Indulge in the irresistible flavors of churros with these delightful Churro Bars. With their buttery, cinnamon-infused base and crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, these bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread Batter:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle Topping:
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the pan.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Churro Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and serve.
- Enjoy:
- Serve these delicious Churro Bars as a delightful snack or dessert. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of cinnamon and sugar in every bite!
Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover Churro Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Variations: Feel free to customize these bars by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top before serving.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve warm Churro Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd or simply want more Churro Bars to enjoy, double the recipe and bake in a larger pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Enjoy these irresistible Churro Bars and savor the sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness with every bite
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps them incorporate more easily into the batter and results in a smoother texture.
- Even Distribution: When spreading the batter into the baking pan, aim for an even thickness to ensure that the bars bake uniformly.
- Check for Doneness: To avoid overbaking, start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. The bars are ready when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps them set and ensures clean cuts.
Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate Twist: For a chocolatey variation, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for extra decadence.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Enhance the warmth of the cinnamon by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the batter. This adds depth to the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Make Churro Bar ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two bars. Roll the edges in cinnamon sugar for an extra treat.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the bars with a side of caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream for dipping. This adds a fun element and allows for customizable flavor combinations.
- Warm and Cozy: Enjoy the bars warm from the oven with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced cider for a comforting treat on a chilly day.
Customization Ideas:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Churro Bars that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy-free butter and vegan-friendly egg replacers to make vegan Churro Bars. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a rich flavor.
- Fruit Filling: Add a layer of fruit preserves or pie filling between the batter and topping for a fruity twist on classic Churro Bars. Raspberry or apple would be delicious options.
With these additional tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you can elevate your Churro Bars to new heights of flavor and creativity. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different flavors and toppings, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness of homemade Churro Bars and savor every delightful bite!