Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Churro Bars are an easy-to-make dessert that delivers all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional churros in a bar form. The rich butteriness of the batter combined with the cinnamon-sugar topping creates a treat that’s both sweet and comforting. These bars are a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy the taste of churros without the hassle of frying. They are perfect for sharing at family gatherings, potlucks, or just as a fun dessert to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
Churro Bars Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Churro Bars Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tbsp cinnamon
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
- Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes.
- Once cooled, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the bars and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add chocolate chips: For a chocolatey twist, fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Churro bar topping: If you prefer a little extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Make them dairy-free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover churro bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To enjoy the churro bars warm, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cinnamon Churro Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time! Prepare the bars, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
2. Can I freeze Cinnamon Churro Bars?
Yes, these churro bars freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter as the recipe already calls for salt. If you only have salted butter, just omit the additional salt from the recipe.
4. Can I add frosting to these churro bars?
Yes, if you prefer a creamy topping, a simple glaze or frosting can complement the cinnamon-sugar topping. A cream cheese frosting or a basic powdered sugar glaze would work well.
5. How do I know when the churro bars are done?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
6. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, but using brown sugar gives the churro bars a deeper, richer flavor. White sugar will work, but the texture and taste may be slightly different.
7. How can I make the cinnamon-sugar topping more flavorful?
You can add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar topping to give it a unique twist and enhance the flavor.
8. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as it might need a few extra minutes.
9. Can I make these churro bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
10. Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar or turbinado sugar for the topping for a different texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Churro Bars offer the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and cinnamon flavors. They’re simple to make, and you can enjoy them in a fraction of the time it would take to fry traditional churros. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and bake a batch of these irresistible bars that everyone will love!
Print
Cinnamon Churro Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Churro Bars are a simple, delicious dessert combining buttery soft bars with a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating. They offer all the sweet, warm flavors of traditional churros in an easy-to-make, non-fried form. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual snacks.
Ingredients
Churro Bars Batter
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup flour
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Churro Bars Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
½ cup granulated sugar
½ tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
-
Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add egg to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
-
Whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
-
Gradually combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients until fully mixed.
-
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
-
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
-
Mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
-
Let bars cool for 10 minutes, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar topping.
-
Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Optional Variations: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or make them gluten-free or dairy-free.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in microwave or oven for a warm treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American