Save A bold fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors—these pancake bars combine the cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros with a tangy buffalo ranch twist, all in a fluffy cake-like bar.
I first made these for a game day with friends. The churro crunch surprised everyone, and the swirls of buffalo ranch made for the most addictive treat. The bars went fast and everyone asked for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Buffalo Ranch Swirl: 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup ranch dressing, 2 tbsp buffalo sauce (mild to medium heat), 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Churro Topping: 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Make Swirl:
- Beat cream cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and powdered sugar until smooth. Dollop the mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until bars are golden and set in the center.
- Topping:
- While warm, brush the top with melted butter. Mix cinnamon and sugar for the topping, then sprinkle generously over the bars.
- Serve:
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then cut into bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save We love sharing these bars at family brunches. My kids always fight over the crispy cinnamon edges, and my partner dips theirs in extra ranch for an unexpected twist.
Required Tools
Gather a 9x13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer or hand beater, parchment paper, measuring cups and spoons, a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for melting butter, and a knife for swirling.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (buttermilk, butter, cream cheese), eggs, and gluten (flour). Ranch dressing may include eggs, dairy, and possible soy. Check buffalo sauce and ranch labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has 260 calories, 13 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.
Save Enjoy these bars fresh for the best texture. Their quirky flavor combo always leads to smiles and conversation!
Cooking Questions
- → How spicy are these bars?
The spiciness depends on the amount and heat level of buffalo sauce used; adjust for mild or medium heat as preferred.
- → Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for an alternative version, though texture may vary slightly.
- → What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
Greek yogurt or sour cream with herbs can provide tang as an alternative to ranch in the buffalo swirl ingredient.
- → How should the bars be stored?
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can these be made ahead?
Yes, you can bake and fully cool the bars, then store and rewarm before serving for best flavor and texture.
- → Is there a dairy-free option?
Try plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and milk alternatives for a dairy-free variation of the bars.