Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes

Dive into a world where the classic cinnamon and sugar delight transforms into an irresistible treat. Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes emerge as the star of any celebration, especially fitting for Cinco de Mayo festivities. Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon cupcakes, their centers oozing with gooey dulce de leche, each one dipped in a shimmering coat of cinnamon sugar, crowned with a velvety cinnamon buttercream, and finally, adorned with a dulce de leche-filled churro. This culinary creation is not just a dessert; it’s an experience, blending the essence of traditional churros with the innovative twist of cupcake artistry. For a sweet symphony of flavors, explore Justine Kameron’s dessert recipes, a haven for those who love to end their meals with a delectable note.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Embarking on the journey of creating Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes requires a blend of basic kitchen tools and a dash of culinary enthusiasm. Begin with a standard cupcake pan lined with paper liners, ensuring your cupcakes maintain their shape and moisture. A large mixing bowl is essential for combining your dry ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flour, sugar, and spices. Transition to the wet ingredients, whisked together in a measuring cup, marrying flavors and textures into a smooth batter.

The alchemy of baking these cupcakes unfolds as you carefully fill each liner, a task that demands precision and a gentle hand. A preheated oven welcomes the cupcakes, transforming them from liquid batter to spongy delights. The transformation continues as you dip the hot cupcakes into a cinnamon sugar mixture, a step that requires swift yet delicate movements to coat each cupcake perfectly.

For the filling and frosting, a piping bag fitted with a large star tip becomes your tool of choice, allowing for meticulous decoration and filling. The core of each cupcake is hollowed out, ready to embrace the dulce de leche, using either the bottom of a large piping tip or an apple corer. This process not only infuses flavor but also adds a textural surprise, echoing the filled churros that inspired this dessert. If you’re looking for another recipe that celebrates the spirit of autumn, our Easy Pumpkin Pie Cake is a harmonious choice that pairs wonderfully with the season.

Ingredients List

• Cinnamon Cupcakes:
  • 1 and ½ cups All-purpose flour – the base of the cupcakes
  • 1 and ½ cups Granulated Sugar – sweetens the cupcakes
  • 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon – gives the cupcakes their signature flavor
  • 1 and ½ teaspoons Baking powder – helps the cupcakes rise
  • ½ teaspoon Baking soda – works with the baking powder for rise
  • ½ teaspoon Salt – enhances the flavors
  • 2 large Eggs, room temperature – binds the ingredients together
  • 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract – adds depth to the flavor
  • ⅓ cup Vegetable oil – keeps the cupcakes moist
  • ½ cup Buttermilk, room temperature – contributes to the tender crumb
  • ½ cup Sour cream, room temperature – adds richness and moisture
  • 1 jar Dulce de Leche – used for filling, adds a caramel-like sweetness
• Cinnamon Sugar:
  • ½ cup Granulated sugar – combined with cinnamon for coating
  • 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon – pairs with sugar for the classic topping
• Toppings:
  • Cinnamon Sugar – for dusting on top
  • 3-4 Baked Churros, cut into 1-inch pieces – adds a crunchy texture
  • Extra Dulce de Leche – for filling churros and drizzling

Step-by-step Instructions

For the Cinnamon Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine eggs, vanilla, oil, buttermilk, and sour cream in a measuring cup; then pour into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter and bake for 14-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

For the Cinnamon Sugar:

1. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then spread on a plate.
2. Dip the tops of the hot cupcakes into the cinnamon sugar and set them aside to cool completely.

Assembly:

1. Core the center of each cupcake and fill with dulce de leche.
2. Pipe a swirl of cinnamon buttercream on each cupcake, leaving the edges exposed.
3. Sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar over the frosting and drizzle with additional dulce de leche.
4. Cut baked churros into 1-inch pieces, fill with dulce de leche, and place on top of the cupcakes.

For a different take on pumpkin delights, our Quick and Easy 4-Ingredient Baked Pumpkin Donuts offer a simple, yet utterly satisfying, recipe to complement your cupcake menu.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes, while a treat for the taste buds, also come with a consideration of nutritional content. Each component, from the fluffy base to the creamy topping, contributes to the overall caloric intake. The primary ingredients, such as all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, provide the bulk of the energy, while the eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk add a mix of protein and fats, essential for a balanced diet in moderation.

The inclusion of cinnamon not only offers a burst of flavor but also brings several health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to lower blood sugar levels, and its antioxidant content. When enjoying these cupcakes, one also gets a hint of these healthful advantages.

However, it’s crucial to enjoy these cupcakes as part of a balanced diet. The dulce de leche, a rich caramel-like sauce, while delicious, is high in sugar. Moderation is key when indulging in desserts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Pairing a cupcake with a serving of fruit or a cup of unsweetened tea can balance the sweetness and add nutritional value to your treat.

In summary, while Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes are an indulgent dessert, they also offer a taste of the health benefits of cinnamon. Enjoying them in moderation allows one to savor the flavors without compromising nutritional goals. 

Autumn’s bounty is also celebrated in our Baked Apples recipe, a heartwarming dish that encapsulates the cozy essence of the season.

Common Mistakes To Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Creating the perfect Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes involves navigating through potential pitfalls with precision and care. Here are some common mistakes to avoid and tips to elevate your baking game:

• Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Filling the Cupcake Liners Too Full: Aim to fill each liner halfway. Overfilling can cause the cupcakes to overflow and lose their shape.
• Not Allowing Cupcakes to Cool Before Filling: Patience is key. Filling or frosting cupcakes while they are still warm can cause the dulce de leche and buttercream to melt and become messy.
• Skipping the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The cinnamon sugar not only adds flavor but also texture. Ensure each cupcake is dipped while still warm to adhere properly.
• Improperly Filling the Cupcakes: Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill the cored cupcakes with dulce de leche. This ensures a neat and even distribution of the filling.

To perfect this recipe, consider these additional tips:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of ingredients, especially the cinnamon and dulce de leche, can significantly impact the flavor of your cupcakes.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Customize Your Filling: While dulce de leche is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate or fruit jams to suit your taste.
• Monitor Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

Kickstart your day with a sweet prelude by diving into Justine Kameron’s breakfast recipes, where you’ll find a medley of ideas to make your mornings more delightful.

Tips, Notes, Storing And Reheating

Maximizing the enjoyment of Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes extends beyond the baking process. Here are some tips and best practices for storing, reheating, and serving:

• Storing: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warm, especially to soften the dulce de leche, microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Serving: Allow refrigerated cupcakes to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to ensure the frosting is soft and the cake is moist.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
A: Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store them separately and assemble before serving.

Q: Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
A: You can make a quick substitute by adding ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ cup of milk and letting it stand for 10 minutes.

Q: Can I use store-bought churros for the topping?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought churros are a convenient and delicious option for topping these cupcakes.

Q: How do I ensure my cupcakes are moist?
A: Do not overbake them. Check for doneness at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Conclusion

Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of classic flavors and textures, offering a unique twist on traditional desserts. By following the outlined steps and tips, you can create a batch of these irresistible treats that are sure to impress. Remember, the key to perfect cupcakes lies in the balance of flavors, precision in preparation, and a touch of creativity. Happy baking!

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