Blog - Cooking On The Ranch

Cream Cheese Churros Cheesecake Bars

July 10, 2016 By Lea Ann Brown 18 Comments

Churros Cheesecake Bars. With a Shortbread Crust, a layer of Cheesecake and a Cinnamon Sugar Topping, These Mexican Cheesecake Bars are fab and I mean f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s

Churros Cheesecake Bars, cinnamon, cream cheese, dessert bars.

Not a lot of desserts come out of this meat and potato kitchen here on the Ranch. But due to a planned 4th of July kabob-athon party that included two of my favorite six and eight year old boys, I thought it wise to have a kid type dessert on the menu.

I’ve had this recipe pinned to make for quite some time, compliments of Holly over at A Baker’s House. Have you ever paid her blog a visit? Holly lives right here in Denver and is a very confident baker. Great site that would behoove you to subscribe to. And thank you Holly for this recipe.

With my love for Mexican food, you bet I’ve had my share of bites of Churros. A fried dough pastry with cinnamon and sugar which is just a little too sweet for my taste.

But take that flavor combination and add cream cheese and a shortcake crust and WOW. You’ve got a churros cheesecake dessert. And it brought back memories of all that cinnamon toast that I gobbled down as a kid.

Churros Cheesecake Bars. Super easy, super addictive and very kid friendly.

I also made these in anticipation to our recent trip to the Steamboat Springs area. I thought I’d save out a couple of these for the road.

These were a big hit! The shortbread crust is a perfect to tame the sweetness of the other ingredients. They are creamy, super easy and super addictive.

Recipe For Churros Cheesecake Bars

I hope you give these Churros Cheesecake Bars a try and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating. And leave a comment about your experience with this recipe.

And if you have a favorite churros cheesecake style recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

More Dessert Bar Recipes

Orange Slice Bars, An old fashioned recipe using orange slice candy wedges. If you're a fan of orange slice candies, you're going to go crazy over these chewy bars.
Cherry Delight: An easy and popular cream cheese cherry dessert.
Orange Chile Brownies, A super easy Mexican brownie recipe using a box mix, then adding some chili spice and citrus oil. The result is a brownie that's over the top delicious.

And if you’re looking for more dessert recipes, don’t miss my Dessert Category. You’ll find lots of recipes to satisfy that sweet tooth, including the most popular dessert recipe on my site for Cream Cheese Flan Recipe. Another wonderful Mexican dessert.

Print Recipe

5 from 15 votes

Churros Cheesecake Bars

These Churros Cheesecake Bars are Killer. Easy and addicting, a great kid dessert.

Prep Time20

Cook Time40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings:

Calories: 190kcal

Author: Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

Base:
1 ½ cups butter
2 ½ cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
Cheesecake:
16 ounces cream cheese softened, 2-8 ounce packages
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup sugar
Cinnamon Sugar:
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9 by 13 pan with parchment.
In a food processor combine the 1 ½ cups butter, 2 ½ cups flower, 1 cup sugar and 2 Tablespoons cornstarch. Pulse until the dough comes together nearly in a ball. Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minute or until the edges just begin to brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Mix the cinnamon sugar in a small bowl. Use about half of the mixture to top the shortbread. The shortbread will not be cooled yet– that is fine and even helpful because the cinnamon sugar layer will melt into it and adhere more easily. Set the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture aside.
Now create the cheesecake layer: with an electric mixer or a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth then add in the egg and vanilla. Make sure your egg is at room temperature before adding or else your mixture will break apart and appear to curdle. Pour the smooth cheesecake mixture into the pan. It may be easier to scoop out the mixture and to place small lumps of it over the pan then use a spatula to even out the layer. Top the bars with the remaining cinnamon sugar to completely cover the cheesecake layer.
Bake at 325 for 35-40 minutes. Let cool completely then refrigerate before cutting and serving.

Notes

As with any cheesecake recipe, these bars can be difficult to slice. For a clean slice, Keep that knife clean for each slice: fill a tall container with hot tap water deep enough to cover the blade of your knife.

Dip the knife into the hot water, then wipe it on a clean towel before making every cut. The constant dipping and cleaning will prevent chunks of cake from the previous slice from depositing on top of the next slice.

Nutrition

Churros Cheesecake Bars … They’re what’s for Dessert.

Travel Colorado: Summer Vacation Steamboat Springs

July 9, 2016 By Lea Ann Brown 3 Comments

Looking for things to do around Steamboat Springs? Take a look at our three night trip from Denver to the Steamboat Springs area. A short vacation to Steamboat Springs must go on your “to do” list.

Bear sighting at Glen Eden Resort near Steamboat Springs.

We’ve just returned from a three day trip to north central Colorado. We celebrated the 4th here in Highlands Ranch with an afternoon at the pool and a grilling extravaganza that we called the kabob-athon. Chicken, beef, shrimp and vegetable kabobs were all wonderful and I plan to post recipes soon. Don’t miss the Churros Cheesecake Bars … ohmy.

I’m posting this shot of the bear that was at our cabin as the headliner shot. Exhilarating for me as it was my first bear sighting – ever. I’ve lived in Colorado for nearly 40 years, camped and explored our wilderness areas ad nauseam, been to Yellowstone twice and not once have spotted a bear. This shot was taken moments before he swatted that grill to the ground. We were told mom was next to our car, we didn’t see her. I’d call this guy a “teenager” in size.

Day One, Denver to Steamboat Springs

We left bright and early on the 5th, our destination, Clark, Colorado. This area one of our favorite areas in Colorado. It’s far enough from Denver that you escape most of the rat race, pristine with lush green valleys surrounded by mountains. We rented a cabin along the Elk River. The location has it all, rivers, mountains, lakes, easy hiking trails along with a cozy cabin where we felt very comfortable. And our dogs were welcome. Perfect.

Bird Watching At Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge

On our way to our destination, we took a little side trip to Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge outside Walden, Colorado. The refuge supports diverse wildlife habitats, including sagebrush, grassland meadows, willow riparian areas and wetlands. 23,464 acres, the refuge was established in 1967 primarily to provide suitable nesting habitat for migratory birds.

I love barns, so couldn’t resist taking a photo of this one that sits on the refuge. Googling told me this is the Case Barn. The area was settled by Owen Case in 1889. He was a school teacher and a rancher. There is little information about the construction of the barn. The USFWS surveyed the barn in 1991 and the recorder estimated it was built around 1948. The barn is not open to the public.

Cabins Around Steamboat Springs, Clark Colorado

Here’s where my photo taking turns lame. We stayed at Glen Eden Resort, Clark, Colorado. I had to snatch this photo off the internet. I took not one photo of our cabin complex. Cabins were close to the river, clean, well equipped and we loved it there.

Steamboat Lake

Our cabin was an easy drive to popular and pristine Steamboat Lake. It’s a Colorado State Park located in Routt County 27 miles north of Steamboat Springs. The 2,820-acre park was established 1967 and includes a 1,101 acre reservoir.

Another barn to photograph. The Fetcher Barn was constructed in 1929 by J.T. Kelton, who moved his family to Clark in 1927. He served as County Sheriff to supplement the family income during the depression. The Fetcher family moved to Clark from Pennsylvania and purchased the ranch in 1949. The barn sits on the west side of Steamboat Lake.

Best picnic spot near Steamboat Lake. Hahns peak picnic area.

Hahn’s Peak Lake and Campground

Time for a picnic lunch, we moseyed over to Hahns Peak Lake and Campground. Hahns Peak Lake is a small, quiet lake, especially when compared to nearby Steamboat Lake. It's tucked away, and fishing, camping and hiking are the main attractions. Featuring a scenic picnic area, the best spot, right on the water, was taken by a family fishing, and our picnic table is just above. These spots are near campsite #7. The 160-acre lake sits at 8,500 feet and is surrounded by wilderness. The 10,774-foot Hahns Peak adds to the scenery.

Pearl Lake

Pearl Lake is also a short trip from Clark. A beautiful little lake and State Park that my friend Teri describes as “heaven.” Pearl Lake is named for M. Pearl Hartt, the wife of pioneer sheep rancher, John Kelly Hartt.

I love this photo of this young man who spent some time laying on the end of the dock just staring down at the water. Summer!

There’s a great trail to hike at Pearl Lake. Easy, lush and untouched. It’s a short walk to the dam for a bit of exercise.

This was little Remy’s first ever wilderness hike. He made sure we had no unexpected chipmunk attacks.

Almost back to the parking lot, I snapped this shot of people enjoying the beautiful water. Unpolluted and quiet with great fishing and wakeless only boating, it's what a mountain lake should be.

On the road leading out of the park, I snapped this shot of Hahns Peak.

fish-creek-falls-steamboat-springs-colorado

Fish Creek Falls, Easy Day Hike Steamboat Springs

Just East of Steamboat Springs is Fish Creek Falls. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend this side trip. Clear and fresh high alpine water roars down Fish Creek Canyon, spilling over the magnificent 280-foot Fish Creek Falls. It’s one of the most popular destinations around Steamboat Springs. Get there early…by the time we left at 10:00 the parking lot was full and the road leading into the site filling up with cars.

Hiking the trail at Fish Creek Falls, Steamboat Springs Colorado

The hike and trails to the falls are easy and we felt as if we were in a rain forest. So lush with ferns, aspen, oak and vegetation.

cordilleran-flycatcher-fish-creek-falls-steamboat-springs-colorado

I had the opportunity to snap this shot of a Cordilleran Flycatcher.

stagecoach-lake-steamboat-springs-colorado

Stagecoach Reservoir, Easy side Trip, Steamboat Springs

After our trip to the Falls, we headed over the Stagecoach Reservoir. 17 miles South of Steamboat and a relaxing drive, Stagecoach State Park sets the stage for great recreation in the Yampa Valley. Vistas and views are backdrops to the 820-acre reservoir providing renown lake fishing.

rock-formation-stagecoach-lake-steamboat-springs-colorado

A shot of one of the interesting formations that tower over Stagecoach Lake.

For the drive home, we chose a different route back to Denver. This route heads over Rabbit Ear’s Pass then South to Kremmling, then east to Granby. I highly recommend the variation in routes as they both offer stunning scenery.

If you’re planning a Summer vacation to Steamboat Springs, don’t miss these wonderful lakes near town. It’s what to do around Steamboat Springs.

Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni Salad

June 16, 2016 By Lea Ann Brown 22 Comments

Pioneer Woman’s favorite Macaroni Salad recipe, because we all need a perfect macaroni salad recipe! This recipe is part of my classic American comfort food collection and one that will get you through every Summer pot luck and back yard BBQ thrown your way.

And check out my Chicken Macaroni Salad if you're looking for a main course pasta dish.

Pioneer woman's best Elbow Macaroni pasta salad recipe with black olives, roasted red bell peppers

What You Can Expect From This Recipe

We’ve been enjoying Summer-like temperatures in Colorado and before July melts into August, I wanted to share a recipe I found over at Pioneer Woman. She calls it the “best macaroni salad ever” and to me, it just may be perfect.

Why is it so good? The Flavor Profile:

Not too heavy with mayo
Just right with red-wine vinegar
Tangy, sweet and spicy in a perfect way
There are black olives involved
There are pickles involved
Elbow macaroni – perfect Summer comfort pasta

Ree Drummond takes her macaroni salad seriously. And I love this quote from her on the subject:

“I love, love, love, adore, and love macaroni salad. I'm also picky, picky, picky, particular, and picky about macaroni salad. No joke. Macaroni salad is a religion to me.”

If that doesn’t inspire you to give this pasta salad recipe a try …

The Popularity Factor

Potlucks and back yard BBQ parties are a great way to know if a recipe is a keeper or not. I’ve taken Ree Drummond’s pasta salad recipe to a couple of neighborhood parties over the past couple of weeks, and let me tell you, I should have doubled the recipe.

This simple salad is creamy, full of flavor and absolutely divine. I’ve never used red wine vinegar for a pasta salad before and I truly love the unique robust flavor it brings.
Every time I make this I’m asked for the recipe. Always a grand compliment, right? It seems this macaroni salad is filled with just the right things and the balance of those “things” that work so well.
And it’s perfect for any pot luck because it travels well and can be made ahead. You have to love a good make-ahead pot luck macaroni salad. With all that said, Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad recipe is a keeper.

I truly believe you’ll love every single bite. As will your back yard BBQ pot-luck-lovin’ guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Elbow Macaroni: I always choose American Beauty brand. A classic choice. Why? Because they are an American pasta company and only use high quality wheat from American farmers. And being a third generation Kansas wheat farmer, that means a lot to us.
Roasted Red Bell Peppers. Of course you can roast your own fresh sweet bell peppers, but make it easy on yourself. Purchase a jar from the condiment aisle at the grocery store, or even better yet, grab a couple from the olive bar. I think they have more flavor.
Sweet Spicy Pickles. The pickles are important in this recipe, so you may be asking, what pickles are best for pasta or macaroni salads? Choose a quality sweet and spicy pickle for optimal flavor. Famous Dave’s makes a great tasting spicy pickle. And they are easily found on our grocery store shelves. I’ve also used these homemade spicy pickles made from store bought dill pickles. They’re sweet and they’re jam packed full of flavor. It’s by far our favorite homemade pickle recipe and one of the most popular recipes on my site. Give-em a try, even if you don’t use them for this recipe.
Sliced Black Olives: Make it easy on yourself. Purchase a can of pre-sliced ripe olives for this recipe.
Red Wine Vinegar: Yup, red wine vinegar is made from red wine. That means the secondary flavor of this vinegar is fruity. Making it punchier, vibrant and robust. I love it in this macaroni salad recipe.
Sweet Onion: Milder in flavor than white or red onions, sweet onions are my choice for most every recipe. And better yet if you can find Vidalia onions. Green onions are also a good choice here.
Mayonnaise: Always choose consistent quality brands. Best Foods, Hellman’s or Dukes.
Milk or Half and Half: My vote is for half and half for this recipe. Why mess with fat calories at this point. After all, you’re after the creamiest macaroni salad you can make.
Sugar: Somewhat of the backbone of this recipe. It balances the tangy flavor of the vinegar. Don’t skip it.

What To Serve It With

I first made Pioneer Womans Pasta Salad last Winter as a test and a warm up for Summer grilling season and served it with one of my favorite easy rib recipes, Crockpot Country Style Ribs. And I knew it would be a perfect side dish for any main course you can dream up this Summer.

Summer food! Burgers, tomatoes, steaks, cucumbers, chicken kabobs, sweet corn…what am I missing? How about a cold beer to swill it all down with?

This is one of my favorite celebrity Summer macaroni side dish, along side Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes. Check that one out.

Recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Macaroni Salad

I hope you give this recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni Salad a try, and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating. And please leave a comment about your experience with the recipe.

Explore More Classic American Comfort Food Pasta Salads

And if you’re looking for even more side dishes for picnic style gatherings, don’t miss this line-up of Summer cook-out sides. I’m positive you’ll find something you love.

If you liked this recipe, please leave a star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I always appreciate your feedback and hearing how everything went.

And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.

Pioneer Woman Macaroni Salad in a sunflower design bowl.

Print Recipe

4.96 from 22 votes

Pioneer Woman’s Favorite Macaroni Salad Ever

Pioneer Woman's Macaroni Salad. Because we all need a perfect macaroni salad recipe! This one will get you through every Summer pot luck and BBQ thrown your way.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 318kcal

Author: Lea Ann Brown