If you have a sweet tooth and a love for cinnamon sugar delights, the Churro Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute must-try. This scrumptious twist on the classic churro takes your favorite fried-dough treat and turns it into a soft, moist, cinnamon-infused cupcake topped with luscious cinnamon buttercream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Imagine fluffy cupcakes bursting with the iconic churro flavors—cinnamon, sugar, buttery richness—and finished with a perfect frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug and is guaranteed to bring smiles around any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delectable churro-inspired cupcakes is a breeze with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays an important role, from the tender crumb of the cupcake itself to the sugary cinnamon crunch and creamy frosting.
- Sugar (1 cup plus 2 cups): Essential for sweetness and, when combined with cinnamon, provides that signature churro coating.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup softened and 3/4 cup melted): Adds richness and moisture to the cupcake base and the topping for that indulgent buttery flavor.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cupcake’s light, fluffy texture.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons) and Baking Soda (3/4 teaspoon): Leavening agents that ensure your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay tender.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons): Enhances and rounds out the warm flavors in both batter and frosting.
- Flour (2 cups): The structure of your cupcakes, providing the perfect soft crumb.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons plus 3 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon): The star spice that gives churros their iconic, cozy taste throughout the recipe.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup plus 5 tablespoons): Adds moisture to the cupcakes and creaminess to the frosting.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Brings tang and softness to the cupcake, keeping it wonderfully moist.
- Powdered Sugar (5 cups): The base of the fluffy cinnamon buttercream frosting.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (5 tablespoons): For a silky, smooth texture in the frosting.
- Salted Caramel Sauce (1 bottle): The perfect decadent drizzle that enhances every bite with luscious caramel notes.
- Fresh or Frozen Churros (as desired): Optional but highly recommended for an authentic visual and textural churro element.
How to Make Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line muffin pans with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until fluffy and light. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices for perfect cupcake texture and flavor.
Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream mixed with heavy cream into the creamed sugar and butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly until just combined. Overmixing will toughen the cupcakes, so be gentle.
Step 4: Bake Your Cupcakes
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter, then bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While cupcakes cool, mix 2 cups sugar with 3 tablespoons cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt 1 cup butter separately to brush on the cupcakes before dipping them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, giving that authentic churro coating.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat 2 cups unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 5 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream. Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This frosting tastes like a cloud of cinnamon perfection.
Step 7: Assemble Your Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Brush cooled cupcakes with melted butter, dip into cinnamon sugar mixture for that classic churro crunch, then pipe or spread the cinnamon buttercream frosting on top. Finish with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce and, if desired, garnish with a small fresh or frozen churro piece for extra flair.
How to Serve Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cupcakes with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a crisp churro slice for crunch. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds an irresistible finishing touch that makes every bite decadent and irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve these cupcakes alongside a hot cup of rich coffee or a creamy chai latte to complement the warm spices in the cake. For a fun party treat, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cupcakes on a wooden board lined with parchment and scatter mini churros around them for a fiesta-style display. You can also place them in colorful cupcake wrappers or serve them in mini baskets for a festive, charming touch that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Always keep the frosting covered to prevent it from drying out, ensuring every bite stays moist and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing for the best texture and flavor—this is a great way to have a churro cupcake fix ready whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
For a freshly baked taste, warm your cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and lets the flavors sing just like they’re fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought churros instead of making my own for this Churro Cupcakes Recipe?
Absolutely! Using fresh or frozen store-bought churros as a garnish or served on the side is a fantastic time-saver and still delivers that authentic churro flavor and crunch.
What makes this Churro Cupcakes Recipe different from regular cupcakes?
The defining difference is the cinnamon sugar coating and the buttery, cinnamon-infused frosting combined with a drizzle of salted caramel. These touches mimic the classic churro taste, making the cupcakes uniquely irresistible.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, the cinnamon buttercream frosting can be prepared a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using for easy spreading or piping.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
With some experimentation, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
What’s the best way to keep the cupcakes moist?
Incorporating sour cream into the batter and not overbaking the cupcakes helps keep them moist and tender. Storing cupcakes properly in an airtight container also preserves their softness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that combines the fun crunch of churros with the comfort of a cupcake, this Churro Cupcakes Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They are perfect for birthdays, parties, or just a cozy night in. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to impress your taste buds and everyone lucky enough to share in the magic of these churro-inspired delights!
Print
Churro Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of classic churros and fluffy cupcakes with this Churro Cupcakes recipe. These cupcakes combine cinnamon-spiced batter with a rich cinnamon-sugar coating and are topped with a creamy cinnamon buttercream and drizzled with salted caramel sauce. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a whimsical and flavorful treat inspired by the beloved churro.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup melted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
Toppings
- Fresh or frozen churros (as desired, typically 24 small churros or enough to top each cupcake)
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 5 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 bottle salted caramel sauce (about 12 ounces)
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcake batter. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the heavy cream and sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the cupcakes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake pans with paper liners and fill each about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. Combine the 2 cups sugar and 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a bowl. Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a separate bowl. Once cupcakes are cooled, brush the tops generously with melted butter and then roll or sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat well.
- Make the cinnamon buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the 2 cups softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, adjusting cream quantity if necessary for spreading consistency.
- Assemble the churro cupcakes. Pipe or spread the cinnamon buttercream generously on top of each cupcake. Arrange a fresh or frozen churro piece on top of each frosted cupcake. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the churro and frosting for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before applying the cinnamon sugar coating or frosting to prevent melting.
- Use fresh churros when possible for best texture, but frozen churros also work well when thawed slightly.
- The salted caramel sauce adds a wonderful balance of sweet and salty—feel free to adjust amount based on your taste preference.
- For easier frosting application, chill the buttercream slightly if it seems too soft.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
