Craving a bakery-worthy dessert with the nostalgic taste of churros and the decadence of caramel? These Churro Caramel Crunch Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence. With a cinnamon-spiced cake base, gooey caramel center, and a fluffy caramel cinnamon buttercream, every bite delivers sweet satisfaction—topped off with a delightful crunch. Ideal for parties, holidays, or weekend baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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High-impact flavor: Combines the cinnamon sugar flavor of churros with rich, creamy caramel.
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Eye-catching dessert: Perfect for Instagram-worthy party treats.
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Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Great for birthdays, holidays, and bake sales.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Churro Cupcakes:
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All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups): Forms the cupcake structure.
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Baking Powder (1½ tsp): Helps the cupcakes rise.
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Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp): Delivers classic churro flavor.
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Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances overall taste.
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Provides rich flavor and moisture.
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Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and helps with texture.
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Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients and provide structure.
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Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
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Whole Milk (½ cup): Keeps the cupcakes tender and moist.
For the Caramel Filling:
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Thick Caramel Sauce or Dulce de Leche (½ cup): A rich, gooey center for added indulgence.
For the Cinnamon Caramel Buttercream:
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup): Creates a creamy base.
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Caramel Sauce (½ cup): Infuses the frosting with rich, buttery sweetness.
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Powdered Sugar (2–2½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor.
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Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds warm spice to the buttercream.
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Milk or Cream (1–2 tbsp): Adjusts frosting consistency.
For the Crunch Topping:
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Crushed Churros or Cinnamon Sugar Graham Crackers (¼ cup): Adds crunchy texture.
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Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Sweetens the topping.
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Melted Butter (1 tbsp): Helps bind the crunch mixture.
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Optional Sea Salt (pinch): Enhances flavor and adds contrast.
Tips and Tricks
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Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
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Make ahead: Cupcakes can be baked and filled a day ahead—frost just before serving.
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Stiffen buttercream with extra powdered sugar if it gets too soft.
Variations and Customizations
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Salted Caramel Twist: Use salted caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
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Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne to the batter for a spicy-sweet flavor.
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Pumpkin churro version: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree to the batter and adjust the flour slightly.
Pairing Suggestions
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Beverages: Serve with chai lattes, Mexican hot chocolate, or vanilla iced coffee.
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Occasions: Ideal for Cinco de Mayo, birthdays, or festive fall baking.
Storage Instructions
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days; bring to room temp before serving.
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Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
Popular Questions
Can I make these without the caramel filling?
Yes, but the caramel adds a gooey surprise and rich flavor that enhances the overall cupcake.
What’s the best caramel to use?
Thick caramel sauce or dulce de leche works best for filling and frosting.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales easily to serve larger crowds.
