Why Make This Recipe
Churro Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic churro. These cupcakes combine the soft, moist texture of cake with the sweet, crunchy flavors of cinnamon sugar typically found in traditional churros. They are perfect for a fun dessert or a special treat at any gathering. With cream cheese frosting and churro garnishes, these cupcakes are sure to impress family and friends.
How to Make Churro Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup melted butter, cooled
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Churros for garnish
- Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
- Cinnamon sugar for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cooled melted butter and mix well.
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost with powdered sugar icing made by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract.
- Top with churros and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before serving.
How to Serve Churro Cupcakes
Serve Churro Cupcakes as a sweet dessert after dinner or at parties. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel on top for added flavor.
How to Store Churro Cupcakes
Store any leftover Churro Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate the cupcakes for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Churro Cupcakes
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese well to achieve a smooth frosting.
- Allow the melted butter to cool completely before adding it to the mixture to avoid cooking the egg.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this will keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Use freshly made churros for the best flavor and texture on top of the cupcakes.
Variation
Try adding chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate version of Churro Cupcakes. You can also experiment with different flavored frostings, like chocolate or caramel, to change up the taste.
FAQs
Can I make Churro Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you want a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or a whipped coconut cream.
How do I make homemade churros for the garnish?
You can make homemade churros by mixing flour, water, butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then piping it into hot oil and frying until golden brown. Dust them with cinnamon sugar once they are cool.