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Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Bars Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

churro cheesecake bars - featured image

These churro cheesecake bars feature a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust paired with a creamy cheesecake filling, making a quick and easy dessert perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (use Saigon cinnamon for robust flavor)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best texture)
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly but holds together when pressed.
  3. Press 2/3 of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this crust for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
  4. While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes.
  5. Add ⅔ cup sugar and mix until combined, then beat in eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
  6. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream, blending until just combined.
  7. Once the crust is out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust layer.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 crust mixture over the cheesecake filling, then combine ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle this cinnamon sugar topping evenly over everything.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
  10. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  11. To serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan, slice into squares, and enjoy.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for a smooth texture. Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent cracks. Press the crust firmly and pre-bake it to avoid sogginess. Chill bars overnight for best texture and flavor. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and coconut yogurt. Almond flour can be used for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

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