Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! If you love churros—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?—then you’re going to absolutely adore these Easy Churro Cheesecake Bars. I remember the first time I tasted a churro at a fair, and it was like a warm hug. Then, a friend of mine decided to combine those cinnamon-sugar delights with creamy cheesecake, and my taste buds haven’t been the same since!
What I love most about these churro cheesecake bars is that they bring together the best of both worlds. You get that crispy, sugary exterior that gives way to a luscious, velvety cheesecake filling. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so they’re perfect for a last-minute dessert or a special occasion. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
What’s in Easy Churro Cheesecake Bars?
Graham Cracker Crust: The foundation of these bars! I use about 1 ½ cups of crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter for that perfect crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using cinnamon graham crackers for extra flavor.
Sugar: You’ll need granulated sugar for sweetening both the cheesecake and the topping. It’s really the secret to that sweet, sweet flavor.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! I prefer using full-fat cream cheese for that rich and creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to avoid lumps!
Eggs: Just two will do! They help to set the cheesecake filling, making it oh-so-creamy and delicious.
Cinnamon: Ah, the spice that ties everything together! Mix some into the cheesecake and sprinkle liberally on top to give that authentic churro flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this makes everything blissfully aromatic. Try using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Butter: Melted and mixed into the crust and also part of the heavenly cinnamon-sugar topping. It gives that lovely golden brown color while baking.
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: A mixture of cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle on top for that classic churro effect. Simply divine!
Is Easy Churro Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Let’s be real here—these bars are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Cream Cheese: While it’s rich in flavor, it’s also high in calories and fat. However, it’s a source of protein and calcium, so it’s not all bad!
Cinnamon: Ah, this magical spice offers some health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation. So, we can pretend we’re being healthy while indulging, right?
Sugar: We do need to watch out for sugar intake. While it does add sweetness, it’s best to enjoy these bars as an occasional dessert rather than an everyday snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
– ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
– ¼ cup additional granulated sugar (for topping)
This recipe serves about 12 bars, but trust me, they’ll disappear quickly!
How to Make Easy Churro Cheesecake Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, ¼ cup of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, and then press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and remaining ¼ cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
6. While the cheesecake is baking, combine the remaining sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl for the topping.
7. Once the cheesecake is done, take it out and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set.
8. After chilling, slice into bars and serve!
Churro-tastic Tips and Tricks!
– Don’t be shy with the cinnamon-sugar topping; it’s what makes these bars truly churro-like!
– If you love a little extra texture, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts into your crust.
– Serve them warm or cold—it’s tough to choose a favorite way! You can even add a scoop of ice cream on top for some added indulgence.
I can’t wait for you to try these Easy Churro Cheesecake Bars! I promise if you bring them to a gathering, you’ll become the star of the show. Everyone will be asking for the recipe! Don’t forget to share your delightful experience or any twists you make to this recipe. Happy baking!
