Churro Bars
You might not realize that churros have roots dating back to the 16th century, when they were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers. Churro bars take this classic treat and transform it into a simpler, baked version that’s just as satisfying. They’re not only quick to make, but they also offer a unique way to enjoy a familiar flavor. If you’re curious about what makes these bars stand out from traditional churros, you might want to explore their history and discover how to whip up your own batch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re craving something sweet but want to skip the hassle of deep frying, churro bars are the perfect solution. These treats are incredibly convenient and easy to make. You won’t need to deep fry anything; just mix your ingredients and pop them in the oven.
Most recipes require only simple steps, ensuring a quick preparation time. Plus, you won’t need a mixer since the butter is usually melted or browned, making the process even simpler. Additionally, these bars contain only 7g of sugar per serving, making them a healthier option.
With a baking time of just 25 to 30 minutes, you can enjoy fresh churro bars in no time. The ingredients are often things you already have in your kitchen, like flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
Speaking of flavor, the addition of cinnamon sugar gives these bars a delightful twist. They’re buttery and chewy, combining the best of classic churros and blondies.
If you’re health-conscious, you’ll appreciate the lower sugar options and gluten-free alternatives available. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
History
Churros have a rich and debated history with multiple theories about their origins. One popular idea is that Spanish shepherds invented churros by frying dough as a quick snack while out in the fields.
On the other hand, some believe churros were inspired by youtiao, a Chinese pastry that Portuguese explorers brought back to Europe. There’s also a theory suggesting that both youtiao and churros trace back to the Islamic sweet known as zulabiya. Given these conflicting stories, the exact origin of churros remains unclear.
Churros made their way to Latin America with Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, where they adapted into local favorites. In Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal, churros became popular, often enjoyed with hot chocolate. Hot chocolate remains a traditional pairing with churros today, enhancing their appeal as a dessert.
The Mexican version, churros con chocolate, grew into a beloved dessert.
Over time, churros evolved, leading to various toppings and fillings that reflect different cultures.
Today, they’re not just a treat in Spain and Mexico but have gained global popularity. This journey highlights how churros have become a significant part of culinary traditions worldwide, showcasing their delicious versatility.
Recipe
Churro Bars Recipe
Churro bars are a delightful twist on traditional churros, offering the same sweet and spiced flavor in a convenient bar form. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat at home, these bars combine the flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a soft, chewy texture that will leave everyone wanting more. The churro bars’ popularity is attributed to their unique blend of flavors and ease of preparation.
With minimal preparation time and a straightforward baking process, you can indulge in these delicious bars in no time. The beauty of churro bars lies in their versatility. They can be enjoyed warm out of the oven, at room temperature, or even with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special dessert.
The combination of flavors and textures makes these bars a hit with both kids and adults alike, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table or as a simple snack throughout the week.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup softened butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (for topping)
– Optional: Caramel sauce and ice cream for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the churro bars to cool for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or with optional toppings like caramel sauce and ice cream.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure to soften the butter to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars; this will guarantee a smooth and fluffy texture.
If you want a more intense cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the dough or topping. Additionally, these bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or frozen for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert!
Final Thoughts
Churro bars have quickly become a favorite for dessert enthusiasts, thanks to their irresistible blend of flavors and easy preparation. You’ll find that these bars fit perfectly into various celebrations, from birthday parties to casual family gatherings. Their crowd-pleasing cinnamon and sugar flavor appeals to both kids and adults, making them a versatile choice for any event.
One of the best things about churro bars is how simple they’re to make. You can whip them up using common pantry ingredients like yellow cake mix, which saves time and effort compared to traditional churros. Plus, you can customize them with toppings like ice cream, caramel sauce, or sprinkles, allowing you to adapt the bars for any occasion. A churro bar can include a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the overall experience, making it even more enjoyable for guests.
Serving churro bars is also flexible; you can present them warm, topped with ice cream, or cold for a rejuvenating treat. Whether you cut them into squares for a neat presentation or serve them straight from the pan, they’re sure to be a hit.
FAQ
As you consider making churro bars for your next gathering, you might’ve a few questions about the recipe and its variations.
First, if you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, you can easily make a gluten-free version using gluten-free flour. This way, everyone can enjoy them!
For the ingredients, you’ll need unsalted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt.
Browning the butter before mixing it into the batter adds a deeper flavor that many find irresistible. Don’t forget the cinnamon sugar; it’s essential for that classic churro taste.
When preparing the churro bars, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, these churro bars are inspired by Disney churros, making them a delightful treat for fans.
Start by sprinkling half of the cinnamon sugar in the pan, then add your dough and top with the remaining sugar. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Make sure to let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them.
If you want to get creative, consider adding fillings like chocolate or caramel, or serving them with toppings such as strawberries or whipped cream.
Enjoy experimenting with these delicious treats!
Churro Bars
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 1 cup softened butter
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 1 cup packed brown sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 teaspoon baking powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- - 1/4 cup granulated sugar for topping
- - 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon for topping
- - Optional: Caramel sauce and ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the churro bars to cool for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or with optional toppings like caramel sauce and ice cream.
- Extra Tips:
- For the best results, make sure to soften the butter to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars; this will guarantee a smooth and fluffy texture.
- If you want a more intense cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the dough or topping. Additionally, these bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or frozen for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert!
