- Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it gently over the filling, pressing seams to seal.
Step 6: Add Topping and Bake
- Brush the top dough layer with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and the center is set.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for a clean, firm texture, or slightly warmed for a gooey churro-like center.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for added flair.
- Pair with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Cut into bite-sized squares for party platters or dessert boards.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Bar (1 of 16 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Total Fat | 17 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 9 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 25 grams |
| Fiber | 0.5 grams |
| Sugars | 16 grams |
| Sodium | 220 milligrams |
Key Nutritional Notes:
- Cream cheese offers calcium and protein while contributing to the creamy texture.
- Crescent dough delivers a flaky, golden crust with minimal prep.
- Compared to deep-fried churros, this version has significantly less oil and fewer calories per serving.
- Easily adapted to lower sugar or gluten-free diets with suitable substitutions.
Tips for Best Results
- Let the cream cheese fully soften to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow bars to firm up for clean slicing.
- Press seams in the crescent dough firmly to create an even, sealed crust.
- For a richer flavor, substitute brown sugar in the cinnamon sugar mix or add a pinch of nutmeg.
Variations to Try
- Add a layer of dulce de leche or chocolate chips between the cheesecake and top crust.
- Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier finish.
- Stir a teaspoon of espresso powder into the filling for a mocha twist.
- Mix in diced strawberries or blueberries for a fruit-filled version.
No churro cheesecake bars are a perfect fusion of classic dessert flavors — warm cinnamon, crisp pastry, and creamy vanilla cheesecake — all without the need for deep frying. Easy to make, crowd-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is destined to become a go-to favorite for any occasion.