If you love the warm cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros but want something quick and easy to make at home, these Churro Bars are for you. Soft, buttery, and topped with a sweet cinnamon crunch, they taste like they came straight from a Mexican bakery. They’re perfect for family get-togethers, school events, or cozy evenings with coffee. With just a few pantry staples and no frying involved, you’ll have the comforting, homemade flavor of churros in a no-fuss bar form.
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Easy Homemade Churro Bars – Just Like Abuela Would Make!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mexican Churro Bars are soft, buttery, and topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust that tastes just like classic churros—without the frying. They’re the perfect easy dessert for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family nights at home.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Topping:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
4. Add flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix until just combined.
5. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Mix topping ingredients (cinnamon and sugar) and sprinkle evenly over the dough.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden and set in the center.
8. Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
📦 These churro bars keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Want extra crisp topping? Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—but watch closely!
💡 Add a dash of nutmeg to the dough for a subtle depth of flavor.
❄️ These freeze well! Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Recipe
- All the flavor of classic churros without deep frying
- Pantry-friendly ingredients – nothing fancy required
- Perfect texture – soft inside, cinnamon crunch on top
- Great for holidays, potlucks, or anytime dessert
Ingredients
Churro Bar Batter:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Substitute: You can use margarine instead of butter in a pinch, and light brown sugar works great here too.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer (or mix by hand) until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until fully incorporated.
- Spread dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it into a smooth, flat layer.
- In a small bowl, mix together the topping cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle generously over the dough.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Let cool for about 30 minutes, then slice into bars. Serve warm or at room temp.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overbake – these bars are best when the center stays soft and slightly chewy.
- Want a little extra richness? Add a drizzle of dulce de leche or melted chocolate on top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave to bring back that soft, fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes! While butter gives the best flavor, margarine works in a pinch.
Do these taste like real churros?
They really do—especially with that cinnamon sugar topping and soft, golden base. No fryer needed!
Can I freeze churro bars?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
What to Serve With It
These Churro Bars pair beautifully with a warm mug of Mexican hot chocolate, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of honey or café de olla on the side. Serve them after tacos, enchiladas, or any cozy family meal.
A Sweet Ending
These Churro Bars bring the heart of a traditional Mexican treat right into your kitchen—with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a late-night square, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite.