Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars: A Sweet, Irresistible Treat

If you love the combination of creamy cheesecake and the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros, these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are made for you. Perfect for dessert tables, parties, or a special indulgence at home, they are rich, decadent, and easy to make in a pan for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars combine the best of two worlds: the smooth, velvety texture of cheesecake and the sweet, crispy, cinnamon-sugar topping reminiscent of classic churros. Each bite offers layers of flavor and texture, making them an irresistible treat for family and friends.

Nutritional Information (per bar)

It’s always helpful to know what’s in your dessert. While these bars are a decadent treat, they also provide protein from cream cheese and can be portion-controlled to enjoy guilt-free. Understanding the nutritional profile helps you balance indulgence with moderation.

• Calories: ~350 kcal
  
• Protein: 6g
  
• Carbohydrates: 35g
  
• Fat: 22g
  
• Sugar: 20g
  
• Fiber: 1g
  

Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.

Time Breakdown

Though they seem fancy, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. From mixing the crust and filling to baking and chilling, the process is straightforward. Knowing the time needed at each step helps plan for a stress-free dessert prep.

• Preparation: 20 minutes
  
• Baking: 35–40 minutes
  
• Cooling & Chilling: 2 hours
  
• Total: ~3 hours

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these bars comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Cream cheese, graham crackers, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon combine to create a dessert that’s both rich and flavorful without requiring complicated or obscure items.

• Crust & Topping:
  
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
    
  • 3 tbsp sugar
    
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
    
  • ¼ cup melted butter
    
• Cheesecake Filling:
  
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
    
  • ½ cup sugar
    
  • 2 large eggs
    
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    
• Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
  
  • ¼ cup sugar
    
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Shopping for this recipe is easy. With a short list of pantry staples and dairy items, you can gather everything in one trip and focus on the fun part—creating a dessert that will impress anyone who tries it.

• Graham crackers or graham cracker crumbs
  
• Cream cheese
  
• Eggs
  
• Sugar
  
• Butter
  
• Cinnamon
  
• Vanilla extract

How to Make – Step by Step

Even for beginners, these cheesecake bars are simple to master. Following a clear, step-by-step method ensures the crust is firm, the filling is creamy, and the cinnamon-sugar topping is perfectly applied for a bakery-quality dessert at home.

1. Preheat Oven: 175°C (350°F).
   
2. Prepare Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan.
   
3. Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Pour over the crust.
   
4. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until set.
   
5. Add Topping: Mix cinnamon and sugar for the topping. Sprinkle over the warm cheesecake bars immediately after baking.
   
6. Cool & Chill: Let bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

The recipe is versatile and adaptable. You can experiment with different crusts, flavor swirls, or toppings to customize the bars to your taste or dietary needs, making them uniquely yours while still keeping the classic churro-cheesecake combination.

• Crust: Use crushed cookies (like speculoos or chocolate wafers) instead of graham crackers.
  
• Cheesecake: Add a swirl of dulce de leche or caramel for extra flavor.
  
• Topping: Add chopped nuts or chocolate drizzle along with the cinnamon-sugar topping.

Serving Suggestions

These bars shine when served with simple accompaniments. Pair them with a drizzle of caramel, fresh fruit, or a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy them on their own as a rich, satisfying dessert for parties, holidays, or cozy evenings.

• Serve chilled as dessert squares for parties or gatherings.
  
• Pair with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  
• Enjoy as a sweet afternoon treat with coffee or hot chocolate.

Storing Tips

Proper storage keeps these bars fresh and delicious. Refrigeration, freezing, and smart handling of toppings ensure every bite maintains the perfect texture and flavor, making them convenient for make-ahead desserts or gifting.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  
• For longer storage, freeze individual bars for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
  
• Sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar just before serving to maintain freshness.

Chef’s Special Tips

Small details make a big difference in the final result. Using room-temperature cream cheese, avoiding overbaking, and chilling the bars fully before slicing ensures a smooth, creamy, and perfectly structured dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
  
• Don’t overbake—the center should be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven; it will firm up as it cools.
  
• Let the bars chill thoroughly before slicing to achieve clean, perfect squares.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone craving the comforting flavors of churros and the rich creaminess of cheesecake in one bite. Easy to make, visually appealing, and deliciously indulgent, they are sure to become a favorite for holidays, parties, or cozy nights in. Make a batch of these bars today and treat yourself, your family, or your friends to a sweet, cinnamon-sugar indulgence. Don’t forget to share—they disappear fast.

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