Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting [60 Minutes]

Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: churros and cupcakes. These cupcakes feature a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake topped with a rich and creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a sweet treat any day, these cupcakes bring the delicious flavor of churros into an easy-to-eat cupcake form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Churro Cupcakes for their warm, cinnamon flavor and the creamy, slightly tangy frosting. The cupcakes are soft and fluffy, with a hint of vanilla and a generous dose of cinnamon, reminiscent of traditional churros. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a decadent touch, making these cupcakes irresistible. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • Properly measure flour: Spoon and level the flour to avoid dense cupcakes.
  • Pipe the frosting: Use a piping bag to frost the cupcakes for a professional look.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  • Vegan option: Replace the butter with vegan margarine, milk with almond milk, and eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
  • Add chocolate: Stir in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
  • Different spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Churro Cupcakes at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Pair them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat. These cupcakes also make a fantastic addition to any dessert table or celebration.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Room temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week to extend their freshness.
  • Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
  • Reheating: These cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different frosting? Yes, vanilla buttercream or chocolate buttercream frosting would also taste great with these cupcakes.

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them before serving.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from being too dense? Be sure not to overmix the batter and measure the flour correctly by spooning and leveling.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to make more cupcakes.

Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Yield: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

These Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican treat. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes blend the warm, spicy flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the creamy tang of cream cheese for a dessert that's sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • 3/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Cream butter and eggs: In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
  4. Fill and bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. Cinnamon sugar coating: Mix the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the top of each cooled cupcake with melted butter, then dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  6. Make the frosting: Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, beating until creamy.
  7. Decorate: Pipe or spread the frosting onto each cupcake. Sprinkle with a little more cinnamon sugar if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth cupcake batter and frosting.
  • Don't overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
  • Dip the cupcakes in cinnamon sugar right after brushing with butter for the best adherence and flavor.
  • Pipe the frosting with a star tip for a professional look that mimics a churro's texture.
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 296mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 7g

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