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To make churro cheesecake bars, you need the following ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup) - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Measuring accurately is key. Use a dry measuring cup for flour. Level it off with a knife for precision. For the butter, it should be soft but not melted. Room temperature helps it blend well. The egg also needs to be at room temperature to mix easily. Cream cheese and sour cream should be soft, too. This ensures a smooth filling. You can add fun toppings to your bars. Here are some ideas: - Powdered sugar dusting for sweetness - Caramel sauce for extra flavor - Chocolate drizzle for a twist These garnishes not only look good but also add more taste. Enjoy trying different combinations! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat will help bake the bars evenly. Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure some paper hangs over the edges. This will help you lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together well. Set this bowl aside for now. In a larger bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on high speed. Mix it for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy. Now, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until combined smoothly. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This could make the crust tough. Take about two-thirds of this dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will create a solid crust layer. In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Then, add 1/2 cup of sour cream and blend well. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over this cream cheese layer. Make sure to distribute it evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the crumbled dough. Now, place the baking pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and slightly wobbly filling. Once done, let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Transfer to the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the bars set completely. After chilling, cut the cheesecake bars into squares for serving. Enjoy the tasty treat! To get that smooth and creamy cheesecake texture, start with room temperature ingredients. Use softened cream cheese and sour cream. This helps them blend well. Mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Avoid overmixing; too much can add air, making your bars puff up. Bake them until just set. If they wobble slightly in the middle, that's perfect! One common mistake is using cold ingredients. Cold items do not mix well. This can lead to lumps in your filling. Another mistake is overbaking. If you bake too long, the bars can dry out. Make sure to check them at the 35-minute mark. Lastly, don’t skip the chilling step. This helps the bars set and makes slicing easier. To serve your Churro Cheesecake Bars nicely, cut them into even squares. Place them on a pretty platter. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Drizzling caramel sauce adds a sweet finish. For added flavor, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top. These small details make your dessert look fancy and inviting! Pro Tips Chill the Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for a smooth filling. This avoids lumps and creates a creamy texture. Don't Overmix: When combining the crust and filling, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough bars. Perfect Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Presentation Matters: For an elegant touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar and drizzle with caramel before serving for an impressive presentation. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of churro cheesecake bars. For a rich twist, try adding chocolate. Simply mix in half a cup of melted chocolate into the cream cheese filling. For a fall treat, pumpkin works great too. Use half a cup of pumpkin puree in place of sour cream. Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice kick. Making these bars gluten-free is simple. Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese option. Use a dairy-free sour cream too. You can also replace butter with coconut oil. These swaps keep the bars tasty and enjoyable for everyone. Seasonal ingredients can make your bars shine. In spring, add fresh berries to the filling. Raspberries or strawberries can brighten the flavor. In winter, a dash of peppermint extract gives a festive touch. For summer, try lemon zest in the cream cheese. It adds a refreshing zing that pairs well with cinnamon. To keep your churro cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. This prevents sticking and keeps the bars intact. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing. If you don’t have an airtight container, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. You can freeze churro cheesecake bars for longer storage. First, cut them into squares. Then, wrap each square in plastic wrap. Next, place them in a freezer bag or container. They will last for about three months in the freezer. To thaw, take them out and leave them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them moist and tasty. Churro cheesecake bars can last for up to a week in the fridge. Keep them covered to prevent drying out. For serving, try adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar enhances the flavor. You can also serve them with fresh fruit for a refreshing touch. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat! You can tell your cheesecake bars are done when the top is golden brown. The filling should be slightly wobbly in the center. If it jiggles too much, they need more time. Check them after 35 minutes. If they look good, let them cool. This cooling will help them set better. Yes, you can use other cheeses for a twist on this recipe. Some good options are mascarpone or ricotta. They will change the texture and flavor a bit. Just make sure the cheese is softened for easy mixing. This will keep your filling creamy and smooth. You can serve these bars with many tasty options. Here are a few ideas: - Whipped cream for a light touch - Fresh berries for a fruity contrast - A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce - A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet finish These toppings will enhance your dessert and make it even more special! We covered the key ingredients and steps to make delicious churro cheesecake bars. I shared tips for perfect texture and showed how to avoid common mistakes. We explored fun variations and provided storage tips for freshness. You can feel confident making this treat for any occasion. Enjoy your baking journey, and remember to share your tasty results!

Churro Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a churro-inspired crust and topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided into 3/4 cup and 1/4 cup
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed, and then set aside.
  • Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter along with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix on high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, roughly 3-4 minutes.
  • Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add in the large egg and the teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is combined smoothly.
  • Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the reserved dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.
  • Form the Crust: Take about two-thirds of the dough and evenly press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a solid crust layer.
  • Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the 8 oz of softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add the 1/2 cup of sour cream and blend until fully incorporated.
  • Layer the Filling: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust that’s already in the baking pan.
  • Top with Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining dough over the cream cheese layer, distributing it as evenly as possible.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the tablespoon of ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the crumbled dough topping.
  • Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake filling has set in the center slightly wobbly.
  • Cooling Process: After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, and transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, ensuring they set completely.
  • Serve: Once chilled and fully set, cut the cheesecake bars into squares for serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the bars on a decorative platter, lightly dust them with powdered sugar, and drizzle with caramel sauce to enhance the decadent experience.
Keyword bars, cheesecake, churro, dessert