Churro Cheesecake Bars: Easy Cinnamon Sugar Delight!
Churro Cheesecake Bars
Churro Cheesecake Bars. Just the name itself is enough to make my heart sing and instantly transport me back to the vibrant, laughter-filled summer fiestas at my Aunt Elena’s house. I vividly recall the year she first unveiled these at the family potluck – a true showstopper that had everyone gathered around, captivated and trying to decipher the delicious magic she’d conjured. It was an instant hit, a revelation of flavors and textures that perfectly married the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake with the warm, crunchy, cinnamon-sugar bliss of a classic churro.
This Churro Cheesecake Bars has since become an absolute staple in my kitchen, cherished for its impressive taste and surprising ease. If you adore simple, delightful desserts that come together effortlessly, much like our incredibly popular Dump-and-Bake Berry Crumble Bars, then you’re truly in for a treat with these Churro Cheesecake Bars. They’re easy enough to whip up on a weeknight when a craving strikes, yet special enough to be the star dessert at any gathering.
Over the years, I’ve lovingly refined this recipe, discovering a few clever tricks (which, of course, I’m thrilled to share with you!) that elevate it to pure perfection. Much like how our Baked Overnight Oats make busy mornings a breeze with a comforting, baked goodness, these bars offer a similar kind of comforting joy in dessert form. And if you’re a fan of warm, wholesome baked breakfast options, you might also enjoy this Cozy Banana Blueberry Baked Oatmeal from a friend’s blog. Trust me, embarking on this kitchen adventure is an absolute must – get ready to fall in love!
Churro Cheesecake Bars: Easy Cinnamon Sugar Delight!
Course: DessertsCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Easy16
bars20
minutes35
minutes55
minutes (plus chilling time)320
kcalThese Churro Cheesecake Bars are a decadent fusion of creamy cheesecake and crispy, cinnamon-sugar churros, all in one easy-to-make dessert bar. Perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream
For the Churro Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For Garnish (Optional):
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Dulce de Leche or caramel sauce, for drizzling
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- **Make the Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- **Prepare the Filling:** In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and ¾ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- **Make the Churro Topping:** In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. This is your churro crumble!
- **Assemble:** Evenly sprinkle the churro topping mixture over the cream cheese filling.
- **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is only slightly jiggly. The topping should be golden brown and fragrant.
- **Cool:** Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best set.
- **Serve:** Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with dulce de leche or caramel sauce, if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- The Chill Factor: Don’t rush the chilling process! These bars need ample time in the fridge (at least 4 hours, overnight is best!) to properly set and develop that perfect creamy texture. It’s tough, I know, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- A Family Secret: For an extra layer of ‘churro’ flavor, I sometimes like to add a tiny pinch of cardamom to my cinnamon-sugar topping mixture. It adds a warm, subtly exotic note that everyone asks about!
- Make Ahead Magic: These bars are fantastic for making ahead! You can prepare them up to 2-3 days in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to impress whenever you are.
