The Ultimate Baked Red Velvet Churros: Crispy, Sweet, and Guilt-Free
I typically find myself skeptical of recipes proclaimed as “the BEST EVER!” However, I must confess, these homemade, baked Red Velvet Churros are a profound exception. They are, without a shadow of a doubt, the most incredible churros I have ever had the pleasure of baking and tasting. Prepare to be amazed, not just by their exquisite flavor, but also by their surprisingly light profile: each churro is a mere 36 calories or 2 Smart Points! Even though these Red Velvet Churros are oven-baked, they somehow perfectly achieve that unmistakable crispy exterior and satisfying churro crunch that is absolutely essential for an authentic churro experience.
Beneath that golden, crunchy shell lies a wonderfully soft and tender interior, infused with the subtle yet rich chocolate sweetness characteristic of classic red velvet. This delightful combination offers a gourmet twist on a beloved street food, elevating it to a truly unforgettable dessert that can’t be beaten.
My journey to perfect a baked churro recipe has been an extensive one, involving countless attempts and seemingly a million different variations. Many recipes resulted in churros that were hollow, overly eggy, or simply too soft, completely missing that signature churro chew and crispness. When a craving for churros strikes, you’re not just looking for any fried dough; you’re yearning for that authentic, satisfying churro experience – the kind that makes you say, “I need *real* churros, and I needed them yesterday!” This quest often left me feeling disappointed, but it fueled my determination to crack the code for truly great baked churros.
Then came the inspiration for a Red Velvet twist, perfectly timed with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, bringing with it a vibrant splash of color and an extra layer of decadence. We were so incredibly thrilled with the texture and flavor of these churros that, almost instinctively, we found ourselves dipping them into a bowl brimming with melted Nutella. Because if you’re going to indulge in *real* churros, you absolutely have to do it with style and flair, especially on a day meant for celebrating love and delicious treats.
I must admit, I’ve previously been a serial offender when it comes to creating churro-inspired recipes, rather than the genuine article. You might recall those delectable Nutella Stuffed Churro Donut Holes, or perhaps the indulgent Churro French Toast Ice Cream Sandwiches. And then there were the sensational Churro Lava Cakes (oh, what a treat!) and the comforting Churro Skillet Cookie. My affection for all things churro is undeniable; I may even need to consider attending a “Churro-holics Anonymous” meeting! However, this time, I was determined to craft the true, authentic churro experience, free from deep-frying and full of that unmistakable churro charm.
Just look at this incredible center! It’s perfectly dense yet wonderfully cake-like, mirroring the beloved texture of traditional, store-bought churros. The true marvel, however, is that these are not fried! Yes, you read that right – these churros are baked! It’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a lighter version without compromising on taste or texture. Hallelujah and praise to the churro gods for this fantastic, healthier alternative!
These delectable Red Velvet Churros are perfect for sharing with your significant other, or if you prefer, bake a batch and enjoy every single one all by yourself. I promise not to tell a soul – your secret indulgence is safe with me. There’s something uniquely satisfying about creating something so special and keeping it all to yourself, especially when it’s this good. These churros are a testament to self-love in the most delicious way possible.
As an added bonus, I’ve also created a comprehensive video tutorial for you! These Red Velvet Churros are featured on my YouTube Channel, providing a visual guide to ensure your baking journey is as smooth and successful as possible. Follow along to see every step from dough preparation to perfectly piped and baked churros.
Watch how to make them here:
The only truly annoying, perhaps even tragic, aspect of finally — *finally* — nailing this perfect baked churro recipe, after breaking endless piping bags and suffering a few traumatizing stab wounds on nearly every finger (thanks to those notoriously sharp star tip nozzles!), was the unfortunate fate of the finished product. They were all completely devoured — demolished, in fact — while I was diligently working on capturing these beautiful photos. I was left with a measly two churros. TWO! Insert the most expressive eye-roll emoji here. No, wait. A devastation emoji would be more appropriate.
It looks like I’ll definitely be baking another batch ‘mañana’ (tomorrow). Because, let’s be honest, since when is two ever truly enough when it comes to something this delicious? (That’s rhetorical, by the way, not a question.) And even though my piping skills might be comparable to those of a five-year-old, these churros still turn out looking absolutely delightful and pass the crucial churro checklist for taste and texture. My point is, if I can achieve such fantastic results, anyone can! Don’t let imperfect piping deter you; the taste will more than make up for any visual quirks.
If you’re desperately searching for a show-stopping, last-minute Valentine’s Day treat, or simply a decadent indulgence for any special occasion, your search ends here. These baked Red Velvet Churros are guaranteed to impress! Treat your beloved, your friends, or most importantly, treat yourself to these vibrant, crispy, and utterly delicious delights. They’re a perfect way to add a touch of romance and sweetness to your day.
Are you now thoroughly enchanted by the magic of Red Velvet and craving more? Well, you’re in for a treat! The Red Velvet French Toast is an absolutely divine place to begin your further explorations, as is the refreshingly sweet Red Velvet Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt. Or perhaps you’d like to awaken your taste buds with those beautifully marbled Red Velvet Marble Waffles! Each recipe offers a unique and delightful way to enjoy the rich, cocoa-infused, velvety goodness of Red Velvet. Don’t hesitate to dive into these other fantastic creations!
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The Best Red Velvet Churros (Baked)
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons red food colouring or 1 tablespoons beetroot juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg large, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200°C | 390°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment (baking) paper and set aside.
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder. Set aside.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and oil together. Add the water, brown sugar, food colouring and salt; bring to a boil for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally. Add the flour/cocoa powder mixture to the liquid, stirring with large wooden spoon until well blended.
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Take off heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes, or until just warm to the touch. Add the vanilla and egg and quickly beat until completely incorporated (it will look like it’s not coming together, but keep beating)!
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Spoon dough into a strong double lined pastry bag with a large star tip nozzle (or use a cookie press). Squeeze dough onto prepared baking sheet in 4-inch (10 cm) length strips, with 1-inch (about 2cm) between each churro to allow to expand. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy to the touch. Reduce oven temperature down to 176°C | 350°F, and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes to allow the centres to set. Remove from the oven and coat in sugar immediately.
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Serve with Nutella or chocolate of choice!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
