Cheesecake Bars with a Cinnamon Churro Twist
Creamy cheesecake meets crunchy churro vibes in this easy, irresistible dessert bar.
Why You’ll Love It
- No frying required—all the churro flavor, none of the mess
- Simple ingredients, big payoff
- Perfect texture: buttery crust, creamy filling, sweet cinnamon topping
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 package graham crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Churro Topping
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- Mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix until creamy.
- Pour over the crust and smooth the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Add the Churro Topping
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle generously over the cooled cheesecake.
- Chill before cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
- Crust Swap: Use crushed cinnamon toast cereal or vanilla wafers for extra flair.
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the bars before serving.
- Mini Version: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with whipped cream or dulce de leche.
- Pair with coffee, chai, or Mexican hot chocolate.
- Garnish with fresh berries or mint for a pop of color.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 1 month—wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
These cheesecake bars are the perfect mashup of creamy indulgence and churro nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself (no judgment!), they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.