Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars

If you love the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin pie, the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, and the irresistible crunch of churros, get ready—this dessert is about to steal your heart. These Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall treat, combining rich pumpkin cheesecake with a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re the kind of dessert that disappears fast at gatherings, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a second batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving these bars at a holiday dinner, a cozy weekend brunch, or just as a personal treat, they’re guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness.

Perfect for Fall:

With warm cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and a creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, these bars taste like autumn in every bite.

Easy to Make:

No need for complicated steps—this recipe is beginner-friendly while delivering bakery-level results.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Pumpkin lovers, cheesecake lovers, and churro lovers all unite over this dessert!

Great for Make-Ahead:

These bars taste even better after chilling, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Customizable:

Adjust the spice levels, swap in different toppings, or even drizzle with caramel for an extra treat.

Ingredients

These bars come together with simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

Crescent Roll Dough:

Forms the golden, flaky crust and top layer.

Pumpkin Puree:

Brings rich, earthy sweetness and that classic fall flavor.

Cream Cheese:

Creates a smooth, luscious cheesecake filling.

Granulated Sugar:

Used in both the cheesecake layer and the churro-inspired cinnamon-sugar topping.

Brown Sugar:

Adds a hint of caramel-like depth to the cheesecake filling.

Cinnamon:

The star of the churro topping, giving that signature warmth and spice.

Pumpkin Pie Spice:

A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for an extra boost of cozy flavor.

Vanilla Extract:

Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the cheesecake layer.

Egg:

Helps bind the cheesecake filling for a creamy, set texture.

Butter:

Melted and brushed over the top for a rich, golden finish.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these irresistible Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars:

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.

Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the bottom.

Layer the First Dough Sheet:

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Bars:

Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the bottom crescent dough layer.

Add the Top Layer:

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cheesecake layer.

Brush with Butter:

Melt butter and brush it over the top of the dough.

Sprinkle the Cinnamon-Sugar:

Generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.

Cool and Chill:

Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set.

Slice and Enjoy:

Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy the perfect blend of pumpkin, cheesecake, and churro goodness!

How to Serve Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars

These bars are a treat on their own, but you can elevate them even further with these serving ideas:

Drizzle with Caramel:

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes these bars to the next level.

Top with Whipped Cream:

A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds an extra creamy contrast.

Dust with Powdered Sugar:

For a pretty, bakery-style presentation, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving.

Pair with Coffee or Tea:

The warm spices and creamy cheesecake go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea.

Serve Chilled or Slightly Warm:

Enjoy them straight from the fridge for a firm texture or warm them slightly for a softer, gooier experience.

Additional Tips

Want to make sure your Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars turn out perfect? Here are some expert tips:

Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese:

For the richest, creamiest cheesecake filling, go for full-fat cream cheese instead of reduced-fat.

Let the Bars Chill Completely:

This allows the cheesecake layer to fully set, making slicing much easier.

Don’t Overbake:

The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to be completely solid in the oven.

Make Them Ahead:

These bars taste even better the next day, so feel free to prepare them in advance.

Freeze for Later:

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade crescent dough?

A1: Yes! If you prefer, you can use a homemade pastry dough instead of store-bought crescent rolls.

Q2: Can I make these without pumpkin?

A2: Absolutely! Simply omit the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a classic churro cheesecake version.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I freeze these bars?

A4: Yes! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

A5: Of course! Chopped pecans or chocolate chips make delicious mix-ins.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat them?

A6: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.

Q7: Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?

A7: Yes! Try using brown sugar instead of granulated for a deeper caramelized flavor.

Q8: Can I make these bars gluten-free?

A8: Yes, just use gluten-free crescent dough or homemade gluten-free pastry.

Q9: What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

A9: Use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Q10: Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

A10: Yes, since they contain cream cheese, they should be stored in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Churro Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate cozy, indulgent dessert—crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and bursting with warm fall flavors. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know what you think!

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