Churro Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that combines the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional churros with the soft, moist delight of cupcakes, then you will absolutely adore these Churro Cupcakes. They bring together the best of both worlds—the warm spices, creamy frosting, and gooey caramel drizzle create a flavor explosion that feels like a little fiesta in every bite. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your new go-to treat for any celebration or simple sweet craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Churro Cupcakes lies in their simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a special role, from the soft vanilla cake base to the creamy cinnamon frosting and the iconic churro pieces topping it all off.

• 15.25 ounces vanilla cake mix: The foundation for a fluffy and tender cupcake with a mild sweetness that balances the cinnamon perfectly.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cupcakes tender without overpowering the flavor.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Provides a subtle tang and richness that enhances the cake’s texture.
• 3 large eggs: Essential for structure and richness in the cupcakes.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with that warm, spicy flavor that screams churro.
• ¼ cup cinnamon sugar: Used to coat the warm cupcakes for that signature churro crunch.
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Creates a luscious, tangy frosting base that complements the sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet floral note.
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk or cream: Adjusts frosting consistency for the perfect pipeable texture.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for frosting): Swirls a bit of that fragrant cinnamon magic into the cream cheese frosting.
• Caramel sauce (for drizzling): Adds a decadent gooey sweetness that elevates every bite.
• 18 churro (1-inch pieces): The ultimate finishing touch and crunchy surprise topping for authenticity.

How to Make Churro Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tins

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your muffin tins with cupcake liners. This helps your cupcakes bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a simple step, but essential to getting that perfect shape and texture.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and ground cinnamon. Beat everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended. The cinnamon here really starts to build that churro flavor we’re aiming for!

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. When done, transfer the cupcakes to a cooling rack but don’t let them cool completely just yet—there’s still some magic to add.

Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your cupcakes are still warm, gently dip the tops into a shallow dish filled with cinnamon sugar. This step mimics the crispy cinnamon-sugar coating churros are famous for. Let the cupcakes cool completely so the cinnamon sugar hardens just right.

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

While cupcakes cool, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, blending well until the frosting thickens. Then add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach that perfect thickened but pipeable texture suitable for swirling.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Transfer your luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting to a piping bag and swirl generous amounts onto each cooled cupcake. Finish by drizzling caramel sauce on top and crowning with a small piece of churro—this final flourish is what makes these Churro Cupcakes unforgettable.

How to Serve Churro Cupcakes

Garnishes

Churro Cupcakes shine with their topping trio: cinnamon sugar, creamy frosting, and a churro piece that adds crunch. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top or drizzle warmed caramel to intensify that sweet, buttery caramel flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar is a nice touch if you want a more subtle presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a light espresso or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy pairing. A simple bowl of fresh berries can also brighten the plate and add a fresh contrast to the cinnamon-spiced sweetness. For brunch, pair with a warm chai latte to echo the spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your Churro Cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of caramel sauce for guests to drizzle themselves. You can also present them in mini cupcake liners with decorative toothpicks and mini churro flags to amp up the festive vibe. Turning them into bite-sized cupcake pops on sticks is another fun idea!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Churro Cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If the kitchen is warm, refrigerate them but bring back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before enjoying that signature Cinnamon Cupcake taste.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy a warm cupcake experience, pop a refrigerated or thawed cupcake in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat; you just want a slight warmth to enhance the flavors and soften the frosting a bit for an irresistible bite.

FAQs

Can I make homemade cake batter instead of using a cake mix?

Absolutely! While the boxed mix is a convenient shortcut, a homemade vanilla cake batter will work wonderfully too and can make these cupcakes even more special. Just be sure to add the ground cinnamon to the batter to keep that churro flavor consistent.

What type of churros work best for topping?

Small store-bought churros or leftover homemade churros cut into 1-inch pieces work perfectly. You want just enough for a crunchy bite that complements the soft cupcake without overwhelming it.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

You could swap in a cinnamon buttercream if you prefer a lighter frosting, but cream cheese frosting really brings a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the cupcakes and caramel. It’s a classic pairing for churro-inspired treats.

Is there a way to make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cake mix and substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives. For milk or cream, almond, oat, or soy milk all work well, and check your caramel sauce to ensure it’s dairy-free or make your own version.

How do I get the cinnamon sugar coating to stick well?

Dipping the cupcakes while they’re still warm is key. The heat makes the sugar stick to the surface better, creating that signature crunchy coating. If your cupcakes cool too much, the sugar won’t adhere as nicely.

Final Thoughts

Churro Cupcakes are a delightful way to indulge in the flavors of a beloved classic with a creative twist that’s both fun and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a party, a special occasion, or just because, these cupcakes will impress and satisfy every sweet tooth. Go ahead, give them a try—you’re going to fall in love with every cinnamon-sprinkled bite!

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