If you’ve ever fallen head over heels for that crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated churro, then wait until you try this Churro Cupcakes Recipe. It brings all those amazing flavors and textures of a classic churro into a fluffy, moist cupcake that’s topped with luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a party, a sweet treat for the kids, or just because dessert always makes the day better, these cupcakes combine simplicity with incredible flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for sharing, indulging, or gifting to anyone who appreciates a little cinnamon-sugar magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Churro Cupcakes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the tender crumb, rich flavor, and that iconic cinnamon sweetness that makes these cupcakes unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The foundation for a soft and tender cupcake base that holds everything together.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cupcakes rise just perfectly for a lovely, airy texture.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Works with the sour cream to create a gentle lift and balance flavors.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the sweet flavors and rounds out the taste.
- Eggs (3): Provide structure and richness, binding the ingredients beautifully.
- Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter and helps achieve a golden cupcake crust.
- Canola oil (1 cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender without weighing them down.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Contributes moisture and a slight tanginess that balances sweetness and adds softness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks): Essential for that creamy frosting richness and slight firmness.
- Cream cheese, softened (12 oz): Brings a tangy, velvety smoothness to the frosting, perfectly complementing the cinnamon.
- Powdered sugar (6 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect buttercream texture.
- Cinnamon (2 tsp): The undisputed star of churro flavor, infusing both batter and frosting with warm spice.
- Cinnamon & sugar mixture (for dusting): Adds that classic churro crunch and sparkle right before serving.
How to Make Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Before you dive in, get your oven heating to 350°F (175°C) and line your cupcake tray with liners. This sets the stage to bake those glorious cupcakes evenly and makes sure they come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving the cupcakes a consistent rise and keeping the texture light.
Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is thick and slightly pale—this step traps air, which is key to fluffy cupcakes. Gradually add the oil and vanilla, then blend in the sour cream. Finally, add the dry ingredients and mix everything just until combined to keep the batter tender and moist.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for 18 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely to make sure your frosting sets just right.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating continuously until fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is where the magic meets decadence, offering a tangy-sweet contrast to the cinnamon-spiced cupcakes.
Step 6: Frost and Dust
Generously frost each cooled cupcake and finish with a sprinkle of the cinnamon and sugar mixture. This last touch mimics the classic churro coating and adds a delightful texture that will have everyone reaching for another.
How to Serve Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
While the cinnamon-sugar dusting is classic, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a light drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the indulgence. Toasted nuts or a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips also add a lovely crunch and dimension.
Side Dishes
Pair these churro cupcakes with a rich, hot cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate to echo their warm spices perfectly. Fresh berries or a simple vanilla ice cream scoop can also balance the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cupcakes in rustic mini baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming fiesta vibe, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant touch. Even a cinnamon stick tucked beside each cupcake as a garnish makes for an adorable and fragrant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover churro cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, it’s best to refrigerate them, especially because of the cream cheese frosting, which stays fresh for about 4 to 5 days when chilled.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the frosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a cupcake warm, simply remove the frosting and warm the cupcake itself in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Add the frosting back on or heat gently just enough to soften the cupcake without melting the cream cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of canola oil in the batter?
Butter can be used, but it may make the cupcakes slightly denser. The oil keeps the crumb moist and tender, so if you use butter, try melting it first and cool it slightly before mixing.
Is there a way to make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the blend’s ratio since it can affect texture slightly, but most work well in this kind of recipe.
How do I prevent the frosting from getting too runny?
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melting. Also, add powdered sugar gradually to reach the desired consistency. If it’s still too soft, chill the frosting before spreading it onto your cupcakes.
Can I make mini churro cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 10-15 minutes and fill mini liners about halfway. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake since smaller cupcakes cook faster.
What’s the best way to get that cinnamon-sugar coating even on the cupcakes?
The key is to sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mix immediately after frosting while the frosting is still fresh and a bit tacky, so it sticks well and doesn’t fall off when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cupcakes Recipe is one of those treats that makes your kitchen smell amazing and fills hearts with joy. It’s a wonderful way to bring the beloved flavors of a fairground favorite into your home with a homemade touch. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cupcakes deliver on flavor, texture, and that warm cinnamon-sugar magic you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Print
Churro Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Churro Cupcakes combine the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavors of traditional churros with a moist, fluffy cupcake base. Topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting and dusted with cinnamon sugar, these cupcakes offer a delightful twist 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed for a consistent batter texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and fluffy. Gradually add the canola oil and vanilla extract, then mix in the sour cream. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and cinnamon, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Garnish: Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, frost them generously with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Finally, sprinkle each cupcake with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for that classic churro flavor and appealing finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- The cinnamon-sugar mixture can be customized with more or less cinnamon to suit taste preferences.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth frosting.
- Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or melted butter if preferred.
