If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars perfectly combine a buttery, cinnamon-speckled graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar that mimics the beloved churro. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug and is incredibly easy to make, lending itself beautifully to any gathering or a special treat for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want to whip up something special, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these cheesecake bars lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each bring their own special touch to the final dessert. From the crisp texture of the graham cracker crust to the creamy richness of the filling and the cozy cinnamon sugar topping, every element is essential for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: The base of our crust, providing a slightly crunchy texture with a sweet, toasty flavor.
- 4 tbsp melted butter: Binds the crust ingredients while adding richness for that irresistible buttery taste.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the crust and helps caramelize it during baking.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and the signature churro flavor to the crust.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling for that ultra-creamy, luscious texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly without overpowering it.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with its sweet, fragrant notes.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure to bring the filling together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup sugar (for topping): Mixed with cinnamon to create that crunchy, sweet churro-like topping.
- 2 tsp cinnamon (for topping): Ensures that distinct churro flavor shines through on top.
How to Make Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. This combination creates a flavorful base with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Once blended, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. Pressing evenly will give you a solid crust foundation to support the creamy cheesecake layer above.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth—softened cream cheese is key for avoiding lumps and ensuring a silky filling. Add in 1 cup sugar and vanilla extract, mixing gently. Then, add the eggs one at a time, blending just until combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your cheesecake bars from cracking or becoming dense.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and carefully spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon generously on top to form the churro-inspired topping. Bake the bars for about 30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Chill and Slice
For the best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the filling set properly, making slicing neat and clean. Once chilled, cut into 12 bars and get ready to enjoy the perfect bite of cinnamon churro heaven.
How to Serve Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top just before serving to enhance the churro vibe. For an added touch, a light drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can make these bars even more decadent. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can brighten the presentation and add a subtle tart contrast.
Side Dishes
These bars are stunning on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the experience. For an afternoon pick-me-up, serve alongside a cup of rich coffee, espresso, or warm chai tea to complement the warm cinnamon flavor notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on decorative trays lined with parchment paper for easy grabbing. You can also layer the bars in a parfait glass with whipped cream and cinnamon-dusted churro pieces for a fun twist. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes an adorable gift or takeaway treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled maintains their creamy texture and prevents the cinnamon sugar topping from becoming soggy. Remember to slice before storing for easy access.
Freezing
These bars freeze exceptionally well! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Although best served cold or at room temperature, you can warm a bar slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer. Warm bars soften the cream cheese filling, creating a gooey, indulgent treat, but be cautious not to overheat and melt the cinnamon sugar topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham cracker crumbs?
Absolutely! You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even cinnamon-flavored cookies to add a twist to the base, adjusting the butter quantity as needed to maintain the right texture.
How do I make sure the cheesecake filling doesn’t crack?
The key is to avoid over-mixing the batter and baking at the right temperature. Also, letting the cheesecake bars cool gradually and chilling them thoroughly helps to prevent cracks, keeping the filling smooth and creamy.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or any gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! You can double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need a few extra minutes depending on the pan size. Testing with a toothpick to check doneness helps ensure perfection.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This prevents sticking and gives you those perfect, clean edges everyone loves. Chill the bars well before cutting for even better results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about how the Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe brings together the best of two beloved desserts in one bite. The ease of preparation combined with its rich, comforting flavors makes it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these delightful bars that promise smiles with every slice.
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Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a creamy cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly spiced and chilled to perfection, these bars make an irresistible treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Topping
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
- Form the crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish to create a solid crust layer.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake bars.
- Make the filling base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
- Add flavorings and eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract and then add the eggs one at a time, blending just until combined to avoid over-mixing which can cause cracks.
- Assemble the filling: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust and spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
- Create the topping mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon until evenly mixed.
- Sprinkle the topping: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the cheesecake filling, mimicking the signature churro coating.
- Bake the bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles when shaken gently.
- Cool the bars: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature to prevent condensation from making the topping soggy.
- Refrigerate: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to help the cheesecake set fully and improve texture for slicing.
- Softened cream cheese note: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to create a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling.
- Chilling for clean cuts: Allow the bars to chill thoroughly before slicing; this will help achieve neat, clean slices without crumbling.
Notes
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits or similar cookies for the crust.
- Do not over-mix the filling after adding eggs to prevent a dense or cracked cheesecake texture.
- For easier slicing, run a knife under hot water, dry it off, and then cut the bars.
- Store leftover cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
