Golden Spiced Churro Cake

Churro Cake is a culinary masterpiece that marries the irresistible warmth of classic churros with the comforting embrace of a moist, tender cake. Imagine swirls of sweet cinnamon and granulated sugar baked right into a golden crumb, creating an explosion of authentic flavor in every single bite. This delightful single-layer cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for bakers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your baking journey.

Indulge in all the beloved flavors of traditional churros reimagined in this magnificent Churro Cake. The crunchy cinnamon and sugar topping, combined with the spiced interior, delivers a truly authentic and incredibly satisfying dessert experience. This cake recipe is destined to become a new family favorite.

Our love for easy cinnamon dessert recipes runs deep, and this Churro Cake consistently ranks as a top choice. Having perfected this simple, single-layer recipe over many years, we can confidently say its ease and incredible taste are unmatched. If you enjoy this, you’ll also adore our Churro Cookies and the decadent Churro Cheesecake, which offer different ways to savor that beloved churro essence.

Why This Churro Cake Is a Must-Try

This Churro Cake recipe stands out for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it relies heavily on everyday pantry staples, meaning you likely have most, if not all, of the necessary ingredients on hand already. This convenience makes it incredibly easy to whip up a fantastic dessert without any last-minute trips to the grocery store. You won’t need specialized equipment or exotic ingredients to achieve bakery-quality results.

Beyond its simplicity, you will absolutely fall in love with the cake’s exquisite flavor and delicate texture. The addition of sour cream is a game-changer, infusing the cake with an unparalleled moistness that keeps it tender for days. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, with aromatic cinnamon and sugar swirled throughout the batter, complemented by an extra generous dusting on top for that iconic churro crunch.

Another fantastic feature of this recipe is its fuss-free preparation. Say goodbye to the hassle of multiple cake pans and intricate layering! This recipe yields a single, perfect layer, making cleanup a breeze and assembly straightforward. It’s the ideal dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Churro Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake’s structure. For accurate measurement and a light texture, always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the cake its beautiful rise and tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream, while baking powder provides an additional lift, ensuring a fluffy result. If you’re out of baking soda, explore some effective baking soda substitutes.
• Butter: For the richest flavor and most decadent moistness, real butter is paramount. We recommend using unsalted butter to maintain control over the overall salt content in the recipe. Butter, as opposed to canola or vegetable oil, contributes significantly to the cake’s luxurious texture and taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps with browning, creating that desirable golden crust.
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice is the heart and soul of our churro flavor. Its warm, aromatic notes are crucial for capturing the authentic taste of this beloved Mexican treat.
• Large Eggs: It’s important for eggs to be at room temperature as they emulsify more effectively with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more evenly baked cake.
• Sour Cream: The secret weapon for an incredibly moist cake. The fat and acidity in sour cream break down gluten, resulting in a tender crumb and a rich flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding depth and a comforting aroma. Always opt for pure extract over imitation for the best taste.
• Whole Milk: Like the eggs, whole milk should be at room temperature to ensure it blends seamlessly into the batter, preventing any curdling and contributing to a uniform consistency.

Irresistible Churro Topping

• Cinnamon and Sugar: This simple yet iconic mixture is sprinkled generously on top of the cake, transforming it with a delightful crunchy texture and intensifying that classic churro taste. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Exciting Variations and Substitutions

One of the best aspects of baking is the freedom to experiment and customize. This Churro Cake recipe provides an excellent canvas for your creativity. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate or adapt your cake:

• Chocolate Chips: For a delightful twist, fold 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) into the cake batter before baking. The melting chocolate pockets will add an extra layer of richness and sweetness, making it an instant hit for chocolate lovers.
• Buttermilk: If you’re looking for an even tangier and potentially more tender cake, swap the whole milk for an equal amount of buttermilk. Buttermilk’s acidity reacts beautifully with the baking soda, enhancing the cake’s rise and moistness.
• Enhanced Topping: While the cinnamon-sugar crust is divine, consider adding a luscious Cinnamon Buttercream frosting to the top of the cooled cake for an extra layer of creamy indulgence. This takes the dessert to a new level of richness.
• Greek Yogurt: In a pinch, or if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, you can substitute the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt. Ensure it’s a high-fat content yogurt and not a reduced-fat or light version, as the fat is crucial for maintaining the cake’s moist texture.
• Decadent Ganache: For a truly show-stopping finish, prepare a simple chocolate ganache topping. Combine whipping cream and your preferred chocolate (chips or chopped) in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this rich ganache over the cooled cake for an elegant and delicious touch.
• Different Pan Shapes: This versatile batter can easily be adapted for various bakeware. Instead of an 8×8 pan, try making a stunning churro bundt cake. Adjust baking time as needed for larger or differently shaped pans – a bundt cake will typically require a longer baking time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Churro Cake

Follow these straightforward steps to create your perfect Churro Cake. Precision and attention to detail will ensure a delicious outcome.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). While the oven heats, thoroughly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, usually for 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Incorporate Cinnamon. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gently mix in the ground cinnamon until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 5: Add Eggs. With the mixer still on low, add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Continue to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy once more, signaling proper aeration.

Step 6: Stir in Wet Ingredients. Mix in the room temperature sour cream and pure vanilla extract until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a tough cake.

Step 7: Alternate Dry and Wet. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed, or by hand, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are acceptable.

Step 8: First Layer of Batter. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the topping ingredients (granulated sugar and ground cinnamon). Then, pour half of the prepared cake batter evenly into your greased 8×8-inch baking pan, spreading it gently to cover the bottom.

Step 9: Add First Cinnamon Layer. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon and sugar topping mixture over the batter in the pan. You can gently swirl it with a knife, but do not fully mix it in.

Step 10: Top with Remaining Batter. Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer, spreading it gently to cover completely.

Step 11: Final Cinnamon Topping. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the top of the cake batter. This will create a beautiful, crunchy crust.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are lightly browned, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet batter attached.

• Step 13: Cool and Serve. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set properly and makes slicing easier. After cooling slightly, it’s ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!

Storage and Freshness Tips

To keep your Churro Cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain moist and flavorful for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake, which can extend its freshness for up to a week. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors. While freezing is possible, the crunchy topping might lose some of its texture. If freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Expert Baking Secrets for Churro Cake Success

Achieving a perfect Churro Cake is simple with a few insider tips. These expert suggestions will help you avoid common baking pitfalls and ensure your cake is consistently moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured.

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: This is arguably one of the most important tips for any baking project. Ensure your butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream are all at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify correctly, creating a smooth, cohesive batter that bakes evenly and results in a wonderfully tender and moist cake. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and affect the final texture.
• Opt for Full-Fat Dairy: For the ultimate moistness and richness, always use full-fat dairy products (like whole milk and full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt) in this recipe. The fat content is crucial for the cake’s tender crumb and overall decadent flavor. Reduced-fat alternatives can lead to a drier, less flavorful cake.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you start adding the dry ingredients, mix the batter only until everything is just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a dense, tough, and chewy cake instead of the light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
• Master the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: When adding the cinnamon sugar mixture to the layers of batter, resist the urge to stir it extensively into the batter. The goal is to create distinct layers and pockets of cinnamon-sugar goodness. Simply sprinkle it on top and, if desired, use a knife to gently swirl it once or twice. This creates beautiful ribbons of flavor and texture throughout the cake.
• Line Your Baking Pan: For effortless removal and easy cleanup, consider lining your 8×8-inch cake pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang on the sides to create “handles,” allowing you to lift the cooled cake easily out of the pan. Even with non-stick spray, parchment paper provides an extra layer of insurance against sticking.
• Don’t Skimp on the Topping: The crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping is what truly makes this a “Churro” cake. Don’t be shy when sprinkling it on. A generous layer ensures every bite has that authentic, sweet, and spiced crust.

Churro Cake

Churro Cake is a delicious cake with swirls of cinnamon and sugar. This recipe is so easy, and anyone can make this simple one-layer cake.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Allow to Cool: 15 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 9

Cuisine: Mexican

Course: Dessert

Calories: 199

Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• 1 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 cup Butter melted
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
• 2 Large Eggs room temperature
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk room temperature

For Topping:

• 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the ground cinnamon.
4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until combined and light and fluffy.
5. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed, or by hand, until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the topping ingredients (granulated sugar and ground cinnamon).
8. Pour half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and sugar topping mixture over the batter.
9. Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
10. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the top of the cake batter.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is fully set, the edges are lightly browned, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For optimal freshness and texture, consuming within the first 2-3 days is recommended.

For the best results, ensure all cold ingredients (butter, eggs, milk, sour cream) are at room temperature before mixing. This promotes better emulsification and a smoother batter, leading to a perfectly moist and evenly baked cake.

Always use full-fat dairy products for this recipe. The fat content is crucial for the cake’s tender crumb and rich flavor, giving you the most indulgent Churro Cake experience possible.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 199kcal,
Carbohydrates 26g,
Protein 4g,
Fat 9g,
Saturated Fat 5g,
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat 2g,
Trans Fat 0.2g,
Cholesterol 59mg,
Sodium 301mg,
Potassium 70mg,
Fiber 1g,
Sugar 15g,
Vitamin A 314IU,
Vitamin C 0.1mg,
Calcium 72mg,
Iron 1mg

We encourage you to create this luscious Churro Cake recipe today and experience its delightful flavors. Once you try it, please share your thoughts and leave a comment below! Happy baking!