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Crispy Caramel Swirl Churro Cheesecake Bars

churro cheesecake bars - featured image
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These easy dessert bars feature a crispy churro-inspired cinnamon sugar crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and gooey caramel swirls. Perfect for potlucks, brunch, or any sweet craving, they’re quick to make and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent dough or puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup canned dulce de leche or thick caramel sauce
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
  • Extra cinnamon sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Drizzle of caramel sauce for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Unroll one can of crescent dough or puff pastry and press evenly into the bottom of the pan, pinching seams closed. Trim if needed. Brush with half the melted butter, then sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2/3 cup sugar and beat for 1 minute. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Beat just until combined and creamy.
  5. Pour cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly. Tap pan lightly to remove air bubbles.
  6. Dollop spoonfuls of caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. Swirl gently with a butter knife for a marbled effect. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.
  7. Unroll the second can of dough and lay over the cheesecake layer. Brush with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
  8. Bake for 32-38 minutes, until top is golden, edges are crispy, and center barely jiggles. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Cool in pan for at least 1 hour, then chill in fridge for 2 hours for clean slices.
  10. Lift bars out using parchment, slice into squares, and garnish with extra cinnamon sugar or caramel drizzle if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and eggs. Chill bars before slicing for neat squares. Swap in gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients as needed. Bars can be made ahead and taste even better the next day. Store in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: churro cheesecake bars, caramel swirl, easy dessert, cinnamon sugar, potluck, brunch, cheesecake bars, Mexican dessert, sweet treat

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-caramel-swirl-churro-cheesecake-bars-easy-dessert-recipe-for-sweet-lovers/