These soft, chewy churro bars capture all the warm cinnamon-and-sugar flavor of a classic churro in an easy, bake-in-a-pan cookie bar. They’re a fast crowd-pleaser and get even simpler by starting with a pantry staple: yellow or golden butter cake mix. With minimal hands-on time and no frying required, these bars are perfect for a casual dessert, a potluck, or a themed Mexican-night menu.
If you love churros but dislike the frying and cleanup, these churro bars give you everything you want—crisp edges, tender, chewy centers, and a sparkling cinnamon-sugar topping—without standing over hot oil. They slice easily for serving to a crowd and travel well for parties and gatherings. Serve them warm for the best texture, or cool them completely and pack them for an on-the-go treat.
For a special serving idea, try churro sundaes: top a warm churro bar square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. The contrast of warm bar and cold ice cream makes an indulgent, memorable dessert.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow or golden butter cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
How to make Churro Bars
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick baking spray or lining it with parchment.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and half of the cinnamon. Mix until a uniform dough forms. You can use an electric mixer or stir by hand.
Step 3: Spray your hands lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, then press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix the remaining cinnamon with the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the dough and gently press it into the surface with your hands or the back of a spoon so it adheres.
Step 4: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14–18 minutes, or until the edges have puffed slightly and the top looks set. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool just enough to handle, then cut into squares. Serve warm for the best texture, or cool completely and serve chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow or golden butter cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or parchment.
- Combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and half the cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Spray your hands with a touch of nonstick spray and press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Mix the remaining cinnamon with the sugar. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the dough and press lightly so it adheres.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes, until edges are slightly puffed and set. Allow to cool slightly, then cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Serving suggestions: Eat these straight from the pan like a cookie bar, or create churro sundaes by topping a warm square with vanilla ice cream and drizzling with caramel or chocolate. Bars are easy to transport and are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dessert.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 17 minutes | Total Time: about 22 minutes
Servings: about 16 squares
Calories (approx.): 78 kcal per serving
Author: Amy D
If you enjoy quick, cake-mix-based desserts that serve a crowd, these churro bars are an easy, delicious option. They require minimal ingredients and deliver bold cinnamon-sugar flavor with very little fuss. Try making them for a party or a cozy family night and see how fast they disappear.