Save Soft, cinnamon-sugar muffin squares with a creamy cheesecake swirl, inspired by classic churros, make these Cream Cheese Churro Muffin Squares a delicious treat for breakfast or dessert. The sweet aroma and marbled layers bring a touch of bakery magic to your home kitchen.
The first time I baked these churro muffin squares, my family couldn&t believe they weren&t store-bought. The swirled cream cheese adds richness that pairs so well with the classic cinnamon sugar on top.
Ingredients
- Muffin Base: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice rested 5 min), 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Cream Cheese Filling: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg yolk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Churro Topping: 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Assemble Batter:
- Spread about 2/3 of the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Make Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla, beat until well combined.
- Swirl:
- Dollop cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently swirl with a knife. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining muffin batter on top and lightly swirl again for a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Bake 23–27 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
- Finish Topping:
- Mix sugar and cinnamon for topping in a small bowl. Brush melted butter over the warm squares, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Slice:
- Let cool completely, then lift out and slice into 16 squares.
Save My kids love helping sprinkle the sweet cinnamon sugar on these squares as soon as they come out of the oven, and everyone gathers around eager for the first bite.
Required Tools
9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, whisk, electric or hand mixer, knife or skewer for swirling, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and eggs. Always check ingredient labels for allergy concerns, especially with dairy and baking powder.
Nutritional Information
Each square contains approximately: 220 calories, 10 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Save Enjoy these squares fresh for a soft, churro-like texture, or reheat gently for a warm, bakery-style treat any time.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk?
Yes, plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can substitute buttermilk. Use equal amounts for similar moistness and tang.
- → How do I achieve a good cheesecake swirl?
Dollop cream cheese filling over batter, swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect before baking.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store squares covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → What other toppings work well?
Try dusting with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for a richer finish beyond classic cinnamon-sugar.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this treat is vegetarian-friendly and contains dairy and eggs but no meat or gelatin ingredients.
- → How do I serve for best flavor?
Serve slightly warm to highlight the churro-inspired cinnamon coating and creamy filling best.