If you’ve ever wished to have the delightful flavors of warm churros in a fun, handheld treat, then this Churro Cupcakes Recipe is your new best friend! Combining the soft, moist crumb of a classic cupcake with the irresistible cinnamon-sugar magic of churros, these cupcakes deliver a sweet, cozy experience in every bite. Perfect for dessert lovers and party hosts alike, this recipe brings a festive twist that turns ordinary cupcakes into an unforgettable indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect churro cupcake starts with a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients that each play an essential role. From the rich texture the sour cream provides to the warm cinnamon that gives it that signature flair, the combination creates a baked treat bursting with flavor and character.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The foundation that holds your cupcakes together with the ideal structure and softness.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps your cupcakes rise light and fluffy while keeping the crumb tender.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Works alongside baking powder to ensure proper leavening for a perfect texture.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the batter.
- Eggs (3): Add richness, moisture, and help bind the ingredients beautifully.
- Sugar (2 cups): Provides sweetness and helps create a moist, tender crumb.
- Canola oil (1 cup): Keeps the cupcakes super moist without a heavy taste.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds a lovely, warming note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tanginess and extra moistness to the cupcake base.
- Unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened): For that creamy, luscious frosting texture.
- Cream cheese (12 oz, softened): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting, giving a slight tang that balances the sweet.
- Powdered sugar (6 cups): Essential for creating a perfectly smooth, sweet frosting with the right consistency.
- Cinnamon (2 tsp): Infuses the frosting with the classic churro spice everyone loves.
- Cinnamon & sugar mixture: For dusting that final touch, recreating that crunchy, sweet churro crust.
How to Make Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake tray with liners—this ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients now means your cupcakes will rise evenly and have the perfect tender crumb that makes each bite so delightful.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and creamy—this step is key to a light and fluffy base. Slowly add the canola oil and vanilla extract, letting the flavors meld. Next, mix in the sour cream for that much-needed moistness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Finally, gently fold in the dry ingredients, just until everything is combined for a smooth, luscious batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Pour the batter into your prepared cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full for that perfect dome shape as they rise. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 18 to 23 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before moving on to frosting; patience here really pays off!
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter and cream cheese until perfectly smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar along with the cinnamon, beating everything together until fluffy and irresistible. The cinnamon delivers that classic churro warmth, while the cream cheese adds just the right tang to balance the sweetness perfectly.
Step 5: Frost and Finish
Once the cupcakes have cooled, generously frost each one with your creamy cinnamon frosting. Then, sprinkle the tops with a cinnamon and sugar mixture to mimic that iconic churro coating. This final step adds a delightful crunchy texture and, of course, the unmistakable churro flavor to every cupcake.
How to Serve Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. You can also top with a few crispy cinnamon sugar churro chips if you want to bring in some fun textures and highlight the dessert’s inspiration.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a simple serving of fresh berries or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The freshness of fruit balances the richness and sweetness, while ice cream elevates the cozy churro flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your churro cupcakes on a festive platter dusted with cinnamon sugar or arrange them alongside mini churros for a themed dessert party. You could even insert a small cinnamon stick as a decorative “handle,” enhancing the presentation and aroma at the same time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might!), keep the cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This maintains the freshness of the frosting and the moistness of the cupcake itself beautifully.
Freezing
Churro cupcakes freeze wonderfully. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 2 months this way. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For a fresh-baked feel, you can warm the thawed cupcakes slightly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting. Alternatively, allow them to come to room temperature naturally for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately, it’s best to mix the batter and bake the cupcakes fresh for maximum rise and tenderness.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
To keep the creamy texture without cream cheese, you could try using mascarpone or soften unsalted butter with a bit more powdered sugar and cinnamon, though the flavor will be less tangy.
Can I substitute the canola oil with another oil?
Absolutely! Vegetable oil or light olive oil are great alternatives that won’t alter the flavor significantly.
Is this recipe suitable for a large party?
Yes, it yields 24 servings, making it perfect for celebrations. You can easily double the recipe if you need even more!
How do I get the cinnamon-sugar coating to stick to the cupcakes?
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cupcakes immediately after frosting while the frosting is still fresh, so it adheres nicely for that perfect churro effect.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cupcakes Recipe is a total showstopper that brings the joy of classic churros into a sweet, fluffy cupcake form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are sure to bring smiles and warm your heart. Dive in and share these playful, delicious treats with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!
Print
Churro Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Churro Cupcakes, a delicious twist on the classic churro dessert. With a moist, cinnamon-infused cake base topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, these cupcakes bring the warm, comforting flavors of churros into a portable, shareable treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Frosting
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Topping
- Cinnamon & sugar mixture for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and clean presentation.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning throughout the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale. Gradually incorporate the canola oil and vanilla extract, then blend in the sour cream for moisture and tanginess. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients until the batter is just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cinnamon, continuing to beat the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a perfect cinnamon flavor.
- Frost and Finish: Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them generously with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Finish by sprinkling a cinnamon and sugar mixture over the top to mimic the iconic churro coating.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- The cinnamon and sugar mixture for dusting can be adjusted to taste for more or less cinnamon intensity.
- These cupcakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
