Churro Cheesecake Bars

$- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ¾ cup sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon The base of our churro cheesecake bars starts with a crust. For this, you will need graham cracker crumbs. They give a nice crunch. You mix them with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture forms the rich and sweet base of our dessert. Next, we have the cheesecake filling. You need cream cheese for a creamy texture. Make sure it is softened for easy mixing. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and a hint of cinnamon. These ingredients create a smooth and luscious filling. Finally, we finish with a churro topping. This topping is what makes these bars special. You’ll need more melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Together, they make a sweet, crunchy layer that adds a delightful finish. Gather all these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a dessert that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the bars come out easily. - In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs look like wet sand. This texture helps the crust hold together. - Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. This baking step helps set the crust. - While the crust cools, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Use an electric mixer for the best results. - Mix in ¾ cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth. This makes a creamy filling. - Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. This layer will be rich and delicious. - Bake the cheesecake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still jiggle slightly. This slight jiggle shows that the cheesecake is not over-baked. - Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This step is essential before chilling. - Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to cut later. - In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping. This will give your cheesecake bars that churro taste. - Brush the top of the chilled cheesecake with ¼ cup of melted butter. This adds richness and helps the topping stick. - Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. This final touch makes your bars look and taste amazing. To make the best Churro Cheesecake Bars, start with the cream cheese. Always use cream cheese that is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly and avoids lumps in your filling. Next, to avoid cracks in the cheesecake, do not overmix your batter. Mix just until combined. Bake at the right temperature, and do not open the oven door too soon. For a perfect crust, press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan. This gives it stability. Bake it for the full ten minutes to set it before adding the cheesecake filling. When serving, use a decorative platter to make your bars stand out. Cut the bars into even pieces for an appealing look. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top. This adds a nice touch. Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness and shine. It makes your bars look irresistible! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling; this helps to prevent lumps and ensures a creamy texture. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cheesecake while it's baking; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out, which will set as it cools. Chill Before Serving: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill for at least 2 hours before cutting; this will enhance their texture and make them easier to slice. Customize Your Cinnamon Sugar: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar topping for an extra layer of flavor! {{image_2}} You can easily change up your churro cheesecake bars. Here are some fun ideas: - Add chocolate chips or caramel: Mix in a half cup of chocolate chips or drizzle caramel into the filling. This adds a sweet twist. - Swap spices: Try nutmeg or allspice instead of cinnamon. This will give your bars a new flavor profile. - Experiment with crust bases: Use crushed Oreos or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers. This will change the taste and texture. You can make these bars fit different diets too. Here are some options: - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for the crust. This makes it safe for those with gluten allergies. - Dairy-free substitutes: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese. You can also use coconut milk for a creamy filling. - Low-sugar options: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. This keeps the sweetness while lowering the sugar. These variations allow you to enjoy churro cheesecake bars in many ways. You can try one or mix and match for your perfect treat! To keep your churro cheesecake bars fresh, cover them well. You can use plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the moisture in and prevents them from drying out. Place the covered bars in the refrigerator. They stay good for up to five days. For the best storage, use an airtight container. This helps avoid any fridge odors. Choose a shallow container so the bars fit nicely. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can freeze churro cheesecake bars for longer storage. First, cut them into squares. Then, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag. They last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, take out the bars. Place them in the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Once thawed, serve them cold or at room temperature. Enjoy their sweet, creamy goodness! You can tell the cheesecake is done when the edges look set. The center should still jiggle slightly. This means it is creamy and not overcooked. Remove it from the oven so it can cool properly. Remember, it will firm up as it cools. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They taste great after chilling in the fridge. I suggest making them a day before you plan to serve them. This will give the flavors time to meld and improve. Churro Cheesecake Bars shine on their own. However, you can enhance them with toppings. Try drizzling caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness. Fresh whipped cream also pairs nicely. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful touch. These cheesecake bars will stay fresh for about five days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them moist and tasty. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them for up to three months. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Churro Cheesecake Bars. We covered the key ingredients: the churro crust, cheesecake filling, and churro topping. I shared step-by-step instructions for a perfect bake, and offered tips to avoid cracks and enhance presentation. There are also variations and storage tips to keep your bars fresh. Now, you can create a delightful dessert experience. Enjoy every bite of your Churro Cheesecake Bars!$

Delicious cheesecake bars with a churro-inspired crust and topping.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 40

Total Time 2 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.25 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
16 oz cream cheese, softened
0.75 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.5 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
While the crust cools, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add in the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Beat until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Once chilled, prepare the churro topping: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Brush the top of the chilled cheesecake with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
Cut into bars and serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve on a decorative platter, drizzled with caramel sauce for added sweetness.

Keyword bars, cheesecake, churro, dessert