Churro Caramel Crunch Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Churro Caramel Crunch Cupcakes are everything you want in a dessert: soft, moist, and full of flavor. The cupcake itself has a rich cinnamon taste, while the caramel filling adds a sweet surprise in the center. The frosting is creamy and spiced with cinnamon, making it the perfect match for the cupcakes. Topped with crushed cinnamon sugar cereal, these cupcakes have a fun, crunchy texture that takes the dessert to the next level. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge, these cupcakes are sure to wow!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

For the Filling:

• ½ cup thick caramel sauce

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup caramel sauce
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Crunch:

• 1 cup crushed cinnamon sugar cereal (like Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
• Optional: pinch of sea salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add the Filling:

1. Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a cupcake corer or a small knife to make a hole in the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill each cupcake with about 1 tablespoon of thick caramel sauce, being careful not to overfill.

Prepare the Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and cinnamon, and continue to beat until smooth and fluffy.
3. If the frosting is too thick, add a small splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cupcakes:

1. Frost each cooled cupcake with the cinnamon caramel frosting, making sure to cover the entire top.
2. Sprinkle the crushed cinnamon sugar cereal on top of the frosting for a crunchy texture.
3. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including baking, cooling, and assembling)

Variations

• Churro Cupcakes with Chocolate: Add some chocolate chips to the cupcake batter for a chocolate-cinnamon twist.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a vegan caramel sauce for a dairy-free option.
• Mini Cupcakes: If you’d like to make mini cupcakes, reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The caramel filling may soften over time, so it’s best to eat them within a few days for the freshest texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cupcakes without the frosting for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw them and then add the frosting and crunch topping.
• Reheating: These cupcakes are best served at room temperature. If you’d like them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cupcakes a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container, and frost them the day you plan to serve them for the best results.

Can I use a different filling than caramel?

Yes, you can swap the caramel sauce for dulce de leche, chocolate ganache, or a fruit preserve for a different flavor twist.

How do I make the frosting fluffier?

To achieve a fluffier frosting, beat the butter and powdered sugar for a bit longer, and ensure you add the powdered sugar gradually. You can also add a small amount of heavy cream to help lighten the texture.

Can I add more crunch to the cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can add extra crushed cinnamon sugar cereal or even sprinkle some toffee bits or chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor.

What other toppings can I use for these cupcakes?

In addition to the cinnamon sugar cereal, you can top the cupcakes with mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of additional caramel sauce for a more decadent look.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well in both the filling and frosting. If you prefer, you can also make your own caramel sauce for a more homemade touch.

How can I make the cupcakes more churro-flavored?

To enhance the churro flavor, you can add a little more cinnamon to the cupcake batter, frosting, or even dust the tops with cinnamon sugar after frosting.

Can I make the frosting without caramel sauce?

Yes, you can make a cinnamon buttercream frosting without caramel sauce by simply using butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. If you need more moisture, you can add a bit of milk or cream.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from getting soggy with the caramel filling?

To prevent the cupcakes from becoming too soggy, make sure the caramel filling is not too runny. A thicker caramel sauce will help it stay in place and not soak into the cupcakes.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free. Just make sure the other ingredients, like the caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Churro Caramel Crunch Cupcakes are a delightful treat that blends the best of churros and cupcakes. With a cinnamon-spiced cupcake base, a sweet caramel filling, and a creamy frosting topped with crunchy cereal, every bite is an irresistible combination of soft, sweet, and crunchy textures. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a delicious indulgence, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Print