Irresistible Baked Churro Cake: A Cinnamon-Sugar Dream with a Decadent Chocolate Dip
Imagine the warm, comforting embrace of a fluffy, cinnamon-sugar churro, but in the tender, moist form of a cake. This is precisely what you get with this utterly irresistible Churro Cake. Every single bite is a sweet journey back to your favorite fairground treats, reimagined and perfected for oven-baked delight. It’s a light, airy, and perfectly spiced creation that delivers all the classic churro flavor without any of the fuss of deep-frying.
But the true magic doesn’t stop there. The grand finale of this churro cake recipe is a luxurious dip in warm, melted chocolate, taking it from wonderful to absolutely extraordinary. This addition provides a rich, indulgent contrast to the spiced cake, yet the overall dessert remains surprisingly light. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy all the satisfying flavor of a traditional churro, but with a lighter profile. Whether you’re sharing this delightful creation with friends and family or indulging in a quiet slice for yourself, this easy churro cake recipe is pure joy. It’s the ultimate proof that your churro cake dreams truly can come true.
What Makes This Churro Cake So Special?
What truly sets this Churro Cake apart from other dessert recipes is its unparalleled balance of texture and flavor, capturing the essence of a fried churro in a completely new and exciting way. The cake itself boasts a remarkably soft, airy, and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Yet, it’s infused with the deep, buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness that is the hallmark of a classic churro – all achieved without the need for deep-frying.
This “no frying required” aspect is a game-changer. It means less mess, less oil, and a lighter dessert that you can feel great about enjoying. Each slice receives a generous dip in warm, velvety melted chocolate, adding an extra layer of decadence. The rich, slightly bitter chocolate perfectly complements the warm, sweet, and spiced cake, creating an irresistible contrast that will have you coming back for more. It’s everything you adore about the beloved Spanish and Portuguese pastry, beautifully reimagined in an oven-baked twist that delivers immense flavor in every single bite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Churro Cake
Crafting this delicious churro cake is surprisingly simple, relying on a combination of everyday pantry staples and a few clever swaps to keep the cake delightfully light without compromising on flavor. You’ll achieve all that nostalgic cinnamon-sugar goodness in a soft, fluffy cake, completely free from the need for deep-frying!
- Brown Sugar or Muscovado: This isn’t just for sweetness; it’s key for adding a deep, rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the cake base. It also contributes significantly to the cake’s tender moisture.
- Light Butter: Using light butter helps to maintain a wonderfully tender crumb while substantially reducing the fat content. This smart substitution ensures the cake remains flavorful and moist without feeling heavy.
- Ground Cinnamon: This is the heart and soul of the churro flavor. A generous amount of ground cinnamon brings that essential warm, cozy, and aromatic spice that makes every bite taste just like a classic churro.
- Melted Chocolate or Clean Chocolate Sauce: This final, optional touch is where the indulgence comes in. Whether you choose to dip, drizzle, or generously spread, the rich chocolate adds a delightful contrast to the spiced cake, elevating it to dessert perfection.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure and texture. Ensure it’s sifted for a lighter crumb.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent, responsible for the cake’s lovely rise and airy texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cake.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder, adds moisture, and contributes to the cake’s structure and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and complements the cinnamon beautifully, adding depth to the flavor profile.
- Applesauce: A fantastic ingredient for adding moisture and helping to reduce the amount of butter or oil needed, contributing to the “lighter” aspect of this recipe.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Provides the necessary liquid for the batter, contributing to its smooth consistency. You can easily substitute this with regular dairy milk or other non-dairy alternatives.
Note: Please see the full recipe card at the bottom for a complete list of ingredients with precise measurements.
Step-by-Step: How To Make A Delicious Churro Cake
Making this churro cake is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps to bring this cinnamon-sugar dream to life in your kitchen.
- Prep the Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 176°C (350°F). Next, lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan with cooking oil spray. For best results and to prevent sticking, gently wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel. This ensures an even, light coating.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, your chosen sweetener, softened light butter, and applesauce. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Then, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously until the mixture becomes noticeably light and creamy. This aeration helps create a tender cake.
- Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. The key here is not to overmix, which can lead to a tough cake.
- Add the Milk: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and continue to mix until the batter is just smooth and combined. Remember, a gentle hand is essential here to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a dense cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Generously sprinkle a layer of cinnamon sugar over the entire surface of the cake batter. This creates a delightful crust during baking. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove or frost it. Once cooled, generously spread with your chosen melted chocolate or a clean chocolate sauce. Slice into individual portions, and if desired, offer extra chocolate for dipping. Enjoy every warm, fluffy, cinnamon-kissed bite!
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings for Your Churro Cake
While this Churro Cake is an absolute standout on its own, its flavors truly sing when paired with complementary elements. For an ultimate dessert experience, serve a warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cool, luscious ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm, spiced cake, enhancing those cinnamon-sugar notes and leading to an exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth finish. For a playful twist, try it with my Red Velvet Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
If you’re looking for a lighter option that still offers a refreshing balance, a dollop of thick Greek yogurt drizzled with a touch of honey or maple syrup adds a wonderful tangy counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, also provide a lovely freshness and vibrant color.
For those who want to fully embrace the churro theme and create an impressive dessert spread, consider pairing this cake with my Churro Ice Cream Bowls or Churro Lava Cakes. Both options introduce fun textures and elevate your dessert presentation; imagine crispy, golden churro elements alongside your soft cake, all brimming with that same spiced magic. Serving them all together will create a truly next-level churro dessert feast that will delight everyone.
Tips for Baking the Best Churro Cake
Achieving a perfectly fluffy and flavorful churro cake is easy with a few simple baking tips:
- Don’t Overmix: This is a golden rule for most cakes. Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform cake texture.
- Measure Accurately: Especially with flour, precise measurements are key. Too much flour can result in a dry cake. Use the “spoon and level” method rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking. An overbaked cake will be dry. The toothpick test (inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean) is your best friend.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to frost or dip your cake while it’s still warm. Warm cake can cause the chocolate to melt unevenly or slide off. Patience results in a beautifully finished dessert.
- Homemade Cinnamon Sugar: For the best flavor, make your own cinnamon sugar by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to your preferred ratio. A common ratio is 1/4 cup sugar to 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Churro Cake Variations & Customizations
This churro cake recipe provides a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it your own:
- Different Toppings: Instead of or in addition to melted chocolate, consider a drizzle of dulce de leche, caramel sauce, or a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A sprinkle of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) can add a delightful crunch.
- Flavor Boosts: Enhance the cinnamon flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients. A teaspoon of orange zest can also add a bright, citrusy note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Chocolate Chip Churro Cake: Fold in half a cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer topping, whip up a simple cream cheese frosting and spread it over the cooled cake. The tangy cream cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet cinnamon.
- Churro Cupcakes: Adapt the recipe to make churro cupcakes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and reduce the baking time accordingly (usually 18-22 minutes). Dip the cooled cupcakes in melted chocolate and cinnamon sugar for individual treats.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This churro cake is delicious fresh, but it also stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining:
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled and unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If it’s frosted with a glaze or ganache, it can typically last at room temperature for a similar duration, depending on the frosting.
- Refrigerator: If your cake has a dairy-based frosting (like cream cheese frosting) or if you want to extend its freshness, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze this churro cake! For best results, freeze the unfrosted cake. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire cake (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, absolutely! You can easily substitute the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Alternatively, you can use an extra 1/4 cup of applesauce or a mashed ripe banana for a similar binding and moisture effect, though these may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Yes, you can! Any milk you have on hand will work wonderfully in this recipe. Feel free to use dairy milk (whole, 2%, or skim), or other non-dairy alternatives like soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. The choice of milk will not significantly impact the cake’s texture or flavor in this recipe.
There are two primary methods for melting chocolate:
Microwave: Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval. This prevents scorching.
Double Boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the chocolate until it’s smooth and completely melted. This method offers more control and less risk of burning. For best results, use good quality chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate.
Yes, you can! If using a 9×13 inch pan, the cake will be thinner and may bake faster, so reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes and check for doneness. If using a round pan, an 8-inch or 9-inch round pan can work, but baking time might vary slightly. Always use the toothpick test.
While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The results may vary slightly in texture, but it’s a good starting point for a gluten-free adaptation.
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Churro Cake
Ingredients
Churro Cake
- ⅔ cup lightly packed brown sugar or muscovado sugar
- ½ cup natural sweetener or your sugar of choice
- ½ cup light butter room temperature, or spread of choice
- 2 tablespoons apple sauce or extra butter/spread of choice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups plain flour/all-purpose
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk
- Cinnamon sugar
- 1/4 cup melted chocolate OR a Clean Chocolate Sauce
Optional: Homemade Chocolate Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons natural sweetener/sugar of choice
- 2 tablespoons warm water or enough to mix into your desired consistency
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 176°C | 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch square baking tray with cooking oil spray, then gently wipe away any excess with a paper towel.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, sweetener/sugar, softened light butter, and applesauce until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk again until the mixture is light and creamy.
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In a smaller separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually beat this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
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Pour the almond milk into the batter and mix gently until well combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender cake.
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Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking tray and smooth the top. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
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Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before spreading it with your chosen melted chocolate or a clean chocolate sauce.
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To make your own quick chocolate sauce, simply combine the cocoa powder, natural sweetener/sugar, and warm water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful churro cake!
Notes
- Nutrition information is calculated excluding the melted chocolate, as this is completely optional and can vary greatly depending on the type and quantity used.
- For the best churro flavor, don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar topping! You can even add a touch more after baking for extra sparkle.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.