Description
These bars combine creamy cheesecake with a crispy cinnamon-sugar churro crust, creating an easy-to-make, nostalgic dessert perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, divided
- 8 tablespoons (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (15g) ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream (optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the crust: Mix melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1 cup flour until it resembles wet sand. Press evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan.
- Bake crust for 12 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining ½ cup granulated sugar and beat until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Fold in ¼ cup flour gently until smooth; do not overmix.
- Pour cheesecake filling over baked crust and smooth the top.
- Mix brown sugar and remaining 1 tablespoon cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool bars completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan, cut into squares, and serve plain or with caramel sauce.
Notes
Use full-fat block cream cheese for best texture. Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth batter. Do not overbake; the center should have a slight jiggle. Chill bars for at least 3 hours before cutting to ensure they set properly. Lining the pan with parchment paper with overhang makes removal easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of rec
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: churro cheesecake bars, cinnamon sugar bars, easy cheesecake recipe, churro dessert, cinnamon dessert bars