Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bars

These Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bars are kissed with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. They have a tender crumb with a soft inside, topped with a crisp chewy cinnamon sugar crust that feels like the baked version of a churro. They are absolutely delicious and loaded with richness that comes from the Real California Milk; Cream and browned butter. They are inspired by traditional Mexican churros, this dessert comes together in a whip and no need to fry anything to satisfy that sweet churro craving . It is incredible how a few basic ingredients can be transformed to something so delicious. 

What are Churros?

These Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bars are inspired by one of my ultimate favorite Mexican desserts, churros! Churros are a very popular dessert/ street food that is sold all over Mexico and now even the U.S I would dare say it is quite the art to perfect the perfect bite. While there are many vendors, the best are easily spotted by the long lines  and the aroma that travels blocks down enticing you to find them. Watching how they carefully place them in a huge cazo to fry them just before handing them over is mesmerizing. Churros can be made in different shapes with the contraptions they use, at times customized by the families themselves.

Churros are made from a simple dough that includes flour, eggs, sugar and sometimes butter. It is perfectly pipped with a star shaped tip that makes for long pieces, or circular spirals of churro dough that goes into hot oil to get fried to golden perfection. The dough is lightly sweet with a chewy soft center and a crispy exterior. While still warm, the churro gets dipped into a ground cinnamon and sugar mixture that coats it from top to bottom. All it takes is one bite to understand why the have been so popular, it is sweet, crispy perfection just as is. Churros are a great example that greatness can be found in the simple things. As if it couldn’t get better, churros can be stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings like cajeta, dulce de leche, vanilla custard, chocolate or even jams. Although stuffing them has been a more recent addition, the combos are truly endless.

Browned Butter:

Let’s face it, butter makes everything better and it is no different in this recipe. I am taking it a step further and browning the butter before adding it to the churro batter! Browning the butter simply means melting the butter down on medium heat until it starts turning a golden color and smells a bit nutty and with hints of caramel. The milk solids will darken at the bottom of the pan and create a richer flavor. Even just this step makes the house smell amazing. As the butter melts and sizzles, once the bubbles go down you will see the liquid gold. Word of caution, don’t step away from the pan, it will seem that nothing is happening and all of the sudden it will start browning and can burn quickly. (Don’t ask me how I know)

Why you will love this recipe:

While traditional churros are absolutely delightful and I can never turn one down, they are best when eaten straight away after frying. Once they sit out and cool it is hard to heat back to the same crispy texture that they had when they are fresh. These Cinnamon Sugar Churro bars are great because they honestly taste even better after letting them rest. They can be enjoyed straightaway or saved for late and they will still have great texture and flavor. While these bars taste amazing as soon as they get out of the oven they really shine once cooled. The brown sugar and cinnamon set into a crispy chewy texture which I love. In 30 minutes you have a delicious treat that screams holiday with the warm cinnamon spice.

These Cinnamon and Sugar Churro Bars are really simple to make and with some basic ingredients you can impress at the next potluck or family gathering, because we can’t be showing up empty handed. The holidays are for making those tried and true recipes and leaving space on the menu for new dishes. I love a good main dish but appetizers and desserts is where the fun is! So much to choose from and it is great that we can keep our loved ones surprised with unexpected combos.

Ingredients:

For best results make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before baking, this will ensure it rises evenly and you have a smooth batter to begin with.

All-purpose flour– The foundation and starting point for our bars. The flour combined with the other ingredients will give the batter structure.

Ground Cinnamon- A warm spice that is essential for this recipe. Cinnamon adds the signature churro flavor as well as a delicious aromatic component to the batter.

Baking Powder- Is the leveling agent it will give the batter lift, creating air pockets throughout the batter making for a fluffier bar.

Salt– A small amount of salt even in dessert recipes makes all the other flavor profiles pop!

White Granulated Sugar- The sweet component will come from regular sugar in the batter.

Dark Brown Sugar– Adds in sweetness as well as that depth of flavor from the molasses in the brown sugar. A mixture of cinnamon and dark brown sugar will coat the top and bottom layer of the batter and it will lightly seep into the batter giving it contrast and mimics a fried churro.

Real California Milk-

Real California Milk products are made with locally sourced and sustainably produced milk from family farms. They include everything from butter, buttermilk, ice cream, sour cream, cottage cheese, milk and more. When you purchase products with the seal, you can be sure you are supporting families that are working on farms that have at times been passed down for generations! Many farms use renewable energy, water recycling, and waste reducing practices to protect the environment.

Butter– Adds moisture and richness to the batter. Browning the butter will give it a nutty almost caramel flavor. (It is a must!) Look for the Real California Milk seal to ensure you are purchasing the highest quality product in the market.

Heavy cream and Whole Milk– The liquid in this recipe is Real California Milk opt for a milk that has some fat content to make the batter rich and moist. The cream brings in extra richness and makes the crumb extra pillowy.

“Did you know California dairy cows also help out! Around 40% of their diet comes from food and other ag byproducts, such as almond hulls, grape pomace and veggie trimmings, which they can upcycle and keep out of landfills – reducing resources.”

Eggs– will help the batter bind, bringing structure and substance to the batter.

Vanilla Extract– or vanilla bean paste can be used. Vanilla adds a hint of complexity and elevated the sweetness in this recipe.

There is something nostalgic about the flavors we adore and grew up with. I hope that this recipe fills your home with warmth and coziness this holiday season!

This post was created in partnership with Real California Milk. I’m proud to collaborate with a brand that supports sustainable, family owned dairy farms and high quality ingredients. Recipes and opinions shared here are entirely my own.