Cinco de Mayo Dessert: Churro Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churro Bars are a festive, easy-to-make dessert that brings the cinnamon-sugar goodness of classic churros into a soft, chewy bar form. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, these bars offer all the flavor without the need for frying. With layers of cinnamon-spiced dough and a crunchy sugar topping, they’re crowd-pleasing treats that pair perfectly with ice cream or dulce de leche.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

unsalted buttergranulated sugarbrown sugareggsvanilla extractall-purpose flourbaking powdersaltground cinnamon

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and a portion of the ground cinnamon.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture (made from remaining cinnamon and sugar) over the dough layer.

Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top and gently spread to cover.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.

Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20 bars.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 25–30 minutesCooling time: 20 minutesTotal time: 60–65 minutes

Variations

Add a swirl of dulce de leche or caramel between the dough layers for extra richness.

Top with a cream cheese glaze for a tangy contrast.

Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty undertone.

Use half whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

storage/reheating

Store churro bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.Refrigerate for up to 7 days if needed.To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make churro bars ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and can even be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can be substituted.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or make two batches.

Do churro bars taste like real churros?

They have all the flavor of churros but with a soft, chewy texture instead of crispy.

Are churro bars messy to eat?

Not at all—they’re neater than traditional churros and great for parties.

Can I add chocolate?

Yes! Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

How do I keep them soft?

Store in a sealed container and avoid overbaking.

What type of cinnamon should I use?

Ground Ceylon or cassia cinnamon both work well, depending on your preference.

Do I need a mixer?

A hand or stand mixer makes it easier, but you can mix by hand with effort.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Conclusion

Churro Bars are the ultimate Cinco de Mayo dessert—simple, satisfying, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Whether served plain or dressed up with toppings, they’re a fun and festive treat that everyone will love. Make a batch for your next celebration and watch them disappear!

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