Description

Churro Caramel Crunch Cupcakes – A heavenly mashup of churros and cupcakes! Fluffy cinnamon-spiced cake stuffed with molten caramel, crowned with silky cinnamon caramel buttercream, and rolled in a crispy cinnamon-sugar crunch. Every bite delivers warm spice, luscious sweetness, and addictive texture—perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or stealing the spotlight at any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
½ cup thick caramel sauce or dulce de leche
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup caramel sauce
2–2½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1–2 tbsp milk or cream, as needed
¼ cup crushed churros or cinnamon sugar graham crackers
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp melted butter
Optional: Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Bake the Cinnamon Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners (fill about ¾ full).
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Fill with Caramel

Use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the centers of the cupcakes.
Spoon caramel sauce or dulce de leche into each center.

3. Make the Cinnamon Caramel Buttercream

Beat softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
Add caramel sauce and beat until well combined.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Add milk or cream as needed for desired consistency.
Beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes for a light, airy texture.

4. Prepare the Crunch Topping

In a small bowl, combine crushed churros or graham crackers with brown sugar and melted butter.
Mix until crumbly. Add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty finish if desired.

5. Decorate the Cupcakes

Pipe or spread the buttercream on top of the filled cupcakes.
Drizzle with additional caramel sauce.
Sprinkle generously with the churro crunch topping.

Notes

This recipe is inspired by the flavors of classic churros and modern caramel desserts. The buttercream and churro topping take these cupcakes to the next level—an indulgent treat you won’t forget.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American