Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch introduction This indulgent Churro Layer Cake captures the beloved flavors of classic churros, featuring moist cinnamon-spiced cake layers layered with creamy frosting and topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar crunch. Perfect for celebrations or whenever a sweet treat is needed, this cake brings the warmth and nostalgia of traditional churros to a stunning layered dessert. The history of The churro, a fried-dough pastry dusted with cinnamon sugar, has roots in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine and has become a beloved treat throughout Latin America and beyond. Transforming the churro concept into a layer cake allows this timeless flavor to be enjoyed in a new, elegant form, merging the textures of fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy topping into one unforgettable dessert. Ingredients Breakdown The cake batter features basic pantry staples enhanced with ground cinnamon and a hint of vanilla to emulate churro flavor. The frosting is typically a smooth, sweet cream cheese or buttercream blend spiced with cinnamon. The crunch topping consists of a cinnamon sugar mixture with optional crushed churros or a streusel to provide texture contrast. Step-by-Step Recipe: Begin by preparing the cake batter, carefully combining flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Bake the cake layers until golden and springy to the touch, then cool completely. While the cake cools, whip up the cinnamon-spiced frosting, mixing cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and cinnamon until light and creamy. Assemble the cake by layering each cake round with a generous spread of frosting. For the crunch topping, combine cinnamon and sugar with crushed churros or a simple cinnamon sugar mixture and sprinkle generously over the frosted cake. Chill the assembled cake to allow flavors to meld and the frosting to set before serving. Tips for the Perfect For the fluffiest cake, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the crumb tender. Use fresh cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor. To avoid soggy layers, chill the cake thoroughly before serving. Variations and Customizations You can swap the cream cheese frosting for a classic vanilla buttercream or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra richness. Experiment with different toppings like toasted nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a dulce de leche drizzle. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and adjust liquid quantities as needed. Health Considerations and Nutritional Value This cake is a rich dessert containing sugar, butter, and cream cheese, which means it’s calorie-dense and should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring sugar intake or dairy consumption. Using alternatives like reduced-fat cream cheese or sugar substitutes can help lighten the nutritional profile but may alter the texture or taste slightly. faq Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, it’s best to assemble the cake a day before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set properly. Q: How should I store the cake? A: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. Q: Can I freeze the cake? A: Freezing is possible—wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving
Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch
Ingredients
- Cinnamon Cake
- 2 ½ cups 325g all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup 168g unsalted Challenge Butter, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups 310g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups 300ml milk
- Cinnamon Buttercream
- 2 ½ cups 560g unsalted Challenge Butter, softened at room temperature
- 10 cups 1150g powdered sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 8 tablespoons 60-75ml water or cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For Decoration:
- Churros
Instructions
- Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper circles and greasing the sides. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt, then set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, beating on medium-high speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes—don’t rush the creaming process. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until mostly combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is well incorporated. Next, add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until mostly combined. Gradually pour in the milk and mix until fully incorporated; the batter may appear curdled, but this is normal. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until smooth and well combined, scraping the bowl as needed, being careful not to overmix. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. To prepare the frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Slowly add half of the powdered sugar, mixing well to combine. Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, mixing thoroughly. Pour in 4 tablespoons of water or cream along with the salt, beating until smooth. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and reaches the desired consistency, adding more water or cream if necessary. To assemble the cake, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife to remove any domes, ensuring each layer is flat. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake board, then spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over it. Add the second cake layer and top with another cup of frosting. Position the final cake layer on top and frost the outside of the cake evenly. If you need guidance, refer to a tutorial on how to achieve a smooth frosting finish. Pipe swirls of frosting around the top edge of the cake using a piping tip like Ateco 849. Place a churro atop each swirl and arrange additional churros around the base of the cake. Optionally, sprinkle the entire cake with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch. Store the finished cake in an airtight container; it’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days.