Baked Churro Bites – Easy and Delicious Crowd-Pleasing Recipe You’ll Love
Have you ever wondered how to enjoy the irresistible taste of churros without the hassle of deep-frying? Baked churro bites are a game-changer for churro lovers seeking a lighter, easier alternative that still delivers all the cinnamon-sugar goodness. Many shy away from homemade churros because of the complicated frying process or fear the dough might not turn out right. But with this baked churro bites recipe, you can effortlessly whip up these bite-sized treats, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or an indulgent snack at home. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow, crowd-pleasing baked churro bites recipe that’s both delicious and bake-friendly!
Table of Contents
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make perfect baked churro bites. These ingredients are easy to find and offer some great alternatives if you want to customize the recipe.
- 1 cup water
- 2 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (You can swap with gluten-free flour for GF diets)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for greasing)
Substitutions and swaps:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour for a low-carb twist (note: dough consistency may vary).
- Opt for coconut sugar or erythritol in the coating to reduce sugar content.
- Use aquafaba (chickpea water) or flax eggs for vegan-friendly options.
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Baked churro bites compare favorably with fried recipes in terms of prep and cook time but require less active cooking and less cleanup. The baking method yields a crunchy, golden exterior with a soft, chewy center—similar to traditional deep-fried churros—minus the grease and fuss. Perfect for when you’re in a hurry or want to keep things light yet tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the churro dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, 2 ½ tablespoons sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture boils, remove from heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Cooking tip: Make sure to add the flour all at once for the proper dough texture.
Step 2: Add eggs and vanilla
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until your dough is smooth and shiny.
Chef’s trick: If the dough feels too dry, add one extra egg to reach the right consistency.
Step 3: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray or melted butter.
Step 4: Pipe or scoop churro bites
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip for classic churro ridges. Pipe small 1-1.5 inch bite-sized rounds onto the baking sheet. Alternatively, drop spoonfuls for an easier method.
Alternative: Use a silicone mold for even baking and fun shapes.
Step 5: Bake until golden
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the churro bites are puffed and lightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as they can dry out.
Step 6: Cinnamon-sugar coating
While the bites are baking, mix the ½ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl. As soon as the churro bites come out of the oven and are cool enough to handle, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Pro tip: Brush bites lightly with melted butter before tossing to help the coating stick better.
Step 7: Serve warm
Enjoy your baked churro bites right away with a dipping sauce such as chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or caramel. These also pair wonderfully with a cup of café con leche.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 10 bites)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
These estimates will vary depending on substitutions and serving sizes.
Healthier Alternatives
Try these health-conscious swaps to maintain flavor while improving nutrition:
- Use whole wheat or oat flour instead of refined all-purpose flour to add fiber and nutrients.
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index.
- Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana instead of some butter to reduce saturated fat.
- Bake bite-size portions to aid in portion control and reduce total sugar intake.
- For a vegan twist, substitute eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs and use plant-based butter.
Serving Suggestions
Baked churro bites are incredibly versatile:
- Serve as a sweet appetizer at brunch parties or as an after-dinner treat.
- Pair with dipping sauces like raspberry coulis, warm chocolate sauce, or salted caramel drizzle.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- Top with chopped nuts or coconut flakes for added crunch.
- Make it a gluten-free dessert party by using certified GF flour and coconut sugar coating.
- Enjoy with dairy-free whipped cream or vegan ice cream for a decadent finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Baked churro bites are best golden with a soft interior; overbaking dries them out.
- Skipping egg addition: Eggs are essential for dough elasticity and texture.
- Adding flour slowly: Add flour all at once to avoid a grainy dough.
- Not cooling the dough before adding eggs: Too hot dough can scramble eggs, so wait a few minutes.
- Forgetting to coat while warm: Bites cool quickly and cinnamon sugar sticks best when slightly warm.
Storing Tips
- Store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving.
- For longer storage, freeze baked bites in a single layer on parchment paper, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
- Keep cinnamon sugar separate for coating after reheating to avoid sogginess.
Conclusion
Baked churro bites are the perfect sweet treat that’s easy to make, lighter than traditional fried churros, and ideal for sharing. With simple ingredients, quick prep time, and delicious cinnamon-sugary bliss, this recipe is guaranteed to impress any crowd. Try it today and let us know your favorite dipping sauces or twists!
Ready to bake up your own batch? Drop a comment below with your results or questions, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy, crowd-pleasing dessert recipes delivered right to your inbox!
FAQs
1. Can I make baked churro bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the bites in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat just before serving for best texture.
2. What is the best way to pipe churro bites without a piping bag?
If you don’t have a piping bag, use a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off, or simply drop small spoonfuls onto the baking sheet—although the texture won’t be exactly churro-like in shape.
3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace eggs with flax or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
4. Are baked churro bites healthier than fried ones?
Generally, yes. Baking reduces oil fat content while retaining the churro’s iconic cinnamon-sugar flavor and texture.
5. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches on multiple sheets keeping spacing in mind for even cooking.
