Churro Cheesecake Bars

$- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle) Gather these ingredients to kick off your churro cheesecake bars. The crust is made from graham cracker crumbs, which give a nice crunch. Use melted unsalted butter to bind everything together. The sugar and cinnamon add sweetness and warmth, perfect for that churro flavor. For the cheesecake filling, soft cream cheese is key. It mixes easily and gives a smooth texture. The sugar sweetens the filling, while eggs help it set. Vanilla adds a lovely flavor, and a little flour helps with the structure. Finally, for the topping, mix sugar and cinnamon for that classic churro taste. You can also drizzle chocolate for an extra treat. Enjoy the process of making these bars. Each layer adds to a delightful dessert experience! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step is crucial for even baking. While the oven heats up, line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easier to lift out the bars later. Next, let’s make the crust. In a large bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon Mix everything until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking pan. Make sure it is even. This crust will hold your delicious cheesecake filling. Now, we prepare the cheesecake filling. In another mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it blends well. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want it creamy. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust. Spread it evenly. Bake the cheesecake for 30-35 minutes. Look for set edges and a slightly jiggly center. The center will firm up as it cools. After baking, take the cheesecake out of the oven. Let it cool at room temperature for about one hour. Then, place it in the fridge for at least two hours. This cooling time helps the bars firm up. Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut it into bars. Enjoy your tasty Churro Cheesecake Bars! To get a great crust, mix your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon well. You want it to feel like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. Use a flat object, like the bottom of a measuring cup, to even it out. This helps it bake nicely. Mix the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add the sugar and beat until blended. When you add the eggs, do it one at a time. Mix well after each egg, but don’t overmix. The filling should be creamy and slightly thick. If it looks too runny, it needs more mixing. Once baked and cooled, cut the bars into squares. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top for a sweet finish. If you like chocolate, drizzle some melted chocolate over the bars. Serve them chilled for the best taste. Enjoy these bars as a fun dessert at any gathering! Pro Tips Chill the Cheesecake Thoroughly: For best results, ensure your cheesecake is properly chilled for at least 2 hours. This helps to set the filling and makes cutting easier. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother filling without lumps. Customize the Topping: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, or fresh fruit to enhance the flavor. Prevent Cracking: To prevent cracks in your cheesecake bars, avoid overmixing the batter and do not open the oven door while baking. {{image_2}} You can make churro cheesecake bars even more exciting by adding fruit. Berries work best here. Think strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Just wash and chop them. You can fold them into the cheesecake batter. This adds a fresh taste and bright color. You can also use fruit as a topping. Berry sauces or compotes can be drizzled on top. This gives your bars a nice look and extra flavor. If you love chocolate, this version is for you! You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste. Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling. This makes it rich and creamy. You can also mix cocoa powder into the crust. This gives it a nice chocolatey base. Drizzling melted chocolate on top boosts the flavor even more. Your churro cheesecake bars will be a hit with chocolate fans! For a gluten-free version, you can easily change a few things. Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. You can find these in most stores. Also, make sure your chocolate chips are gluten-free if you use them. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars. They will be just as delicious and satisfying without gluten. To keep your churro cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other flavors. Always wait for the bars to cool before you store them. They taste best when chilled for at least two hours. You can freeze churro cheesecake bars for later enjoyment. First, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method keeps them tasty for about three months. To thaw, just take them out and let them sit in the fridge overnight. Churro cheesecake bars last about five days in the fridge. After this time, they may lose their freshness. If frozen, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your bars at their best! Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe. However, it may change the taste and texture. Low-fat cream cheese can make the bars less creamy. The cheesecake might turn out slightly denser and less rich. For the best flavor, I recommend using full-fat cream cheese. If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can use several alternatives. Here are a few options: - Digestive biscuits - Vanilla wafers - Oreos (for a chocolate twist) - Crushed pretzels for a salty crunch Each of these will give a different taste and texture, so choose one that fits your craving! Making these bars ahead of time is easy! Here are some tips: - Prepare the crust and filling a day before. - Bake and cool the bars, then store them in the fridge. - You can cut them into bars before serving. - Just sprinkle the topping right before you serve. This way, they stay fresh and tasty! This blog post covered how to make churro cheesecake bars from start to finish. We discussed the crust, filling, and topping, along with clear steps for baking and serving. To achieve the best results, remember the tips for perfecting your crust and mixing the filling. You can easily customize this recipe with fruits or chocolate. Store them properly for lasting flavor. Enjoy creating your delicious dessert, and impress everyone with your skills!$

Delicious cheesecake bars with a churro-inspired crust and topping.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 3

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.25 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
16 oz cream cheese, softened
0.75 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
0.25 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and continue to mix until fully incorporated.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
Bake the cheesecake bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but will firm as it cools.
Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled and firm.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Once the cheesecake is chilled, remove it from the pan using the parchment overhang.
Cut the cheesecake into bars and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top evenly. If desired, melt chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your Churro Cheesecake Bars as a delectable dessert perfect for any occasion!

Notes

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Keyword bars, cheesecake, churro, dessert