Homemade Churro Bars Recipe

Say hello to pure cozy bliss with this Homemade Churro Bars Recipe! Imagine all the cinnamon-sugary goodness of a classic churro, but baked into bars that are soft, buttery, and simply irresistible. This easy treat delivers golden edges, a plush center, and that unmistakable, sparkly topping that makes every bite a delight. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just because you want something utterly scrumptious at home, these bars are the ultimate fuss-free churro fix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You probably already have everything for this Homemade Churro Bars Recipe in your pantry! Each ingredient has its own important role, creating bars that are rich, tender, and full of warm spice. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Butter (1 cup, softened): For melt-in-your-mouth richness and that perfect soft crumb.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup for topping): Adds sweetness and helps create the irresistible topping crunch.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives a touch of molasses flavor and extra moistness.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough and contribute to the bars’ tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 tsp): Brings warmth and depth, enhancing all the classic churro notes.
• All Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the bars, providing structure and chew.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances out the sweetness and makes the other flavors pop.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise and stay fluffy.
• Cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp for dough + 1 1/2 tsp for topping): The star spice that delivers that classic churro flavor, both in the batter and on top.

How to Make Homemade Churro Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which gives your bars just the right amount of warmth for even baking. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray, making sure to reach every corner so your Homemade Churro Bars Recipe pops out beautifully after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This should take a couple of minutes and the result will be pale, fluffy, and practically cloudlike. Creaming here adds air, setting the stage for tender bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in your vanilla extract. The mixture becomes silky and thick, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing already!

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon right into the bowl. Mix on low speed or gently by hand, just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix – stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks for bars that stay soft and tender.

Step 5: Spread and Sprinkle

Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. For the signature churro sparkle, blend 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture generously across your dough before baking. This topping turns into a crackly, golden lid that’s simply irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the edges are turning golden brown and the centers look set but still moist. Don’t overbake! Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes – this will help the bars firm up and let the cinnamon-sugar settle into a glistening crust.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Once cooled, slice your Homemade Churro Bars Recipe into squares. They’re glorious warm with gooey middles or at room temperature when the flavors deepen even more. Time to enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Churro Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your Homemade Churro Bars Recipe by dusting extra cinnamon-sugar over the top just before serving, or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a scatter of chocolate shavings. For an even more decadent bite, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.

Side Dishes

These bars are wonderful on their own but become heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of dulce de leche. Pair with fresh berries or a steaming mug of Mexican hot chocolate for a truly indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a festive platter, wrap individual bars in parchment for a cute party favor, or tuck small squares into lunchboxes as a surprise sweet. For a special touch, serve them in muffin liners with a fun flag or toothpick for easy grabbing at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of your Homemade Churro Bars Recipe are easy to keep fresh. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days. Layer with wax or parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

For longer storage, these bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll be ready for your next craving and keep their wonderful texture for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, just microwave a bar for 10–12 seconds for that “fresh from the oven” coziness. Alternatively, warm several bars together on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes, and the cinnamon aroma will waft through your kitchen once more.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Churro Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check labels to be sure your other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll get the same chewy, flavorful results.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without crumbling?

Let the bars cool completely in the pan first. Use a very sharp knife or a bench scraper to press straight down (not saw), and wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat, gorgeous squares.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Definitely! Bake two batches side by side or use a larger baking sheet if you have a big enough oven. Keep an eye on baking time, as it may change with thicker bars or different pan sizes.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

Don’t worry! You can make a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses for each cup of brown sugar needed, or just use all white sugar, though the flavor will be a touch lighter.

Why does my topping sink into the bars?

If the batter is too thin or the oven is too cool, the cinnamon-sugar can disappear into the dough as it bakes. Make sure your oven is preheated and follow the recipe’s ingredient amounts closely for that perfect crunchy topping!

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the Homemade Churro Bars Recipe that turns any day into a celebration of cinnamon, sugar, and pure comfort. Whip up a batch and watch the smiles appear — these are the kind of bars everyone will beg you to make again!

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