Churro Bars

These Churro Bars take everything you love about traditional churros cinnamon sugar, buttery richness, and chewy goodness—and transform them into a soft, moist cookie bar that’s baked instead of fried. Perfect for when you’re craving churros but want something simpler and oven-friendly.

This crowd pleasing dessert comes together in under an hour and serves up cozy vibes with every bite. Whether you top it with ice cream, dip it in white chocolate, or sneak a square straight from the pan, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at parties, family nights, or your next casual celebration.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (softened)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.

4. Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir until just incorporated—do not overmix.

5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using your fingertips or a spatula.

6. Mix the cinnamon and sugar for the topping in a small bowl and sprinkle generously over the top of the dough.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.

8. Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

9. Serve warm with ice cream or enjoy at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal (approx.) | Servings: 16 bars

A Sweet Twist on Tradition: Why Churro Bars Deserve a Place in Your Dessert Rotation

There’s something almost magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air. It’s warm, nostalgic, and universally appealing. For many, it instantly evokes memories of fairs, street vendors, or late-night cravings satisfied with crispy, sugary churros. But what if you could capture that same beloved flavor without the hassle of frying and enjoy it as a chewy, gooey cookie bar? That’s where Churro Bars step in, bringing the charm of a classic churro into a more modern, oven-baked form that’s perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.

The recipe, made popular by Practically Homemade, takes the humble cinnamon-sugar churro and transforms it into a soft, spiced dessert bar that is nothing short of addictive. Whether you’re planning a Cinco de Mayo celebration, prepping for a bake sale, or just looking for something cozy to whip up on a weekend, Churro Bars are your golden ticket to sweet satisfaction.

From Spanish Street Food to All-American Dessert

To understand the appeal of Churro Bars, it helps to take a look back at their cultural roots. Traditional churros originated in Spain and Portugal and were later popularized throughout Latin America. These fried dough pastries, often piped into star-shaped sticks and dusted with cinnamon sugar, became a staple street food especially when served with rich, melted chocolate for dipping.

In recent years, churros have become more than a snack; they’re a dessert trend, inspiring everything from churro ice cream sandwiches to churro cheesecakes. But as delicious as they are, churros come with one major kitchen drawback: they’re deep-fried. And for home cooks who prefer to avoid the mess, cleanup, or health considerations of frying, churros aren’t always practical.

That’s why Churro Bars are such a clever innovation. They maintain the key flavor profile rich butter, warming cinnamon, and that signature sugary crunch while skipping the fryer entirely. Instead, everything bakes together in one pan, resulting in a soft, chewy bar that’s blissfully easy to prepare and even easier to devour.

The Practical Beauty of the Bar

Cookie bars, by their nature, are one of the most user-friendly baked goods. They require minimal effort, no shaping or scooping, and they’re perfect for slicing into tidy squares to feed a crowd. Churro Bars capitalize on these benefits while adding an extra layer of indulgence.

The base has the texture of a rich, buttery blondie, with notes of vanilla and brown sugar that enhance the warm cinnamon. On top, a generous layer of cinnamon sugar bakes into a slightly crisp topping that mimics the exterior of a fried churro. The result? A perfect contrast of textures and flavors soft and chewy in the center, slightly crunchy on top, and bursting with sweet, spiced goodness.

These bars are also incredibly versatile. Unlike churros, which are best eaten fresh, Churro Bars keep beautifully. They can be made in advance, stored at room temperature for several days, or even frozen for longer storage. That makes them ideal for meal prep, gift giving, or as a last-minute dessert option for unexpected guests.

Perfect for Every Occasion

One of the standout qualities of Churro Bars is their universal appeal. They feel festive without being fussy, comforting without being boring. That makes them a go-to for countless occasions.

Cinco de Mayo, for instance, is a natural fit. Churro Bars pay homage to the traditional churro with their cinnamon-sugar flavor, while their easy prep means you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen.

But don’t limit them to just one day of the year. Churro Bars are just as suited for:

• Birthday parties, especially for kids or those who love nostalgic, fun desserts

• Potlucks or bake sales, where they can be cut into small squares for easy serving

• Holiday cookie trays, offering a unique twist on traditional offerings

• Cozy nights in, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence

Creative Serving Ideas & Add-Ons

Churro Bars are delightful on their own, but they also provide a blank canvas for customization. Depending on your mood or the occasion, you can dress them up in all kinds of ways:

• Top with caramel drizzle: A light zigzag of dulce de leche or salted caramel sauce enhances the sweet, spiced flavor.

• Serve with dipping sauce: Just like traditional churros, these bars pair beautifully with a small bowl of warm chocolate ganache or even Nutella.

• Make them ice cream sandwiches: Cut the bars into rectangles, freeze slightly, then sandwich a layer of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two bars.

• Add a twist of citrus: A hint of orange or lemon zest in the batter or sugar topping can brighten the overall flavor.

• Sprinkle with colorful toppings: Add rainbow sprinkles or chocolate chips to the sugar topping before baking for a more playful version.

Easy to Customize for Dietary Needs

Another reason why Churro Bars shine is their flexibility when it comes to ingredients. With a few adjustments, you can make them suitable for various dietary preferences:

• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted 1:1 gluten-free blend.

• Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and ensure any add-ons like chocolate are dairy-free.

• Egg-free: Try using flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer to make them vegan-friendly.

Because the core flavor relies on cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla ingredients that are easy to adapt the bars maintain their delicious character even when modified.

A Home Baker’s Dream

Perhaps what’s most appealing about this recipe is that it empowers anyone, even beginner bakers, to create something that looks and tastes impressive. You don’t need a piping bag, a candy thermometer, or hours of time. All you need is a bowl, a baking dish, and the willingness to whip up something sweet.

The finished bars slice cleanly, travel well, and can be packaged beautifully for gifts or special occasions. Want to bring dessert to a friend’s house? Stack these in a festive box or wrap them in parchment with a ribbon, and you’ve got an instant crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion: 

In the world of desserts, there are few treats as instantly satisfying as the humble churro. But thanks to Churro Bars, you no longer need to venture to a fair or tackle deep frying at home to enjoy that same delicious payoff.

This recipe is a shining example of how traditional flavors can be reimagined in simple, approachable ways. It blends the cozy warmth of cinnamon sugar with the ease and versatility of a cookie bar, creating a dessert that is as comforting as it is crave-worthy.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd, treating your family, or indulging in a late-night sweet fix, Churro Bars will quickly become a favorite. And best of all, they prove that you don’t need complexity or culinary training to create something unforgettable just the right combination of classic flavors, a bit of oven time, and a love for making moments a little sweeter.