Are you craving a dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistible? How about combining the warm, crispy goodness of churros with the sweet, spiced flavors of apple cinnamon? Introducing the Apple Cinnamon Churro Tacos – the perfect fusion of two beloved treats. These tacos are a fun, innovative way to enjoy churros with an apple cinnamon twist, making them an instant hit at any gathering.
In this post, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to crafting these delicious tacos, along with useful tips, nutritional insights, and serving suggestions to elevate your dessert game. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Apple Cinnamon Churro Tacos:
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For as the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
And for the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream (optional for serving)
Substitutions:
- Butter: You can swap butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
- Apples: Any variety of apples can work, but tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
- Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
This recipe is quicker than most churro recipes, which typically take longer to make, giving you a faster way to indulge in this sweet treat. Plus, it’s fun and interactive for the whole family!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling
In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes until the apples are softened but still have some bite. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
Step2: Make the Churro Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the flour and stir until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes.
Step3: Add Eggs to the Dough
Once the dough has cooled slightly, add eggs one at a time, stirring well between each addition. The dough should be thick and sticky. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Step4: Fry the Churros
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully pipe strips of dough into the hot oil, cutting them into 3-inch pieces. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Coat the Churros in Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Once your churros are ready and coated in cinnamon sugar, shape them gently into taco shells by bending them slightly in the middle. Spoon a generous amount of the apple cinnamon filling into the center of each churro taco. If desired, top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one Apple Cinnamon Churro Taco:
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
Note: The calorie count is an approximation and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
While Apple Cinnamon Churro Tacos are undeniably delicious, you can make a few adjustments to make them a bit healthier without compromising on flavor:
- Reduce the sugar: You can cut the sugar in both the churros and the apple filling by half. You’ll still get that satisfying sweetness but with fewer calories.
- Baked churros: Instead of frying the churros, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes to cut down on fat.
- Use coconut sugar: For a more natural sweetener, substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar in the apple filling.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the apples for added texture and healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Cinnamon Churro Tacos are great on their own, but here are some creative ways to serve them:
- A la mode: Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to make this dessert even more decadent.
- Toppings: Try adding caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
- For breakfast: These tacos are sweet enough to enjoy as a breakfast treat. Pair them with a strong cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a morning indulgence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While the recipe is relatively straightforward, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcrowding the pan: When frying the churros, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy churros. Fry in small batches.
- Under-mixing the dough: Make sure to mix the dough thoroughly when adding the eggs. This ensures a smooth and cohesive texture for the churros.
- Not cooling the dough: Allowing the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs is crucial. Hot dough can cook the eggs prematurely, resulting in a lumpy batter.
- Not using enough oil: Ensure there is enough oil to submerge the churros completely. This allows them to cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Apple Cinnamon Churro Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later:
- Storing churros: If you have leftover churros, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a hot oven (350°F / 175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore some crispiness.
- Storing apple filling: The apple cinnamon filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave before using.
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Churro Tacos combine the irresistible flavors of cinnamon-sugar churros with the warm, comforting taste of spiced apples. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or leave a review. Subscribe to our blog for more fun, creative recipes like this!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I prepare the apple filling in advance?
Yes, you can make the apple cinnamon filling a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it before serving.
How do I make the churros without a piping bag?
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can spoon the churro dough into the oil using two spoons, forming small, rustic churro shapes.