Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly blends the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon churros with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, look no further than this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It’s a delightful treat where a buttery cinnamon-infused graham cracker crust meets a smooth, velvety cheesecake layer, topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar sprinkle that adds just the right touch of crunch and nostalgia. These bars are as charming to look at as they are irresistible to eat, and they’re surprisingly simple to whip up, making them an instant favorite for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe plays a special role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the slightly crunchy crust infused with cinnamon to the luxuriously creamy cheesecake filling, every component is essential and easy to find in your pantry or local store.
- Graham crackers, crushed: Provides a sturdy and flavorful base with a hint of sweetness and crunch.
- Butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds a rich mouthfeel.
- Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice into the crust, echoing that classic churro flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake layer, delivering creaminess and tang.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling to balance its tanginess perfectly.
- Large eggs: Helps set the cheesecake filling while keeping it smooth and rich.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a subtle, fragrant sweetness.
- Sour cream: Adds extra tang and tenderness to the cheesecake, making it melt-in-your-mouth.
- Cinnamon sugar: A final sweet topping that gives you that authentic churro crunch.
How to Make Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and cinnamon in a bowl until everything is evenly mixed and holds together when pressed. This spiced crust will bring that unmistakable churro vibe to your cheesecake bars.
Step 2: Form the Crust Base
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. Make sure the layer is compact and level — this will give you a solid base that’s just firm enough to support the creamy cheesecake topping without being crumbly.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until you have a velvety, smooth batter. Achieving this consistency is key to that luscious cheesecake texture everyone loves.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake mixture over your prepared crust and use a spatula to smooth the surface out evenly. Then bake it for 25 to 30 minutes, just until the cheesecake is set but still tender in the middle — the subtle wobble will disappear, signaling it’s done perfectly.
Step 5: Cool and Sprinkle
After removing the cheesecake bars from the oven, allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top, which adds a crunchy, sweet finish just like the classic churro coating.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps firm them up, making it easier to slice them neatly into 12 decadent portions that everyone will rush to grab.
How to Serve Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are stunning on their own, you can elevate them by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a few mint leaves can also add a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheesecake bars with a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea for a lovely afternoon snack. They also complement ice cream superbly, especially vanilla bean or cinnamon-infused ice cream, keeping the warm spice theme going.
Creamy Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve the bars with a small ramekin of dulce de leche or cinnamon-infused chocolate sauce for dipping. Layering pieces in a dessert parfait with whipped cream and cinnamon dust creates a show-stopping presentation for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you have any leftover Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe servings, keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will preserve their creaminess and prevent the crust from getting soggy, keeping them delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
While these bars are best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer them just slightly warmed, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This melts the cheesecake slightly, releasing rich flavors, but be careful not to overheat or they could become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different crust for the Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While the graham cracker crust is classic and ties nicely into the churro theme, you can experiment with crushed cinnamon cookies or even pretzel crumbs for a salty-sweet twist. Just keep the cinnamon flavor to maintain that churro flair.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the cheesecake filling?
Sour cream adds a subtle tang and softness to the cheesecake batter, improving texture and flavor. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt in a pinch, but the texture might be slightly different.
How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?
Look for edges that are set and slightly pulling away from the pan, while the center should have a gentle wobble. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars creamy instead of dry and crumbly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie of your choice for the crust. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Make sure the bars are well chilled before slicing. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts helps achieve clean, smooth edges without cracking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe truly combines the best of both worlds: the nostalgic, cinnamon-scented charm of churros and the rich indulgence of cheesecake. Whether you’re treating yourself after a busy week or looking for a crowd-pleaser, these bars deliver incredible flavor and texture with minimal fuss. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert!
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Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the crisp, cinnamon-infused graham cracker crust reminiscent of traditional churros with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling. They offer a delightful blend of cinnamon sweetness and rich texture, perfect for an indulgent dessert or a comforting treat with your coffee.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package graham crackers (crushed, approximately 12 sheets)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Cheesecake 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 the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your batter is ready.
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is well blended and holds together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly.
- Bake the cheesecake bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and no longer wobbly in the center when gently shaken.
- Add the cinnamon sugar topping: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the surface.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours to set completely. After chilling, cut into bars and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly to prevent it from crumbling when serving.
- The bars should be fully chilled before slicing to maintain their shape.
- You can substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed digestive biscuits if preferred.
- For a stronger churro flavor, increase cinnamon in crust and topping by 1 teaspoon each.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
