Churro Cupcakes

Oh my gosh, you guys! I just made these churro cupcakes, and wow… they smell like heaven. You know that warm, cinnamon sugar thing you love? Yeah, that’s in a cupcake now.

So, I had to try it, and honestly… the cake is soft, the topping is crunchy, and the cinnamon sugar just hugs every bite. It’s kinda like dessert magic happening right in my kitchen.

I mean, who doesn’t want a cupcake that tastes like a churro? You can totally impress your friends, or just, you know… eat them all yourself.

I’m telling you, you have to make these. Grab your mixer, your cinnamon, and your sugar, and let’s get baking—trust me, it’s worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Churro Cupcake Recipe

• A Perfect Dessert Combination: These churro cupcakes combine the fluffy texture of cake with the cinnamon sugar flavor of churros. It’s a delightful treat that’ll make you feel like you’re indulging in your favorite carnival snack!
• Easy to Make: No need for frying here! These churro cupcakes are baked, making them a much easier and cleaner version of the traditional fried churro.
• Customizable: With a few tweaks, you can customize the recipe to your taste, whether you like your cupcakes extra cinnamon-y or prefer a lighter dusting of sweetness.
• Ideal for All Occasions: Whether it’s for birthdays, family gatherings, or a fun weekend treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests.
• Frosting Perfection: The buttercream frosting is a delightful mix of cinnamon, vanilla, and a creamy texture that complements the cupcakes perfectly.

Ingredients

To make these heavenly Churro Cupcakes, here’s what you’ll need. Don’t worry; most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe super accessible.

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box of French Vanilla Cake Mix: This is the base for our cupcakes. It’s quick, easy, and gives us the light and fluffy texture we crave in a cupcake. You’ll follow the instructions on the box, plus a few extra ingredients.
• 1 (3.4 oz) box of instant vanilla pudding mix (dry mix only): This secret ingredient is what gives these cupcakes their extra moisture and tenderness, ensuring they stay soft for days.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: This will infuse the cupcakes with a warm cinnamon flavor, setting them up for that churro-like taste.
• Ingredients on the back of the cake mix box: These usually include eggs, oil, and water. Follow the package instructions to prepare the batter.

For the Frosting:

• 3/4 cup butter (softened): The base of the frosting. Make sure the butter is soft but not melted to get the perfect consistency.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: For a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon.
• 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The cinnamon is the key to that churro-inspired taste in the frosting.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: This is to achieve the right consistency for the frosting. You want it spreadable but not too runny.
• About 3 cups powdered sugar: The powdered sugar gives the frosting its sweetness and thick texture.
• Baked churros chopped into 1-2″ pieces: You can find these frozen in most supermarkets, and they add a fun and authentic churro texture to your cupcakes.
• Cinnamon sugar (for topping): A classic combo of cinnamon and sugar to sprinkle over the top for a little extra sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your churro cupcakes come out just as delicious as you imagine.

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix the cake ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the French Vanilla cake mix, dry instant vanilla pudding mix, and ground cinnamon. Then, add the wet ingredients listed on the cake mix box—typically eggs, oil, and water.
3. Stir the mixture: Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the ingredients together until smooth and well-combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could affect the texture.
4. Fill the cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.
5. Bake the cupcakes: Place the tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool completely: Once the cupcakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, let’s prepare the frosting.

1. Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla and cinnamon: Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Mix until fully incorporated.
3. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is in, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is thick and creamy.
4. Adjust consistency with milk: If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
5. Taste and adjust: If you want more cinnamon flavor, you can add a pinch more cinnamon. If it’s too sweet, a small pinch of salt can balance things out.

3. Assemble the Churro Cupcakes

Now for the fun part—putting everything together!

1. Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, spread the cinnamon buttercream frosting generously over each cupcake using a butter knife or piping bag.
2. Chop the churros: Take the baked churros (which are available in the frozen section of most supermarkets) and chop them into small 1-2 inch pieces.
3. Top with churro pieces: Sprinkle the chopped churro pieces on top of the frosting for added texture and authenticity.
4. Cinnamon sugar topping: Lightly sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of each cupcake to finish off that iconic churro taste.

How to Serve Churro Cupcakes

These churro cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:

• As a party treat: Serve them at your next birthday party, holiday celebration, or family gathering. They’ll definitely be a hit!
• For a cozy dessert: Enjoy these cupcakes with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the perfect winter treat.
• For a fun twist on traditional churros: Serve them alongside a dipping sauce, like chocolate or caramel, for a unique churro-inspired experience.
• Gift them: Wrap them up in cute boxes or cupcake liners and give them as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Storing Churro Cupcakes

• Room temperature: These cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. The frosting may firm up slightly, but they will still taste amazing.
• Freezing: If you want to make these cupcakes ahead of time, they freeze really well! Just place the cupcakes in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature, and add fresh frosting if desired.

Nutrition for Churro Cupcakes

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition information for one Churro Cupcake, assuming it’s made with the ingredients listed above:

Nutrient	Amount per Cupcake
Calories	280
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	25g
Protein	2g

Please note that the nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients or changes made to the recipe.

Conclusion

These Churro Cupcakes are a perfect marriage of sweet and spicy flavors, with a soft, moist vanilla cake base and a cinnamon-sugar topping that will make your taste buds dance. The frosting is smooth, creamy, and packed with that signature churro cinnamon flavor. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make and incredibly satisfying—whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself on a casual day.

Enjoy making these churro cupcakes, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family. They’re a surefire way to spread some joy and add a little sweetness to your day!

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just frost them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze the frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the frosting! Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature and beat it again before frosting your cupcakes.

What if I don’t have baked churros for topping?

If you can’t find baked churros, you can substitute with churro-flavored cereal, crushed cinnamon sugar cookies, or simply add more cinnamon sugar on top.