Print

Crispy Churro Cheesecake Bars Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

crispy churro cheesecake bars - featured image

These Crispy Churro Cheesecake Bars feature a cinnamon sugar crust that mimics churros and a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a delightful balance of crispy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (use Ceylon cinnamon for a sweeter, milder note)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened (full fat is best for creaminess)
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8×8-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (about 3-5 minutes).
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Add 2/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until fully combined.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  6. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Scrape down the sides with a spatula and beat a final time to combine everything evenly (about 30 seconds).
  7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  8. Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until edges are set and center still has a slight wobble.
  9. While the bars bake, combine 3 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon for the topping.
  10. Once baked, remove the bars from oven and immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the hot surface.
  11. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour), then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  12. Cut into squares and serve. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use cold butter for the crust to achieve a crumbly, crispy texture. Room temperature eggs help prevent lumps in the filling. Bake until edges are set but center still jiggles to keep filling creamy. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping while bars are hot for a crispy finish. Chill bars thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: churro cheesecake bars, cinnamon sugar crust, easy cheesecake bars, homemade dessert, cinnamon dessert, creamy cheesecake, crispy crust