Description
Craving the warm, comforting flavors of churros but don’t want the fuss of frying? Look no further! These Easy Churro Cupcakes perfectly capture the essence of the classic treat, transforming it into a delightful, easy-to-make dessert. Moist vanilla cupcakes infused with cinnamon, topped with a creamy cinnamon-spiced frosting and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, make these cupcakes irresistible. Add a mini churro or cinnamon cereal for that extra touch of authenticity and crunch. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or simply a sweet treat any day of the week. They are so easy, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for batter)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Mini churros or cinnamon cereal (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the vanilla cake mix box. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will prevent the cupcakes from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the vanilla cake mix as directed on the box. Before mixing thoroughly, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon directly to the batter. This infuses the cupcakes with that essential churro spice. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, which can result in tough cupcakes.
Step 3: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake according to the cake mix instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time will vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them!
Step 4: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them completely is crucial before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
Step 5: While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add the ground cinnamon (for frosting), vanilla extract, and heavy cream or milk. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon or two more of powdered sugar.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and the 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (for topping). This cinnamon sugar mixture will provide a delightful sweet and spicy crunch on top of the cupcakes.
Step 7: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cinnamon frosting. You can either pipe the frosting on using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip for a more decorative look or simply spread it on with a knife or spatula.
Step 8: Immediately sprinkle the frosted cupcakes with the cinnamon sugar topping. The sugar will adhere better to the frosting if you sprinkle it on right away.
Step 9: If desired, top each cupcake with a mini churro or a sprinkle of cinnamon cereal for an extra touch of churro flavor and visual appeal. These are optional but highly recommended!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The use of a cake mix streamlines the process, making it a quick and convenient dessert option. The flavor is fantastic – a perfect balance of sweet vanilla, warm cinnamon, and a hint of richness from the frosting. They are a crowd-pleaser and are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Finally, the ability to customize with different toppings makes them even more fun and personal. Who wouldn’t love a mini churro on top of a cupcake?!
Serving Suggestions:
- Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered stand for an elegant presentation.
- Serve them with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for dipping.
- Dust the serving platter with a light coating of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
- For a fun twist, try using different flavors of cake mix like spice cake or chocolate.
Tips:
- Make sure the butter is truly softened before making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Don’t overbake the cupcakes, or they will be dry.
- If you want a more intense churro flavor, brush the warm cupcakes with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar before frosting.
- The frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip it before using.
- Use high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per cupcake)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
Conclusion:
These Easy Churro Cupcakes are a delightful and convenient way to satisfy your churro cravings without the hassle of deep frying. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can bake these delicious treats. The moist, cinnamon-infused cupcakes, creamy frosting, and sweet cinnamon sugar topping create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Q&A about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a gluten-free cake mix for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular vanilla cake mix with your favorite gluten-free vanilla cake mix. Be sure to follow the instructions on the gluten-free mix, as baking times and ingredient amounts may vary slightly. You might also want to add an extra tablespoon of milk or heavy cream to the batter to ensure it’s not too dry.
Q2: I don’t have heavy cream. Can I use something else for the frosting?
A: Yes, you can! Milk is a perfectly acceptable substitute for heavy cream in this frosting recipe. You can also use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk. The consistency of the frosting might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Start with a smaller amount (1 tablespoon) and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Q3: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Definitely! The cupcakes themselves can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to bring the frosting to room temperature and re-whip it before using. I would recommend frosting the cupcakes right before serving to prevent the topping from getting soggy.
Q4: What if I don’t have mini churros or cinnamon cereal for the garnish?
A: No problem! The garnish is completely optional. You can simply sprinkle the cupcakes with extra cinnamon sugar, or get creative with other toppings. Consider chopped nuts, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. You could even make your own cinnamon sugar “churros” by cutting tortillas into strips, brushing them with melted butter, sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar, and baking them until crispy.
Q5: Can I make this recipe into a cake instead of cupcakes?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to make a cake! Use a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick. You may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes, depending on your oven. Frost the cake with the cinnamon frosting and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar as directed in the recipe. You can even add a layer of cinnamon sugar between the cake layers for extra flavor.
