Nothing brings my three kids running to the kitchen faster than the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through our home. Last Saturday morning, I wanted to create something special but lacked the energy for a deep-frying project. I decided to simplify our favorite street food treat into a bakeable format.

I pulled out my trusty baking pan and started testing this churro bars recipe. My youngest, Leo, climbed onto his kitchen stool to help me whisk the flour. My oldest, Maya, stood guard by the oven window, waiting for that golden-brown glow.

This churro bars recipe perfectly captures the crispy, sweet essence of a classic churro without any of the messy oil. In our household, food is love, and these bars represent a big, warm hug for the soul. You will soon discover why this churro bars recipe became an instant hit with my family and our neighbors.

Whenever I think of comfort food, I think of textures. This churro bars recipe delivers a soft, buttery base that contrasts beautifully with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. It reminds me of the churros we used to buy at the local fair, but better because I know exactly what goes into them.

I focus on simple, nourishing ingredients that provide energy and joy. Making this churro bars recipe allows me to spend less time at the stove and more time at the table with my children. We often serve these during family movie nights or as a special after-school snack.

Because this churro bars recipe uses pantry staples, you likely have everything you need to start baking right now. Let’s dive into the details of this wonderful treat.

Why You’ll Love This Churro Bars Recipe

You will absolutely adore this churro bars recipe for its incredible simplicity and nostalgic flavor profile. First, it eliminates the need for a deep fryer. Most people avoid making traditional churros at home because hot oil can be intimidating and messy.

This churro bars recipe uses a standard oven, making the process much safer and cleaner. Furthermore, the prep time stays under fifteen minutes, which fits perfectly into a busy mom’s schedule. You simply mix the batter, press it into a pan, and let the oven do the hard work.

Another reason to love this churro bars recipe is the irresistible texture. The bottom layer mimics a dense, chewy blondie, while the top layer provides that iconic churro crunch. Additionally, this churro bars recipe is highly portable.

You can slice them into small squares for a lunchbox treat or large rectangles for a decadent dessert. They hold their shape perfectly, making them the ultimate choice for potlucks or school bake sales. Your friends will constantly ask you for this churro bars recipe once they take their first bite. It truly brings the magic of the carnival right into your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward success with this churro bars recipe. I always tell my kids that the quality of our ingredients reflects the love we put into our cooking. We use real butter for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Freshly ground cinnamon also makes a world of difference in the aromatic profile of this churro bars recipe. Below is a list of exactly what you need to create these delicious treats.

churro bars recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These churro bars capture the crispy, sweet essence of a classic street-food churro in a bakeable, buttery blondie-style bar topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust.

• Author: Mehdi Razak
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25-30 mins
• Total Time: 40-45 mins
• Yield: 24 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup Unsalted Butter
1.5 cups Granulated Sugar
2 units Large Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamo
0.5 teaspoon Salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of the granulated sugar until light and fluffy
3. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring the mixture is smooth
4. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing
6. Press the thick batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula
7. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and sprinkle it generously over the batter
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clea
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out by the parchment and slicing

Notes

Use room-temperature eggs and butter to ensure the batter emulsifies properly.

Do not skip the parchment paper as the cinnamon-sugar topping can become sticky.

For a crunchier top, turn on the broiler for the last 60 seconds of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Wipe your knife clean between cuts for professional-looking squares.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this churro bars recipe is its versatility. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

For those following a gluten-free lifestyle, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works wonders in this churro bars recipe. I have tested it several times for friends, and the results are always impressive.

You can also get creative with add-ins to elevate this churro bars recipe. Try folding in a half-cup of white chocolate chips for extra creaminess. Alternatively, swirl some caramel sauce or dulce de leche through the batter before baking to enhance the authentic Mexican dessert vibe.

If you love a bit of heat, add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar topping. This “Mexican hot chocolate” twist gives the churro bars recipe a sophisticated edge that adults love. The possibilities are truly endless when you use this recipe as your base.

While focusing on diet-specific substitutions, it is also important to maintain your physical well-being by incorporating Instant Hydration Ingredients into your daily routine. Staying refreshed ensures you have the energy to experiment with various healthy baking alternatives in your home kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to ensure your churro bars recipe turns out perfectly every single time. I recommend involving your children in the mixing process to make it a fun family activity.

Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for the best results in this churro bars recipe.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent distributes evenly throughout the churro bars recipe.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix, or the bars will become tough.
6. Spread the Batter: Press the thick batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
7. The Cinnamon Topping: Mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the batter. This is the secret to a great churro bars recipe.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the edges to be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out mostly clean.
9. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing. This patience ensures clean cuts and the perfect texture for your churro bars recipe.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect churro bars recipe requires a few insider secrets. First, always use room-temperature eggs and butter. Cold ingredients do not emulsify properly, which can lead to a greasy or dense bar.

I usually take my ingredients out of the fridge about an hour before I plan to start. Second, do not skip the parchment paper. The cinnamon-sugar topping can get slightly sticky, and the parchment paper allows you to lift the entire block out for easy slicing.

Another tip for this churro bars recipe involves the slicing technique. Use a long, sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. This creates those beautiful, professional-looking squares you see in bakeries.

Furthermore, if you want a crunchier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 60 seconds of baking. Watch it very closely, though, as sugar burns quickly! Following these small steps will elevate your churro bars recipe from good to extraordinary.

Following these professional baking tips ensures your sweets are always ready for a festive holiday gathering or family party. For more inspiration on seasonal treats that impress your guests, check out this collection of the Best Beto Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, storing this churro bars recipe is quite simple. Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cinnamon-sugar topping stays crunchiest when kept in a cool, dry place.

If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, the cold air may soften the crust slightly.

To freeze this churro bars recipe, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat one, let it thaw at room temperature.

For that “fresh out of the oven” experience, pop a bar into the microwave for ten seconds or into a toaster oven for two minutes. Reheating revives the buttery aroma of the churro bars recipe and softens the center beautifully.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While this churro bars recipe is delicious on its own, adding a side can turn it into a full dessert experience. My children love dipping their bars into a small bowl of warm chocolate ganache. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cold ice cream melting over the warm cinnamon bar creates a delightful contrast that everyone enjoys.

For a morning treat, I highly recommend pairing this churro bars recipe with a strong cup of coffee or a traditional Mexican spiced coffee (Café de Olla). The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness of the sugar perfectly.

If you are serving these to children, a glass of cold milk or a mug of thick hot cocoa is the way to go. No matter how you serve it, this churro bars recipe is sure to be the star of the show.

If you are looking for a savory breakfast option to balance out the sweetness of these dessert bars, you might enjoy a Keto Egg Cottage Cheese Bake. This protein-packed dish provides a nutritious start to the day before indulging in a sugary morning treat.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar in this churro bars recipe?

Yes, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar in the batter. This will give the churro bars recipe a deeper, more caramel-like flavor and a moister texture. However, keep the topping as granulated sugar to maintain that classic churro crunch.

Why are my churro bars too dry?

Dryness usually occurs if you overbake the bars or measure the flour incorrectly. Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping it directly, as scooping packs the flour down. Check your churro bars recipe a few minutes before the timer goes off to ensure they stay soft.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! This churro bars recipe actually tastes wonderful the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. They are a great “make-ahead” option for busy weekends or holiday gatherings.

A churro bar is a modern, baked twist on the traditional fried dough snacks that are popular throughout Spain and Latin America. These recipes typically focus on recreating the iconic flavor profile of cinnamon sugar and butter in a convenient handheld format.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Knowing the nutritional content helps you fit this churro bars recipe into your balanced lifestyle. This information is based on cutting the pan into 24 standard-sized squares.

I hope your family enjoys this churro bars recipe as much as mine does. Remember, cooking is about more than just food; it is about creating memories and sharing love. Happy baking!