Description
A lazy yet luxurious dessert featuring a buttery cake base, tangy cheesecake layer, and a crispy cinnamon-sugar topping, all made in one pan with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup milk (or water)
- 8 oz full-fat brick cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- Optional: Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, 2 eggs, and milk. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Press the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while making the filling.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth.
- Add sour cream, vanilla, and 1 egg. Beat on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the warm cake base.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Drizzle melted butter over the sugar topping.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for another hour) before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve with optional caramel drizzle.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to prevent cracking. The bars must cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 4
Keywords: churro cheesecake bars, easy dessert, one pan dessert, cinnamon sugar, cheesecake bars, family friendly dessert, make ahead dessert