Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep and assemble
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray, using a visual check that the pan surface looks evenly coated.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan, pinching seams together to seal so there are no visible gaps.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt using a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes, then stop when the mixture looks lump-free and thick.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer in the pan, smoothing the top so it reaches the corners.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it carefully over the cream cheese layer, gently pressing the seams to seal for full coverage.
Cinnamon-sugar churro topping
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of dough so the entire surface has a light, glossy sheen.
- Mix the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it generously and evenly over the buttered dough.
Bake, cool, and slice
- Bake for 28–32 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until the top is deeply golden brown and the edges are set, with a visible caramelized cinnamon crust.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour, keeping it undisturbed until the center no longer jiggles.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes for cleaner cuts, then chill until the bars feel firm to the touch.
- Slice into 12–16 bars and serve at room temperature or chilled, using a clean cut as the final visual cue.
Notes
Pro tip: fully seal the crescent seams on both layers to prevent the cream cheese from leaking, which helps the center stay thick. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge) for best texture. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese if you want a slightly less rich filling while keeping the churro topping the same.
