Indulge in a unique twist on a classic sweet treat with this baked pumpkin churros recipe. This recipe incorporates warm, comforting pumpkin and cozy spices into a beloved street food staple. The result is a delicious and festive dessert that's perfect for the fall season, or any time you want to enjoy a taste of autumn. Baked instead of fried, these churros are a healthier alternative that still delivers on flavor and texture.
This recipe calls for canned pumpkin, which may not be a regular staple in every pantry. You can usually find canned pumpkin in the baking or canned vegetables aisle of most supermarkets. If you're struggling to find it, feel free to ask a store associate for assistance. Remember to purchase unsalted butter for this recipe, as the salt content of salted butter can vary and potentially make your churros too salty.
Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Churros
Water: Water is used to help create the dough for the churros.
Canned pumpkin: Canned pumpkin adds a fall flavor and creates a moist, delicious dough.
Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness to the dough. Unsalted butter is used so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Light brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.
Salt: Salt enhances the other flavors in the recipe.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives the churros a warm, spicy flavor.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds additional warmth and depth of flavor.
Ginger: Ginger adds a spicy, peppery flavor.
Cloves: Cloves contribute a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavors and adds a sweet, creamy aroma.
All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour is used to create the structure of the churros.
Eggs: Eggs help to bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar is used for rolling the churros after baking to add a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Hot fudge sauce: Hot fudge sauce is used for dipping, adding a decadent, chocolatey finish to each bite.
One reader, Horacio Watson says:
I recently tried the baked pumpkin churros recipe and it was a delightful surprise! The warm, aromatic spices combined with the pumpkin flavor made for a perfect fall treat. The churros were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the hot fudge sauce complemented them perfectly. A definite must-try!
Mastering the Art of Churro Making
How to prepare the churro dough: Combine water, pumpkin, butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a saucepan and cook until it reaches a full rolling boil. Then mix in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
How to pipe the churro dough: Transfer the churro dough into a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet into 7 1/2-inch lengths for longer churros, cutting with scissors after piping each.
How to coat the churros with cinnamon sugar: In a shallow baking dish, whisk together granulated sugar with the remaining cinnamon. While the churros are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter, then immediately transfer to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll to coat.
How to serve the churros: Serve the churros warm for the best results, with hot fudge sauce if desired.
How To Make Baked Pumpkin Churros
Churros is famous for its light and airy texture. But it can be better by making these treats by using pumpkin. It’s healthy and flavorful, try it!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½ cupwater
- ½ cupcanned pumpkin
- 6tbspunsalted butterdiced into small pieces
- 2tbsppacked light brown sugar
- ¼tspsalt
- 2tspground cinnamondivided
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- ¼tspground ginger
- ⅛ tspground cloves
- ½ tspvanilla extract
- 1cupall-purpose flour
- 2largeeggs
- ½ cupgranulated sugar
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- Hot fudge sauce
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lay an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet underneath another 18 by 13-inch baking sheet and line top baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a medium saucepan combine water, pumpkin, butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set over medium-high heat, and cook stirring frequently until it reaches a full rolling boil.
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Mix in flour and cook, stirring and turning dough constantly with a rubber spatula, for 1 minute.
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Immediately transfer dough into the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
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Then with mixer running on low speed, add in one egg and mix until combined while increasing mixer speed and stopping and scraping sides of the bowl as needed.
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Repeat process with second egg and mix in vanilla.
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Transfer dough to a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
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Pipe dough onto the prepared stacked baking sheet, either into 7 1/2-inch lengths for longer churros and cutting with scissors after piping each.
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Bake in center of preheated oven until set and golden brown, about 28 – 33 minutes.
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Meanwhile, in a shallow baking dish whisk together granulated sugar with the remaining cinnamon.
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While churros are still warm, working with about 3 large or 6 minis at a time, brush lightly with melted butter then immediately transfer to cinnamon-sugar mixture and roll to coat.
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Transfer to a wire rack and repeat with remaining churros. Serve warm for best results with hot fudge sauce if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1020.22kcal
- Fat: 10.42g
- Saturated Fat: 6.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.32g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.50g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.63g
- Carbohydrates: 234.67g
- Fiber: 9.04g
- Sugar: 210.69g
- Protein: 5.34g
- Cholesterol: 51.35mg
- Sodium: 1681.88mg
- Calcium: 108.40mg
- Potassium: 597.97mg
- Iron: 4.88mg
- Vitamin A: 1984.56µg
- Vitamin C: 10.39mg
Expert Advice for Perfect Pumpkin Churros Every Time
When piping the dough for the churros, apply even pressure to the piping bag to ensure uniform size and shape. This will not only make your churros look more professional, but also ensure they bake evenly. If the dough is too stiff to pipe, you can warm it slightly in a warm water bath. Just be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the eggs in the dough to scramble.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Baked Pumpkin Churros
Prep ahead: Prepare the churro dough the night before and refrigerate it. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a piping bag: Using a piping bag will help you achieve uniform churro shapes, making the process quicker and more efficient.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of churros and freeze the extra for later. This way, you'll have ready-to-bake churros on hand for a quick treat.
Bake in batches: If your oven is small, bake the churros in batches to ensure even cooking and consistent results.
Prep the coating: Prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating while the churros are baking to save time during the final steps of the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Baked Pumpkin Churros Recipe
canned pumpkin - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash puree has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to pumpkin and can be used as a substitute in baked goods.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the churros.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor to brown sugar, making it a suitable replacement in the recipe.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For a gluten-free version, a blend of gluten-free flours can be used to achieve a similar texture and structure in the churros.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in the recipe, providing binding properties similar to regular eggs.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener in place of granulated sugar, adding a hint of maple flavor to the churros.
unsalted butter - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, providing a similar richness and flavor to the churros.
hot fudge sauce - Substitute with chocolate ganache: Chocolate ganache can be used as a decadent topping for the churros, providing a rich and glossy finish.
Creative Ways to Serve Pumpkin Churros
Elevate the plating: When presenting the baked pumpkin churros, carefully arrange them on the plate in a visually appealing manner. Consider using a combination of height, color, and texture to create an eye-catching presentation.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Integrate seasonal elements such as small decorative pumpkins, fall leaves, or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and tie the dish to the season.
Utilize contrasting textures: Pair the baked pumpkin churros with a crunchy element, such as caramelized nuts or a delicate tuile, to add contrast and complexity to the dish.
Create a sauce swirl: Use a small squeeze bottle to create an artistic swirl of hot fudge sauce on the plate, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with edible gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf on the churros or around the plate to add a hint of opulence to the presentation.
Incorporate a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and create a visually stunning backdrop for the churros.
Consider the plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the baked pumpkin churros and enhances the overall presentation. Opt for a plate with a unique shape or color to make the dish stand out.
Add a touch of whimsy: Incorporate a playful element, such as a small decorative pumpkin or a sprinkle of colorful edible confetti, to infuse the presentation with a sense of fun and creativity.
Essential Equipment for Making Churros at Home
- Medium saucepan: A medium-sized pot used for cooking and heating ingredients such as sauces, soups, and stews.
- Rubber spatula: A flexible kitchen tool used for scraping, mixing, and spreading ingredients.
- Electric stand mixer: A kitchen appliance with a mixing head that can be raised or lowered, used for mixing and whipping ingredients.
- Piping bag: A cone-shaped bag used to pipe semi-solid foods by pressing them through a narrow opening at one end.
- Star tip: A pastry tip with a star-shaped opening used for creating decorative shapes when piping frosting or dough.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Silicone baking mat: A non-stick baking surface made of silicone, used as an alternative to parchment paper.
- 18 by 13-inch baking sheet: A standard-sized baking sheet used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Wire rack: A metal rack with a grid pattern used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
Preserving the Freshness of Your Homemade Churros
- Allow the churros to cool completely before storing. If stored while still warm, they can become soggy and lose their crispy texture.
- Place the cooled churros in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. To maintain their crispiness, you can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.
- Store the churros at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause them to become soggy.
- If you want to keep the churros for a longer period, you can freeze them:
- Arrange the cooled churros in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the churros are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen churros to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and store the churros in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen churros:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen churros on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. The exact time will depend on the size of your churros.
- If desired, you can brush the reheated churros with a little melted butter and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to refresh the coating.
Reviving Leftover Pumpkin Churros
To reheat leftover baked pumpkin churros, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the churros on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy on the outside. This method will help restore their original texture and flavor.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the churros in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method is quicker than the oven and will result in a similar texture.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the churros on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until they are warm. However, keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to the oven or air fryer methods.
If you want to add a little extra flavor and sweetness to your reheated churros, brush them lightly with melted unsalted butter and roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will give them a freshly-coated taste and aroma.
For best results, serve the reheated pumpkin churros warm, alongside a dipping sauce like hot fudge, caramel, or chocolate ganache. This will enhance the overall flavor experience and make them feel like a freshly-baked treat.
Surprising Trivia About Pumpkin Churros
The recipe for baked pumpkin churros is a delightful twist on the classic churro, incorporating the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices. These baked churros offer a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, making them a guilt-free treat for any occasion. Plus, the addition of hot fudge sauce provides a decadent finishing touch, elevating the flavor experience.
Budget-Friendly Baked Pumpkin Churros
This baked pumpkin churros recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a decent batch. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. The use of canned pumpkin and common pantry staples keeps the cost low. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be an 8. The unique twist on traditional churros, combined with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, makes it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Are Baked Pumpkin Churros Healthy?
The baked pumpkin churros recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- All-purpose flour is used, which is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and essential nutrients.
- Deep frying the churros adds extra fat and calories to the dish.
However, there are some positive aspects to the recipe:
- Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense ingredient, providing fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
- The spices used, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, have potential health benefits and add flavor without additional calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Reduce the amount of sugar and butter used in the recipe. You can experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey and replace some of the butter with healthier fats like coconut oil.
- Instead of deep frying, bake the churros in the oven as directed in the recipe. This reduces the amount of oil needed and lowers the calorie content.
- Serve the churros with a healthier dipping sauce, such as a low-fat chocolate sauce or a fruit-based sauce like raspberry or strawberry coulis.
- Incorporate more pumpkin or other vegetables into the batter to increase the nutrient density of the churros.
Our Editor's Take on This Delightful Pumpkin Treat
The baked pumpkin churros recipe is a delightful twist on the classic churro. The addition of pumpkin brings a warm, earthy flavor, while the blend of spices adds depth and warmth. Baking the churros instead of frying makes them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture. The final touch of rolling them in cinnamon sugar adds a perfect sweetness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a unique and delicious treat.
Why trust this Baked Pumpkin Churros Recipe:
This baked pumpkin churros recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic churro, infusing the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the comforting essence of pumpkin. The use of real pumpkin and a blend of aromatic spices ensures a rich and authentic flavor profile. With a meticulous baking method and a final touch of cinnamon-sugar coating, these churros promise a satisfyingly crisp exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Trust in the combination of traditional churro techniques and seasonal pumpkin to deliver a delightful treat for any occasion.
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