Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars – A Sweet and Crunchy Delight

I love desserts that combine classic flavors in an easy-to-make treat, and these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars are a dream come true. They bring together the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced goodness of churros, all in a delicious, buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for parties, holidays, or an indulgent snack, these bars will satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars

The best part about these bars is how simple they are to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get all the flavors of churros and cheesecake in an easy-to-slice dessert. The crust is buttery and slightly crunchy, while the filling is smooth, creamy, and full of warm cinnamon goodness.

Whether you serve them chilled or at room temperature, these bars have the perfect balance of textures and flavors. They are also great for sharing, making them ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.

A Perfect Blend of Cinnamon and Cheesecake

Churros and cheesecake might not be the most common pairing, but once you try these bars, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. The graham cracker crust gives a nice contrast to the creamy filling, while the cinnamon and vanilla create that signature churro taste. A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top enhances the flavor even more

Ingredients for Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

To create these delicious Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a combination of simple ingredients that come together to make a creamy and spiced dessert.

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs – Provides the perfect crunchy base.
• 4 tablespoons melted butter – Helps bind the crumbs and gives a rich, buttery flavor.
• 1/4 cup sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the crust.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened – The key to a smooth and creamy filling.
• 1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the cinnamon.
• 2 eggs – Helps set the cheesecake and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Adds structure to the cheesecake filling.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The star ingredient that gives the bars their warm, spiced flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious churro-inspired cheesecake bars!

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that there is some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure it is firmly packed. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and ground cinnamon, then mix again until fully combined. The batter should be thick and lump-free.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, using a spatula to smooth out the top. Make sure the filling is evenly spread.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and slightly golden on top. The center should have a slight jiggle but not be runny.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then transfer them to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars from the baking dish. Slice into 12 bars and serve.
For an extra churro-inspired touch, sprinkle the bars with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving

How Long to Bake Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

The baking time for these Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars is crucial to achieving the perfect texture—creamy, yet firm enough to hold its shape when sliced. Here’s a general guideline based on oven performance and cheesecake consistency:

• 25-30 minutes at 350°F (180°C) – The cheesecake should be set with a slight jiggle in the center.
• Check for Doneness – The edges should be firm and slightly golden, while the center should have a slight wobble when gently shaken.
• To Avoid Overbaking – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean but not dry. Overbaking can cause cracks in the cheesecake.

How to Store Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because they disappear fast!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Keep the bars chilled until ready to serve, as cheesecake tastes best when slightly cold.

Freezer Storage

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars

Want to make sure your cheesecake bars turn out flawless? Follow these tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, avoiding lumps in the batter.
• Pack the Crust Firmly – Press down the graham cracker mixture tightly to prevent a crumbly crust.
• Let the Cheesecake Cool Gradually – Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracks. Let it sit at room temperature before refrigerating.
• Chill for at Least 2 Hours – This helps the cheesecake bars set properly and makes slicing easier.

How to Add Extra Churro Flavor

If you want to enhance the churro taste even more, try these variations:

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping – Sprinkle a mix of sugar and cinnamon over the bars before serving for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Drizzle with Caramel – A light drizzle of caramel sauce takes these bars to the next level.
• Use a Snickerdoodle Crust – Instead of graham crackers, use crushed snickerdoodle cookies for an even richer cinnamon flavor

Print

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Churro Cheesecake Bars

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?

Yes! While graham cracker crumbs work perfectly, you can experiment with other crusts:

• Snickerdoodle Cookie Crust – Crush snickerdoodle cookies for an extra cinnamon-flavored base.
• Oreo Crust – If you love chocolate, an Oreo crust adds a unique twist.
• Shortbread Crust – For a buttery, rich alternative, use crushed shortbread cookies.

Just substitute the graham crackers with an equal amount of your chosen cookie crumbs and mix with melted butter.

2. How Do I Prevent Cheesecake Bars from Cracking?

Cracks can happen when cheesecake is overbaked or cools too quickly. To avoid this:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Too much air in the batter can cause cracks. Mix until smooth, but don’t overbeat.
• Avoid Overbaking – The center should still jiggle slightly when done. Overbaking dries out the cheesecake and leads to cracks.
• Cool Gradually – Let the cheesecake bars cool at room temperature before refrigerating. A sudden temperature change can cause cracks.

Even if cracks appear, they won’t affect the taste! You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top to hide them.

3. Can I Make These Cheesecake Bars Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead because cheesecake needs time to chill.

• Make up to 2 days in advance – Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Freeze for longer storage – Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

4. How Can I Make These Bars Even More Like Churros?

For an even stronger churro flavor, try these fun variations:

• Brush with Melted Butter and Cinnamon Sugar – After chilling, lightly brush the bars with melted butter and sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for an authentic churro coating.
• Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate – A thin drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce enhances the richness.
• Serve Warm – While cheesecake is typically served chilled, warming these bars slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) gives them a soft, comforting texture similar to fresh churros