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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing) To make churro cheesecake bars, you need three main parts: the crust, the filling, and the topping. Each part adds a special touch to the overall flavor. For the crust, start with graham cracker crumbs. You need 1 ½ cups of these for a sweet and crunchy base. Then, add ½ cup of melted unsalted butter to help bind it. Finally, mix in ¼ cup of granulated sugar for extra sweetness. Next, for the cheesecake filling, use 16 ounces of softened cream cheese. This gives your bars a rich and creamy texture. Combine it with 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the filling. Then, add 2 large eggs to help set the cheesecake. Don't forget to include 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice note. Lastly, for the churro topping, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. This blend gives your bars that classic churro taste. You will also need ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter for brushing, which helps the sugar mix stick to the bars. Gather these ingredients, and you're on your way to making delicious churro cheesecake bars! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Set the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). - Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Start by preheating your oven. This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms, take your baking pan. Lining it with parchment paper helps with easy removal later. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes lifting the bars out a breeze. - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. - Press mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake. Next, make the crust. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Stir until it all sticks together. Press this mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom. Bake it for 8 to 10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. After baking, let it cool slightly before adding the filling. - Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar. - Incorporate eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Now, let’s make the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese. You want it to be smooth and creamy. Slowly add in the sugar and mix well. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Finally, stir in vanilla and cinnamon until well combined. - Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust. - Bake until set and slightly jiggly in the center. Pour your cheesecake mix over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want it set but still a bit jiggly in the center. Once done, let it cool to room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate it for at least four hours. - Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. - Melt butter for brushing. While the cheesecake chills, make the churro topping. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. This will give that classic churro flavor. Next, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for brushing. - Brush cheesecake with melted butter and sprinkle topping. - Slice into bars for serving. Once the cheesecake is firm, take it out of the fridge. Brush the top with melted butter. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix over it. This adds a sweet and spicy crunch. Use a sharp knife to slice it into bars. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Enjoy every delicious bite! Pre-baking the crust is a must. It helps the crust stay firm. If you skip this step, the bars may turn soggy. Check if the cheesecake is done by gently shaking the pan. The center should jiggle slightly but not wobble. This means it will set perfectly as it cools. Always use room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese makes it hard to mix. This can lead to lumps in your cheesecake. If you want alternatives, try low-fat or vegan cream cheese. Both options work well, but the taste may differ slightly. To make your churro cheesecake bars shine, add garnishes. A dusting of extra cinnamon-sugar on top looks great. You can drizzle with melted butter for flavor. Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream pairs nicely, adding creaminess to each bite. Enjoy the sweet, warm flavors! Pro Tips Chill for Best Texture: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill overnight for a denser, creamier texture. The flavors will meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Perfectly Cut Bars: To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between slices. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking to the knife. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist. You can also add chocolate chips or fruit for added flavor. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of caramel or chocolate sauce for drizzling. Whipped cream or ice cream complements the bars perfectly for an indulgent dessert. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your churro cheesecake bars easily. For a twist, add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel on top. This adds richness and sweetness. You can also use flavored cream cheese. Try strawberry or pumpkin for a fun change. These flavors bring a new vibe to the bars and make them unique. If you want gluten-free options, swap graham crackers for gluten-free crumbs. You can find these at most stores. For a sugar-free treat, use sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. These options let everyone enjoy the bars, no matter their diet. You can use different pan sizes to change the look and size of your bars. An 8x8 inch pan makes thicker bars, while a 9x13 inch pan gives you more bars that are thinner. You can also cut the bars into squares instead of rectangles. This adds variety to the presentation and makes serving easier. To keep your churro cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. If you don't have one, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent drying out. Always let the bars cool completely before storing them. This makes sure they stay firm and tasty. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the bars. First, cut them into pieces. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. When you are ready to enjoy them, take the bars out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This way, they stay creamy and delicious. In the fridge, churro cheesecake bars last about 5 to 7 days. After that, they may not taste as good. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or if they smell off, it's best to throw them away. Enjoy your sweet treat while it's fresh! You can swap graham crackers for crushed cookies or nuts. Try using digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Almond flour also works well for a gluten-free option. Just mix it with melted butter and sugar, then press it into the pan as you would with graham crackers. Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese and butter. Look for reduced-fat cream cheese, which still gives you that creamy texture. For butter, you can use a light butter spread. Just remember that the texture might change a bit, but they will still taste great! To avoid cracks, do not overmix the batter. Mix until just smooth. Bake at a lower temperature and check for doneness by gently shaking the pan. If the center jiggles slightly, it's done. Let the bars cool slowly in the pan before chilling in the fridge. Serve churro cheesecake bars chilled for the best flavor. They should be cold but not icy. Let them sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This will enhance their creamy texture. Yes, you can prepare these bars a day in advance. After baking, cool them to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate them for at least four hours, or overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. In this blog post, I shared how to make churro cheesecake bars. We covered the ingredients for the crust, filling, and topping. I also walked you through the step-by-step instructions to guide your baking process. You learned tips for smooth cream cheese and variations to try. Finally, I provided advice on storing and serving these delicious bars. Making churro cheesecake is fun and rewarding. Enjoy your creation, and share it with friends!

Churro Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a churro-inspired topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
  • Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in 1 cup of sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  • Make the churro topping: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Once the cheesecake has cooled and set, melt the ¼ cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Brush the top of the cheesecake bars with melted butter and generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, ensuring even coverage.
  • Slice the cheesecake into bars using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Serve chilled with extra melted butter and cinnamon-sugar on top.
Keyword bars, cheesecake, churro, dessert