Oh my goodness, have you ever tried churro cheesecake bars? They’re like a little slice of heaven! Imagine creamy, luscious cheesecake nestled on a buttery crust, all topped off with that irresistible cinnamon sugar goodness we love from churros. I mean, who wouldn’t want that? When I first made these, I was blown away by how simple they are to whip up, yet they taste like a fancy dessert you’d find at a restaurant. Trust me, the combination of flavors is just magic. I remember sharing these with friends at a gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say “churro cheesecake bars.” So, if you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress, you’ve got to give this recipe a try! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs – These will form the base of our delicious bars.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – This adds richness and helps bind the crust.
- 2 tablespoons sugar – A little sweetness to enhance the crust’s flavor.
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened – The main star, bringing that creamy texture we crave!
- 1 cup powdered sugar – This sweetens up the cheesecake filling perfectly.
- 2 large eggs – They help set the cheesecake, giving it that perfect, creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon – The magical spice that gives our bars that churro charm!
- 1/4 cup sugar (for topping) – We’re going to sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mix over the top for a delightful finish.
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps create that perfect, even bake for your churro cheesecake bars. You don’t want to throw your goodies into a cold oven and end up with uneven results!
Prepare the Crust
Next up, let’s make the crust! In a medium bowl, mix together your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and those 2 tablespoons of sugar. You want everything to be well combined, so don’t be shy about getting in there with a fork or your hands! Once it’s all mixed, press this tasty mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s packed down nicely for a sturdy base to hold all that cheesecake goodness.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
Now, it’s time for the star of the show! In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy—trust me, it’s a game-changer! Once that’s nice and fluffy, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a luscious cheesecake filling that’s just begging to be poured over that crust.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over your crust, spreading it out gently with a spatula. Now for the fun part! In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and 1/4 cup of sugar to create that delightful topping. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the cheesecake layer. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle—just perfect!
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This step is key because it helps the cheesecake set up nicely. After it’s cooled, cut into bars and serve them chilled. They’re absolutely divine on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream on top is always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings!
- Easy baking process: With straightforward steps, even beginners can nail this recipe without a hitch.
- Delicious flavor combination: The creamy cheesecake paired with the warm cinnamon sugar crust is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for gatherings: These bars are sure to impress your friends and family at any get-together or potluck.
- Vegetarian-friendly: With no meat or animal products other than dairy, they’re a great option for vegetarians!
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge for a sweet treat whenever you want!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail these churro cheesecake bars! Here are some of my top tips to guarantee you get the best results:
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. If your oven runs hot, check them a few minutes early. You want the edges to be set but the center should still have a slight jiggle when you take them out.
- Let them cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing the bars to cool completely is essential for that perfect texture. They’ll firm up beautifully as they cool!
- Storage is key: Store your leftover churro cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for up to a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
- Chill before serving: These bars are best served chilled, so pop them in the fridge for at least a couple of hours before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully when they have time to chill out!
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can take your bars to the next level. Just be sure to add them right before serving for the best presentation.
- Experiment with flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of orange zest into the cheesecake filling for a unique twist!
With these tips, you’ll be a churro cheesecake bar pro in no time. Enjoy the baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one delicious churro cheesecake bar. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
This tasty treat is definitely a delightful indulgence! Perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in. Enjoy every bite while keeping these numbers in mind!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some common queries about these delicious churro cheesecake bars.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs on hand, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor. Just make sure they’re finely crushed so you can form a nice, sturdy crust!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You’ll know your churro cheesecake bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle to it. It’s okay if it’s a little wobbly because it will firm up as it cools. Just keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking!
Can I freeze churro cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
How should I store leftover bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just remember to let them chill before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping those delicious churro cheesecake bars fresh! To store any leftovers (if there are any, ha!), simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, which is perfect if you want to enjoy them a little bit at a time!
If you’re looking to reheat them, I’ve got a little tip for you: these bars are best enjoyed chilled, so I recommend skipping the microwave. Instead, just take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This way, the flavors will come alive again, and they’ll be ready to enjoy without losing that creamy texture!
But hey, if you really want to warm them up, you can pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a gooey mess. Trust me, they’re so good chilled, you might not even want to heat them!
Print
Churro Cheesecake Bars: 5 Steps to Heaven on a Plate
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro cheesecake bars combine creamy cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
- In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and 1/4 cup sugar.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cheesecake.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in the refrigerator.
- Best served chilled.
- Can be topped with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: churro cheesecake bars, dessert, cheesecake, cinnamon sugar
