Are you a fan of churros, those golden, crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated treats from your favorite Mexican dessert shop? Well, hold on to your apron because I’ve got a treat that takes that delicious churro flavor and transforms it into a decadent cake! Introducing Churro Cake: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite—a fluffy, moist dessert that captures all the nostalgic warmth of churros—without the frying! Whether you’re preparing for a weekend bake, a family gathering, or simply indulging in something sweet, this cake will become your go-to dessert recipe.
What is Churro Cake?
Churro cake is a delightful mashup of two irresistible things: the spiced, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros and the moist, comforting texture of cake. It’s a soft, spiced layer cake that’s rich in flavor and perfect for those who love a hint of cinnamon and sugar in their desserts. What makes it even more tempting is the sweet and crunchy topping that resembles the sugary exterior of a churro, giving it that authentic churro experience without the mess of frying!
Moreover, churro cake is an incredibly versatile dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a festive party or making a simple one-layer cake for a quick snack, it’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly with no-mixer baking recipe options that make it so easy to whip up!
Moreover, churro cake is an incredibly versatile dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a festive party cake or making a simple one-layer cake for a quick snack, it’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly with no-mixer baking recipe options that make it so easy to whip up!
The Ingredients You’ll Need for Churro Cake
Before we dive into the details of making this cake, let’s first go over the ingredients. Don’t worry, none of them are too complicated. In fact, you probably have most of them already in your pantry.
- Flour – You’ll need all-purpose flour to give the cake its structure.
- Baking Powder – To help the cake rise and achieve that fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon – The star of the show! It gives the cake its warm, comforting spice.
- Sugar – A classic ingredient for sweetness. This cake is generously sweet, but not overly so.
- Butter – For that rich flavor and tender crumb.
- Sour Cream or Yogurt – These add moisture to the cake and give it a tangy richness. If you want extra moistness, learn more about baking with yogurt for extra moist cakes in this helpful guide from Food Network.
- Vanilla Extract – The aromatic boost that brings everything together.
- Eggs – For binding the ingredients and giving the cake its structure.
- Milk – Regular milk or buttermilk works well for a soft, fluffy crumb. You can substitute the milk with lemon juice to make your own buttermilk if needed.
- Olive Oil (optional) – Olive oil adds a unique flavor and keeps the cake moist. For more tips on using olive oil in cakes, check out this useful resource.
Don’t forget your cinnamon sugar for the topping! This is where the churro flavor really comes to life. We’ll dive into the topping in a bit, but trust me—this simple step will give your cake that authentic churro crunch.
How to Make Churro Cake: Step-by-Step
Let’s break down the process of making this churro cake into simple steps. Even if you’re not a pro baker, I promise you’ll be able to follow this with ease. Ready to get baking? Let’s go!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. You’ll want to grease it with butter or spray it with nonstick cooking spray, and then line the bottom with parchment paper to make sure your cake comes out easily. If you don’t have parchment paper, just dust the pan with a little flour after greasing it.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients will be the base of your cake and help create a smooth batter. Be sure to mix well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the flour—no one wants a bite of extra cinnamon!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, in a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together your butter and sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it helps the cake rise and gives it that perfect texture. Once it’s creamed, add in your eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
At this point, mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) and milk (or buttermilk). You’ll notice the batter becoming smoother and creamier. The addition of sour cream or yogurt adds richness and moisture, which will keep your cake from drying out.
Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Once the wet ingredients are fully incorporated, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, a little bit at a time. Mix until just combined—you don’t want to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want this churro cake to be light and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Now, pour your batter into the prepared pan, and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell like cinnamon heaven at this point!
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While your cake is cooling, make the cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar in a ratio of about 2 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon. You can adjust this based on how much cinnamon flavor you like. Some people even add a little extra sugar for that crispy texture.
Optional Tip: If you want an extra special twist on this, consider using cinnamon chip ganache or even a drizzle of dulce de leche for a more indulgent treat. If you love Mexican-inspired desserts, check out these Mexican dessert variations for other ideas.
Step 8: Coat the Cake with Cinnamon Sugar
Once your cake has cooled slightly, take a brush or a spoon and gently coat the top of your cake with melted butter. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. The cinnamon sugar will give it a crunchy, caramelized topping that mimics the exterior of a churro. For an extra crispy finish, you can even use a culinary torch to lightly caramelize the sugar.
Churro Cake Variations and Topping Ideas
While the classic churro cake is already a showstopper, there are plenty of ways you can switch it up and make it your own. Here are a few fun variations to consider:
1. Adding Chocolate Chips
For an even richer experience, try mixing cinnamon chocolate chips into the batter. This adds a delightful surprise in every bite, taking the flavor profile to the next level. In addition, the richness of the chocolate, when paired with the warm cinnamon, makes this version even more indulgent. Without a doubt, this little twist will elevate your churro cake and make it even more irresistible!
2. Using a Layered Cake Version
If you’re feeling fancy, try turning your churro cake into a layered cake. Bake the cake in two or three rounds, and layer with a creamy cinnamon buttercream or cinnamon chip ganache between the layers. This adds a beautiful texture and looks gorgeous for parties!
3. Drizzle with Dulce de Leche
For an authentic Mexican touch, drizzle your cake with dulce de leche. The caramel-like sweetness is the perfect complement to the cinnamon sugar topping.
4. A Quick Snack Cake
If you’re short on time but still want that churro flavor, make a one-bowl cake recipe without layers. This quick snack cake is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth after dinner or as an afternoon treat.
5. Topping with Whipped Cream
For an extra indulgent treat, serve slices of churro cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds a lightness that balances the rich, spiced cake.
Why You’ll Love Churro Cake
If you love indulgent, decadent cakes like churro cake, then you’ll absolutely want to try the Million Dollar Pound Cake recipe. It’s another sweet, easy-to-make treat that’s guaranteed to impress! In fact, just like the churro cake, it’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this churro cake, it will quickly become the star of your next party. It’s truly the perfect mix of sweet, spiced, and oh-so-moist, much like those churros you simply can’t get enough of! So, go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Expert Tips for Perfect Churro Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter and better rise, make sure your butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temperature.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir gently when combining the wet and dry ingredients to avoid a tough texture.
- Add More Cinnamon: If you’re a cinnamon lover, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of cinnamon in both the cake and the topping.
- Try Yogurt for Extra Moisture: Learn more about baking with yogurt to make your cakes even more moist and tender.
Conclusion: A Churro Cake for Every Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a festive fiesta, or simply craving something sweet to accompany your morning coffee, churro cake is undeniably the perfect treat. Not only is this dessert simple to make, but it is also incredibly indulgent, packed with rich flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. In addition, its delightful cinnamon-sugar topping adds a wonderful crunch, making it a memorable addition to any occasion. So, why wait? Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself—and your loved ones—to a slice of this cinnamon-sugar goodness today. Trust me, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
FAQs
1. Can I make churro cake ahead of time?
Yes! Churro cake can be baked a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
2. Can I use olive oil instead of butter in churro cake?
Yes, you can use olive oil as a substitute for butter. Olive oil adds a moist texture and a slightly different flavor. However, if you prefer a more neutral taste, vegetable oil will also work.
3. Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
You can substitute regular milk with buttermilk, almond milk, or soy milk if needed. Just be mindful that different types of milk might alter the texture slightly.
4. Can I add nuts to churro cake?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the batter for a crunchy texture.
5. How do I store leftover churro cake?
Store your churro cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices and thaw them as needed.