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Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Bars Easy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

churro cheesecake bars - featured image

These churro cheesecake bars combine a buttery cinnamon-infused crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and a crunchy brown sugar cinnamon streusel topping for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert perfect for gatherings or last-minute treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line your 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to help lift the bars out later.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Smooth it out evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides occasionally. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the warm crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
  5. Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
  6. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cheesecake layer without pressing it down.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up before slicing.
  9. When ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife after each slice for cleaner cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Avoid overmixing cheesecake batter to prevent cracks. Press crust firmly and chill if kitchen is warm. Tent pan with foil if streusel browns too quickly. Chill bars for at least 4 hours or overnight for best slicing results.

Nutrition

Keywords: churro cheesecake bars, cinnamon streusel, cheesecake bars, easy dessert, brown sugar streusel, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, crowd-pleaser dessert