Craving the irresistible flavors of a classic churro but looking for a simpler twist? Look no further than these delightful Churro Cupcakes! Combining the essence of a traditional Mexican churro with the convenience of a cupcake, this recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With moist cinnamon sugar-infused cupcakes topped with a decadent cinnamon cream cheese frosting, every bite encapsulates the essence of this beloved treat.
Ingredients
Cupcake Base
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- Cinnamon sugar mixture
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Sugar
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 cups powdered sugar
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare these delectable Churro Cupcakes, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process. Here are the items you will need:
- Cupcake pan: For baking the cupcakes to perfection.
- Cupcake liners: To line the cupcake pan, preventing sticking and ensuring easy removal.
- Mixing bowls: A mediums-sized mixing bowl for preparing the cupcake batter and a small bowl for mixing the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Stand mixer or electric mixer: To mix the cupcake batter and ensure a fluffy texture.
- Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients and mixing the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Apple corer or cupcake corer: To create the tunnel in the cupcakes for filling with caramel.
- Cooling rack: To allow the cupcakes to cool properly before frosting them.
- Piping bag and tip (optional): For a decorative frosting presentation.
Preparation Steps
Creating these delicious churro cupcakes is a delightful and straightforward process. Let’s dive into the preparation steps to bring these sweet treats to life.
Preparing the Cupcake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin pans with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine white cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and ground cinnamon.
- Add water, vegetable oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients.
- Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed for 2 minutes until well incorporated.
- Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each halfway.
- Bake for 15-19 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, sprinkle a layer of cinnamon sugar on top of each cupcake for that classic churro flavor.
- You can also add an extra touch by sprinkling some more cinnamon sugar on the frosted cupcakes for an added burst of flavor.
Baking Instructions
Baking the Cupcakes
- Preheat and Prep: Set the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and oil. Gradually mix in the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two until fully combined, ending with the flour. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake tin with 2 tablespoons of batter or halfway. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes at 350 degrees or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Top the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cooled, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top of each cupcake, ensuring a sweet and spiced churro-like flavor.
By following these baking instructions, you’ll achieve delicious churro cupcakes with the perfect balance of cinnamon and sweetness.
Frosting the Cupcakes
Preparing the Frosting
In a clean large bowl, combine butter and cream cheese for the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Beat together with clean, dry beaters until smooth. Add vanilla and continue mixing until well blended.
Frosting and Final Touches
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spoon the prepared cinnamon cream cheese frosting into a piping bag. Frost the cupcakes as desired with the frosting and then generously sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Enjoy these churro cupcakes with their perfect blend of cinnamon flavors and sweetness.
Serving and Presentation
Once the Churro Cupcakes are baked, frosted, and adorned with the delightful cinnamon sugar topping, it’s time to present them for serving. As a food blogger with a passion for visually appealing treats, I believe that how a dish is presented can enhance the overall culinary experience. Here are the steps to serve and present your Churro Cupcakes in an enticing and professional way:
Step 1: Plating
Carefully place each Churro Cupcake on a decorative dessert plate or a wooden serving board for a rustic touch. Ensure that the cupcakes are evenly spaced for an organized presentation.
Step 2: Garnish
Add a final touch of elegance by garnishing the cupcakes with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the creamy frosting. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add an extra burst of flavor.
Step 3: Serving
Serve the Churro Cupcakes with a side of hot coffee or spiced chai tea for a perfect pairing. The warmth of the drink complements the cinnamon-infused cupcakes beautifully.
Step 4: Display
If you’re hosting a gathering or a special occasion, consider displaying the Churro Cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand. This will not only showcase your baking skills but also create a stunning focal point on your dessert table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
For optimal freshness, store the prepared Churro Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. These cupcakes can last up to 2-3 days if stored properly, maintaining their moist texture and delicious flavor.
If you plan to make the Churro Cupcakes ahead of time, you can store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container or resealable bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing to retain their quality.
When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cupcakes at room temperature, frost with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture for that perfect churro taste. This make-ahead option is ideal for saving time on busy days or preparing for special occasions in advance.
Conclusion
Churro Cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings together the beloved flavors of traditional churros in a convenient cupcake form. These moist and flavorful cupcakes topped with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting are sure to impress your taste buds. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can easily recreate the essence of churros in a fun and delicious way. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet indulgence, Churro Cupcakes offer a unique twist on a classic favorite. With make-ahead options and storage tips provided, you can enjoy these delectable treats at your convenience. Try making these Churro Cupcakes today and treat yourself to a taste of cinnamon-sugar goodness in every bite.