Easy Churro Bars (Gluten Free)

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Whether your looking for a Cinco de Mayo dessert recipe or just want to enjoy a sweet cinnamon-y dessert these easy churro bars will be the perfect fit. They are baked not fried but still have the crispy crust just alot healthier.

WHAT IS A CHURRO BAR?

Having lived in Texas, churros are a staple at many parties and bbq's. These Spanish-Portuguese inspired dessert is a combination of pastry dough, cinnamon and sugar that is usually deep fried. It is crunchy on the outside and sweet on the inside. These easy churro bars take all that goodness and instead of frying bake them in a pan. Not only are they healthier but the flavors bake together just as well. Also, there is no mess to clean up.

I guarantee you will be coming back for more! They end up being one of the best tasting cookie bars EVER!

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED

• 1 for 1 Gluten Free Flour is the type of flour to use to make these bars gluten free. You must use a brand that includes xanthum gum, if not add ¼ teaspoon xanthum gum to your flour. I am using Bob Red Mills 1 for 1 gluten free flour.
• Butter mixes well with sugar and other dry ingredients. It is best to use unsalted softened butter. You could substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil but that might slightly alter flavor.
• Brown sugar gives it the rich toffee flavor but can easily swapped for coconut sugar to make the bars healthier.
• Egg holds the dough mixture together. You can use a flax egg if eggs are not tolerated.
• Cinnamon is a MUST ingredient! You can also add in nutmeg or clove especially if making around the holidays.
• Granulated sugar adds to the sweetness.

HOW TO MAKE EASY CHURRO BARS

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease 9 X 9 baking pan

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and butter

Step 3: Add in the egg to the mixture

Step 4: Then add in flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon until all incorporated

Step 5: Press the dough into an even layer in the bottom of the baking dish

Step 6: In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar

Step 7: Sprinkle topping over the bars

Step 8: Bake for 25 minutes or until center is cooked

Step 9: Let cool then serve as you like

WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE

• Pantry staple ingredients yet combined tastes delicious making a fantastic easy dessert. No need for fancy ingredients to make these.
• Easy to make as in under 30 minutes. You mix everything into a bowl then bake in a dish. Super easy and ready to enjoy.
• Kid friendly even your most pickiest eaters will love this sweet treat. The crunchy outside combined with the buttery cinnamon sugar will not disappoint. My 4 year old daughter loves helping to make these too.
• Allergy friendly as these bars are gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and can be made dairy free or egg free. (See FAQ's on how)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.) Can these bars be made dairy free? Yes, you can substitute butter for vegan butter or coconut oil to make dairy free.

2.) What can I use to substitute an egg? You can do a flax egg or use ½ cup of apple sauce or mashed banana. It will change the taste slightly but not the texture of the bars.

3.) Can these bars be made ahead of time? Yes, they can be made in advance. Just keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 5 days.

4.) My churro bars seem so dry, what went wrong with them? I would first wonder if they baked too long or at too high temperature. They should be chewy not dry. I'd check my oven to make sure the temperature is not off or timing on the bars.

5.) When can I serve these bars? These bars make a great Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) dessert treat. They are also so easy to whip up during the year for a holiday gathering, potluck, baby shower, bbq or birthday party.

HOW TO SERVE

These easy cinnamon churro bars can be best served with the following:

• Caramel sauce
• Chocolate syrup
• Ice Cream- this Creamy Paleo Vanilla Honey Ice Cream would go perfect!
• Whipped cream

STORAGE

How to store in a refrigerator: Place in an airtight sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ideally, with wax paper in between so they don't stick together.

How to store in a freezer: Place in a freezer friendly container or bag for up to 3 months.

CINCO DE MAYO RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

Simple Homemade Guacamole

Simple Homemade Pico de Gallo

How To Make The Best Homemade Salsa

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