Introduction
Imagine the warm, cinnamon-dusted delight of a classic churro combined with the rich, moist texture of a decadent chocolate cake — welcome to the world of Chocolate Churro Cake! This unique dessert is a fusion of two beloved treats, blending the crispy, sugary exterior of a churro with the soft, fudgy interior of a chocolate cake. Whether you’re a fan of Spanish pastries, Mexican street food, or simply love chocolate, this cake is sure to impress. It’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or even a cozy dessert after a long day.
The History
Churros have a storied past, believed to have originated in Spain before being introduced to the Americas during the colonial era. They quickly became a popular street food across Latin America and the Philippines. The idea of combining churros with cake is a modern twist, likely inspired by the growing trend of fusion desserts and the desire to recreate beloved snacks in new and exciting ways. Chocolate, on the other hand, has deep roots in Mesoamerican culture, where the Aztecs and Mayans revered it for its rich flavor and ceremonial use. This cake pays homage to both traditions, bringing together centuries of culinary heritage in one unforgettable dessert.
Ingredients Breakdown
The magic of Chocolate Churro Cake lies in the perfect balance of ingredients that evoke the flavors and textures of both its inspirations. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – provides the base structure of the cake
- Cocoa powder – adds deep, rich chocolate flavor
- Baking powder – helps the cake rise and stay light
- Cinnamon – the signature churro spice that gives it that unmistakable warmth
- Salt – enhances flavor and balances sweetness
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the cake and helps form the sugary crust
- Eggs – bind the ingredients together and add moisture
- Milk – creates a smooth, pourable batter
- Vegetable oil – keeps the cake moist and tender
- Vanilla extract – adds a layer of aromatic depth
- Water or coffee – enhances the chocolate flavor without thinning the batter
- Unsalted butter – for the cinnamon-sugar topping and optional glaze
- Ground cinnamon – for dusting the warm cake
- Chocolate ganache or glaze – mimics the dipping sauces often served with churros
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp cinnamon, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup oil, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1/2 cup water or coffee.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping by mixing 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack.
- While still warm, brush the top and sides of the cake with melted butter, then generously dust with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- If desired, drizzle the cake with chocolate ganache or melted chocolate for an extra churro-like finish.
- Slice and serve warm for the best experience!
Tips
- For a more authentic churro crust, consider brushing the cake with melted butter and rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar mix while still warm.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Adding a bit of coffee to the batter enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Don’t overmix the batter — this can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Letting the cake cool slightly before adding the cinnamon sugar helps it adhere better.
Variations and Customizations
This Chocolate Churro Cake is highly customizable! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Churro Cupcakes: Bake the batter in a muffin tin for individual portions.
- Stuffed Chocolate Churro Cake: Fill the center with dulce de leche or chocolate ganache before baking.
- Glazed Churro Cake: Dip the top in a warm chocolate glaze or sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
- Spiced Churro Cake: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free version: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter and regular milk.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While this cake is a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, there are ways to make it a bit healthier:
- Reduce sugar: You can cut the sugar by up to 25% without sacrificing flavor.
- Whole grain option: Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Low-fat option: Use low-fat milk and applesauce in place of some of the oil.
- Nutritious add-ins: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for antioxidants.
Per serving (assuming 8 slices), this cake typically contains approximately 250–320 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used. It’s high in carbohydrates and sugars, with moderate fat and protein content.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 1/2 cup for topping)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water or brewed coffee
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 1/4 cup chocolate ganache or melted dark chocolate (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, oil, vanilla, and water or coffee. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top
