Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros. This dessert is a fun twist on two classic treats, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a homemade dessert, these bars will be a hit for anyone who loves cheesecake and churros.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish.

Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, beating until fully combined. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.

Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar generously over the cheesecake filling, ensuring an even distribution.

Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.

Serve
Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into bars. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and cinnamon-sugar crunch with each bite.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

  • Serve these bars chilled for the best texture and flavor.
  • For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a satisfying dessert experience.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • For the best presentation, slice and serve the bars straight from the fridge, as they hold their shape better when chilled.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist that complements the cinnamon flavor.

2. Pumpkin Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
For a seasonal variation, add ½ cup of canned pumpkin and a pinch of nutmeg to the cheesecake filling for a fall-inspired flavor.

3. Nutty Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Mix in ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust for a crunchy texture that adds extra flavor.

4. Apple Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Top the cheesecake filling with thinly sliced apples before adding the cinnamon-sugar topping. Bake as directed for a delicious apple cinnamon combination.

5. Coconut Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the cheesecake filling or sprinkle some on top of the cinnamon-sugar topping for a tropical twist.

6. Caramel Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled bars for a rich, sweet layer that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-sugar topping.

7. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Replace the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the crust gluten-free.

8. Mini Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Instead of a large baking dish, divide the batter into mini muffin tins or a mini cheesecake pan for individual servings.

9. Cheesecake Churro Bites
For bite-sized treats, bake the crust in a mini muffin pan, then top each with a spoonful of cheesecake filling. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and bake.

10. Vegan Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars
Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan version of this delicious dessert.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the bars a day or two ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for the best results.

2. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a crushed cookie crust (such as Oreos or vanilla wafers) for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

4. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or use egg replacer to make it egg-free.

5. How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The cheesecake bars are done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. They will firm up as they cool.

6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different.

7. How can I make the cheesecake bars spicier?
To give the cheesecake bars more of a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar topping.

8. How can I make these bars more decadent?
Top the bars with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

9. Can I use a different topping instead of cinnamon sugar?
Yes! You can experiment with crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or chocolate ganache as an alternative topping.

10. How do I cut the cheesecake bars neatly?
To cut the bars cleanly, use a sharp knife that’s been dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife between each cut for the smoothest slices.

Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are a must-try dessert that combines two favorite flavors in one irresistible treat. With a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, they make for a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Try this simple recipe for a dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

 

Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros. This dessert is a fun twist on two classic treats, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a homemade dessert, these bars will be a hit for anyone who loves cheesecake and churros.


Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish.

Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, beating until fully combined. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.

Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar generously over the cheesecake filling, ensuring an even distribution.

Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.

Serve
Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into bars. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and cinnamon-sugar crunch with each bite.

Notes

Serving Tips

  • Serve these bars chilled for the best texture and flavor.
  • For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a satisfying dessert experience.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • For the best presentation, slice and serve the bars straight from the fridge, as they hold their shape better when chilled.