Save A playful, sweet&savory bar combining fluffy pancake, crunchy pretzel, melty cheese, and a cinnamon&sugar churro topping—this unique treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert and brings a creative fusion twist.
I first made these Cheesy Pretzel Churro Cake Pancake Bars for a weekend brunch, and my family loved the surprise of cheddar and pretzels with the sugary cinnamon topping. Everyone asked for seconds!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp
- Whole milk: 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs: 2 large
- Unsalted butter (melted): 1/4 cup for base, 1/4 cup for topping
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Mini salted pretzels (roughly crushed): 1 cup
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar (churro topping): 1/3 cup
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13–inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Make Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Add Pretzels & Cheese:
- Gently fold in crushed pretzels and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Churro Topping:
- While bars bake, mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for topping.
- Finish & Serve:
- When bars are done, remove from oven. Immediately brush surface with melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon&sugar mixture evenly over top. Cool for 10 minutes, lift out with parchment, cool further, cut into bars and serve warm or at room temperature.
Save My kids love helping sprinkle the cinnamon&sugar on top—it&s always a fun family moment, especially when the bars come out warm and gooey!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bars with cream cheese frosting, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit for dipping or extra flavor.
Storage & Leftovers
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy leftover bars chilled or reheated briefly in the oven.
Nutrition
Each bar has about 245 calories, 10 g fat, 32 g carbs, and 6 g protein, making them a satisfying sweet snack or breakfast.
Save Try these bars fresh for the best contrast of crunchy, gooey, and sweet. Perfect for sharing and delighting with every bite!
Kitchen Q&A
- → How do I make the bars extra crunchy?
Sprinkle a few whole pretzels on top before baking for added crunch and texture.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?
Yes, swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack to customize the flavor to your liking.
- → What’s the best way to serve these bars?
Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with cream cheese frosting or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- → How long do the bars stay fresh?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, using eggs, milk, and cheese but no meat products.
- → Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour and pretzels with certified gluten-free versions. Always check ingredient labels.