Churros are a beloved treat known for their crispy exterior, soft interior, and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. Now, you can capture all the flavors of churros in an easy-to-make bar form. Churro Bars offer the perfect combination of buttery richness and sweet cinnamon goodness, all baked into a soft and chewy bar that’s perfect for sharing.
Churro Bars are a delightful twist on the classic churro, offering all the same flavors in a convenient, easy-to-prepare dessert. These bars are tender, buttery, and generously coated with cinnamon sugar. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you want a sweet treat that’s simple to make. Follow this step-by-step guide to create delicious Churro Bars at home!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
Step 2: Make the Bar Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon. Mix until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
- Brush the top of the warm bars with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the bars, making sure to cover the surface generously.
Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are delicious on their own, but they’re also perfect paired with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Cook’s Notes
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened to ensure the bars have the right texture. You should be able to press a finger into the butter easily, but it shouldn’t be melted.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. You want them to be set but still soft in the middle to maintain a chewy texture.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Apply the topping while the bars are still warm so that the butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick.
Variations
Chocolate Churro Bars
Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the batter before baking for a chocolatey twist on the classic churro flavor.
Cream Cheese Churro Bars
Swirl 4 ounces of softened cream cheese mixed with 1/4 cup sugar into the batter before baking for a creamy, tangy addition.
Caramel Churro Bars
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars just before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
Gluten-Free Churro Bars
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Ensure that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Churro Bars can be made a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze Churro Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar. However, brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor to the bars, so using it is recommended if possible.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake the bars in two 9×13-inch pans, or you can bake them in a larger pan like an 11×15-inch. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
5. How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper with an overhang is the best way to prevent sticking and allows for easy removal of the bars. You can also grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray.
6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, the flavor and texture of the bars will be slightly different. Butter is recommended for the best taste.
Churro Bars are a delicious and fun twist on the classic churro, offering the same warm cinnamon-sugar flavor in a soft, chewy bar form. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to special gatherings. Follow this guide to create your own batch of delicious Churro Bars, and enjoy the sweet taste of churros in every bite.
