Churro Cheesecake Bars
Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the warm, sweet cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros, delivering a unique, easy-to-make dessert perfect for sharing at any occasion. These bars offer a smooth texture balanced with nostalgic flavors, customizable toppings, and a delightful churro-inspired twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 9-12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free crust substitution)
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Crust: Start by crushing your graham crackers finely and mixing them with melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this firmly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, creating an even layer that serves as the sturdy base for your cheesecake bars.
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a luscious and smooth filling.
- Spread and Add Topping: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust. In a small saucepan, melt butter and mix in cinnamon and granulated sugar. Drizzle this cinnamon-sugar butter over the cheesecake before baking to replicate that iconic churro flavor and crispiness.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake your bars in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 40–45 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. This ensures a perfectly creamy texture with a baked finish.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully and for clean slicing.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Beat until smooth but avoid overmixing to prevent cracks in your cheesecake bars.
- For extra creamy results, bake your bars in a water bath to maintain gentle, even heat.
- Cool bars gradually to prevent cracking before refrigerating.
- Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if cut into 12)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Churro Cheesecake Bars, Cheesecake, Churros, Cinnamon Sugar Dessert, Easy Dessert Bars, Party Dessert