Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

Let me tell you about these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars—they’re the ultimate combination of creamy, sweet, and just the right amount of spice. Imagine your favorite cinnamon churros—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—being transformed into a decadent cheesecake bar. Every bite has a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crunch on top, followed by a smooth, tangy cheesecake layer that will have you coming back for more. Trust me, if you love cinnamon sugar and cheesecake, this treat is a game-changer. You’re going to fall in love with this one!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

These bars bring together the best of both worlds: the warm, comforting flavor of churros and the creamy, indulgent texture of cheesecake. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

Sweet and Spicy Perfection:

The cinnamon-sugar topping gives you that classic churro flavor, while the cheesecake layer brings a rich, tangy balance that’s totally irresistible.

Easy to Make:

Unlike traditional churros, these bars don’t require frying, which means less mess and more time to enjoy the goodness. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that’s beginner-friendly!

Party-Ready:

These bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings, and they look so impressive that your guests will think you spent hours on them (even though you didn’t!).

Comforting and Decadent:

The combination of creamy cheesecake with the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping is the definition of comfort food. It’s like dessert heaven in every bite.

Kid-Friendly:

With its sweet flavor and fun, cinnamon-y taste, this is a treat that kids (and adults) will absolutely love.

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you’ll need to create these heavenly bars:

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• Cream Cheese: The key to making this cheesecake filling super creamy and luscious. It gives the bars that rich, tangy flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens up the cheesecake layer and adds to the richness.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the cheesecake filling together and giving it that smooth, custardy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla brings warmth and enhances the other flavors in the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess to the filling and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• Granulated Sugar: The base for your cinnamon-sugar topping. It adds sweetness and a nice crunchy texture when baked.
• Ground Cinnamon: The spice that gives these bars that signature churro flavor. It’s essential for making the topping extra flavorful.
• Butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar topping melt perfectly into the bars and gives it that irresistible golden crunch.

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic crust that provides a slight crunch and a buttery flavor. It’s the perfect base for this cheesecake.
• Butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs together and helps the crust hold its shape when baked.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust that complements the creamy filling.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to make these irresistible bars? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden, then remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake Bars

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. If the center still jiggles slightly, that’s okay—it’ll set as it cools.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

While the cheesecake bars are baking, melt the butter for the topping. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Once the cheesecake bars come out of the oven, immediately brush the melted butter over the top and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the bars.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled to room temperature, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to firm up the cheesecake layer. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 1 hour cooling time

How to Serve Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to take them to the next level:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream:

A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top makes this dessert even more indulgent. The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon-sugar topping.

With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce:

For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the bars just before serving. It adds a rich, buttery flavor that complements the cinnamon filling.

With a Cup of Coffee:

These cheesecake bars are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them the ideal treat for brunch or afternoon tea.

As a Party Dessert:

These bars are easy to serve at parties or gatherings. Just slice them into squares, plate them beautifully, and watch them disappear.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead:

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, they taste even better after a day or two as the flavors continue to meld together.

Freeze for Later:

You can freeze these cheesecake bars for up to a month. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Use a Springform Pan:

If you prefer, you can make these in a 9-inch springform pan. Just keep in mind the baking time may vary slightly.

Add a Drizzle of Chocolate:

If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an added layer of richness and flavor.

Adjust the Cinnamon:

If you love cinnamon, feel free to add a little more to the topping to suit your taste. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon inside the cheesecake filling for an extra cinnamon punch!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different crust instead of graham cracker crumbs?
A1: Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla cookies, Nilla wafers, or even oatmeal cookies for a unique twist.

Q2: How long do these cheesecake bars need to chill?
A2: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to let the cheesecake layer set properly.

Q3: Can I use light cream cheese for this recipe?
A3: Yes, you can use light cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different. The bars will still be delicious, just a little less rich.

Q4: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A4: Yes! You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crust to make these bars gluten-free.

Q5: How can I make these bars less sweet?
A5: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling and cinnamon-sugar topping to suit your taste.

Q6: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A6: Absolutely! You can use a store-bought graham cracker crust or any pre-made crust you prefer to save time.

Q7: How should I store these bars?
A7: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q8: Can I freeze these bars?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to a month. Just make sure they are well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container.

Q9: Can I make the cheesecake layer dairy-free?
A9: Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese and coconut milk-based sour cream.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the bars?
A10: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition to the graham cracker crust or sprinkled on top.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are a dreamy treat that combines all the best flavors of churros and cheesecake in one irresistible dessert. With a cinnamon-sugar topping, a creamy cheesecake center, and a buttery graham cracker crust, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re entertaining guests, hosting a party, or just indulging in something sweet. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe box!

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