If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly blends the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon churros with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, look no further than this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars offer a delightful crunch from the cinnamon-infused graham cracker crust, followed by a velvety cheesecake filling that’s kissed with cinnamon sweetness on top. It’s a dessert that feels like a cozy hug and a celebration all at once, making it an absolute favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe is simple but essential, building layers of flavor and texture that come together in delicious harmony. From the buttery crust to the smooth cream cheese filling, every element pulls its weight to create this unforgettable dessert.
- Graham crackers (crushed): Provides the perfect buttery and slightly crunchy base that holds all the cheesecake goodness.
- Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Binds the crust together and adds a rich flavor that complements the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Gives the crust a warm, spicy note essential for that churro essence.
- Cream cheese, softened (1 cup): The star of the cheesecake, delivering that luxuriously creamy texture everyone loves.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake filling just right.
- Eggs (2 large): Help set the cheesecake and add a nice, smooth structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and adds a subtle aromatic touch.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a slight tanginess and extra creaminess for the perfect cheesecake consistency.
- Cinnamon sugar (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for that classic churro finish that adds crunch and sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, combine the crushed graham crackers with melted butter and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Press this fragrant mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish to create an even, sturdy crust that will hold up beautifully under the creamy cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until the mixture is silky smooth and lump-free. This step is crucial because a well-mixed batter ensures your cheesecake bars come out perfectly creamy without any graininess.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust and gently smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, keeping an eye out for the cheesecake setting and no longer having a wobbly center—this signals it’s ready.
Step 4: Add the Churro Magic
Once the cheesecake bars have cooled to room temperature, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top. This final touch brings the true churro vibe with its sweet, crunchy sparkle. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set completely before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce makes for a beautiful presentation and kicks up the flavor. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also offer a lovely balance to the sweet cinnamon notes.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cool, refreshing fruit salad to complement the richness. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea also pairs perfectly, enhancing those cozy cinnamon tones.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the bars on a decorative platter with mini churro sticks on the side or skewered with fresh strawberries for a fun twist. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for easy, grab-and-go treats that are perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the creamy texture and prevents the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making this recipe fantastic for prepping ahead of time.
Reheating
When ready to indulge, thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator. Warm them gently in the oven at a low temperature for about 5-7 minutes to refresh the crust’s crunchiness without melting the cheesecake filling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of crust for this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While the graham cracker crust is classic and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon, you can substitute with crushed gingersnaps or cinnamon cookies for an extra spicy flavor twist.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the cheesecake bars before serving?
Yes, refrigerating for at least 2 hours helps the cheesecake set properly, making it easier to slice and giving the flavors time to meld together perfectly.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?
You can, but keep in mind that using full-fat versions results in a creamier texture and richer taste. Low-fat options might change the consistency slightly but still work if needed.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?
Look for a cheesecake that’s set around the edges with a slight wobble in the center. The bars will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them creamy.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the filling?
Definitely! Mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts to add some extra fun texture and flavor to your Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Just fold them in gently before pouring the batter onto the crust.
Final Thoughts
You simply have to try this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe if you love desserts that bring together the flair of churros and the richness of cheesecake. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you might think, and each bite feels like a little celebration. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust infused with cinnamon and a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, finished with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar for a delightful churro-inspired treat. Perfectly baked to a smooth, set texture and chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package graham crackers (crushed, about 9 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Topping
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the cheesecake bars.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and cinnamon thoroughly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking dish to form a firm crust layer.
- Make Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Add Topping: After removing the cheesecake from the oven and letting it cool, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top to create the churro-inspired sweet crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when cutting the bars.
- Allow the bars to chill completely so they hold their shape when sliced.
- You can substitute the cinnamon sugar topping with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for variation.
