What not to do when making churros ?

When making Simple Churro Cheesecake, don’t deep-fry. This version is baked, not fried, so you get a light, creamy center with a crisp-crust edge. Don’t skip patching the crust. Even small gaps can let the filling seep, making slices messy. Don’t overbeat the filling. Cream cheese should be smooth, not airy or split, or it can crack after baking. Don’t skip chilling. A long chill helps the bars slice neatly and keeps the texture right. Don’t clump the cinnamon sugar on top. Even coverage gives a uniform bite and prevents a patchy finish. Tip: Use ingredients at room temperature and handle the dough and filling gently for best texture.

How unhealthy are churros, and how does this recipe compare?

Traditional churros are fried and sugar-coated, so they’re higher in fat and calories. Simple Churro Cheesecake is baked and portioned into bars, which cuts back on oil and lets you control sweetness. Each bar is about 230–260 calories with 15–20 g sugar and zero trans fat, making it a more balanced option for a dessert spread. If you want it even lighter, try light cream cheese or reduce sugar by a tablespoon or two. It still tastes like a fair treat, just a tad kinder to your day.

How do I make my churros crispy again, and can this apply to these bars?

For real churros, re-crisp them in a hot oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which softens coatings. For Simple Churro Cheesecake bars, refresh texture by warming slices in a 250–300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. A quick brush of melted butter and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar helps regain crisp edges while keeping the creamy center intact. The goal is a warm bite with a slight crackle on top.

Is Simple Churro Cheesecake a good Thanksgiving dessert?

Yes. It fits nicely into Thanksgiving as a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead option. The bars feed a crowd, travel well, and pair with coffee or sparkling cider. If you’re building a table of thanksgiving recipes , this dessert earns a spot with minimal drama and maximum wow.

Simple Churro Cheesecake makes 5 easy delicious bold bites.

Description

Simple Churro Cheesecake: Crunchy cinnamon-sugar meets creamy cheesecake in a crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes just like your favorite fair treat—easy to prep, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans crescent roll dough
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust in an even layer.
Unroll the second can of dough and lay it gently over the filling.
Brush the top with melted butter.
In a small bowl, combine remaining ¼ cup sugar with cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Let cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars. Serve cold or warm.

Notes

Make-ahead dessert: refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours before serving.
Serve cold or gently warm for a softer texture.
Lightly grease the baking dish or line with parchment for easier removal.
This recipe yields 16 bars, perfect for parties or sharing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: Approximately 230-260 per bar
Sugar: Approximately 15-20 g per bar
Sodium: Approximately 180-260 mg
Fat: Approximately 12-18 g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 6-9 g
Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 6-9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-32 g
Fiber: 0-1 g
Protein: Approximately 3-6 g
Cholesterol: Approximately 20-40 mg

Keywords: Simple Churro Cheesecake, churro cheesecake, dessert, crowd-pleaser, easy make-ahead, thanksgiving recipes