Churro Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, marrying the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the soft, fluffy texture of cupcakes. Topped with a rich buttercream that mirrors the classic churro dipping sauce, these cupcakes are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or simply a sweet afternoon indulgence, these churro cupcakes will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This churro cupcake recipe is adored for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. With the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite transports you to a festive fairground. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Plus, these cupcakes can easily fit within a variety of dietary preferences, especially with a few simple modifications. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: For an extra churro-like experience, generously coat the cupcakes in cinnamon sugar right after they come out of the oven while they’re still warm.
- Use a Piping Bag: If you want to achieve that perfect swirled buttercream on top, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a professional finish.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cupcake batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to bring the batter back to room temperature before baking. The buttercream can also be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge—just give it a good stir before piping. Baked cupcakes, without the frosting, can be stored at room temperature for up to three days.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Churro Cupcakes: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist, and use chocolate ganache instead of buttercream.
- Stuffed Cupcakes: Fill the center with dulce de leche or chocolate caramel for an added surprise.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Serve
Serve your churro cupcakes on a decorative cake stand or plate, sprinkled with additional cinnamon sugar for an eye-catching presentation. For a special touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel and top with a sprinkle of sea salt. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Pairing Suggestions
These churro cupcakes pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a spiced chai tea. If you’re in the mood for something a bit stronger, a caramel-flavored cocktail or a sweet dessert wine would complement the flavors perfectly.
How to Store
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost as desired.
Equipment Needed
- Standard muffin tin
- Paper cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag with a star tip (optional)
- Cooling rack
Dietary Adaptations
To make these churro cupcakes vegan, substitute eggs with flax or chia seed eggs, use non-dairy milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. For gluten-free cupcakes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, consider adding pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal twist. During the winter holidays, you could incorporate peppermint extract into the buttercream for a festive flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I substitute butter with oil?: Yes, you can use vegetable or coconut oil, but the texture may differ slightly.
- What can I use instead of eggs?: Flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) works well as an egg substitute.
- How long to bake?: Bake at 350°F for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Churro Cupcake
Churro Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, marrying the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the soft, fluffy texture of cupcakes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner about ⅔ full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cupcakes are baking, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin. Roll the tops in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
- For the buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 224Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 52mgSodium 223mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 1gSugar 21gProtein 3g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making churro cupcakes combines the best of both worlds—classic churros and fluffy cupcakes—creating a dessert that is sure to delight anyone who tries them. With their irresistible flavor and beautiful presentation, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, they are a sweet treat that will leave lasting memories. Happy baking!