Churro Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache: A Sweet Cinnamon Delight

Cupcakes are a beloved dessert that can be adapted to suit any taste or occasion. Among the many cupcake variations, churro cupcakes with chocolate ganache offer a delightful combination of warm cinnamon flavors, a light and fluffy texture, and a rich, decadent chocolate topping. If you’re looking to create a unique dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe, these churro cupcakes are a must-try. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this incredible treat, ensuring that you achieve perfect results every time.

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Churro Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache?
  2. Why You’ll Love These Churro Cupcakes
  3. Ingredients You’ll Need for Churro Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache
  4. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Churro Cupcakes
  5. Tips for Perfecting Your Churro Cupcakes
  6. The Secret to a Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating
  7. How to Make the Chocolate Ganache
  8. Serving Suggestions for Churro Cupcakes
  9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  10. Conclusion

What Are Churro Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache?

Churro cupcakes are a delightful fusion of the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor of churros and the airy, fluffy texture of a traditional cupcake. Traditionally, churros are fried dough pastries coated in cinnamon sugar, but in this version, we’ve translated that crispy, sweet coating into a moist cupcake form. The chocolate ganache adds an indulgent layer of richness, creating a perfect balance of flavors that is irresistible.

These cupcakes are perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply as an indulgent treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The combination of cinnamon and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser, and these churro cupcakes offer an extra special twist on the classic cinnamon dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Churro Cupcakes

  • Fluffy and Moist: The cupcakes themselves are incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the perfect combination of ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk.
  • Rich Chocolate Ganache: The glossy chocolate ganache drizzled on top adds an irresistible, creamy finish that complements the warm cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Easy to Make: Despite their decadent taste, these churro cupcakes are surprisingly simple to make, requiring only basic ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a Sunday afternoon treat, churro cupcakes with chocolate ganache are a versatile dessert that everyone will love.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the amount of cinnamon or even add other spices like nutmeg to give your cupcakes a unique flavor twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Churro Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache

To make these delicious churro cupcakes, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Churro Cupcakes

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect churro cupcakes with chocolate ganache:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate, larger bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix for about 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and combine thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cupcakes.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Evenly divide the batter among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cupcakes

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the cinnamon sugar coating.

Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the tops of the cooled cupcakes with the melted butter, then roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Step 9: Make the Chocolate Ganache

To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped semisweet chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 10: Drizzle the Ganache

Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of each churro cupcake. Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfecting Your Churro Cupcakes

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This will help the ingredients incorporate smoothly and lead to a fluffier cupcake.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cupcakes to become tough. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
  • Adjust the Cinnamon: If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon in the batter or the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the ganache, choose a high-quality semisweet chocolate to ensure the ganache is rich and smooth.

The Secret to a Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating

The cinnamon sugar coating is what gives these churro cupcakes their signature flavor. It’s crucial to coat the cupcakes while they’re still warm so that the melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the surface. This will give your cupcakes that crispy, cinnamon-sugar exterior that we all love about churros!

How to Make the Chocolate Ganache

The chocolate ganache is made by heating heavy cream until it’s simmering, then pouring it over chopped semisweet chocolate. This method allows the chocolate to melt perfectly into a smooth, velvety ganache. You can also customize the ganache by adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Churro Cupcakes

Churro cupcakes with chocolate ganache are perfect for any occasion! Serve them at parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make churro cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Add the cinnamon sugar coating and chocolate ganache just before serving to keep them fresh.

2. Can I use other types of chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate if you prefer. Just be aware that this will change the flavor of the ganache slightly.

3. Can I freeze churro cupcakes?

Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes before adding the cinnamon sugar coating and ganache. To freeze, place the cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. Then, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

4. How can I make the cupcakes spicier?

If you like a bit of heat in your dessert, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar coating for an unexpected kick.

Conclusion

These churro cupcakes with chocolate ganache are the perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate, making them a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The fluffy cupcake, cinnamon sugar coating, and rich ganache combine to create a truly indulgent dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful cupcakes with family and friends, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

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Churro Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache: A Sweet Cinnamon Delight


  • Author: Hannah

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk

For the cinnamon sugar coating:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the chocolate ganache:
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped


Instructions

  • For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

  • Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

  • Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • For the cinnamon sugar coating: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the tops of the cooled cupcakes with the melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

  • For the chocolate ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.

  • Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of each churro cupcake.

 

  • Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving.

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