Baked Pumpkin Churros

These Baked Pumpkin Churros are a perfect autumn treat, combining the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin with the irresistible crunch of a cinnamon sugar coating. They’re baked instead of fried, making them a slightly healthier option, without compromising on flavor or texture.

Perfect for any fall gathering or cozy evening at home, these churros offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Serve them with a warm cup of apple cider or a latte for the ultimate fall experience. They’re guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth cravings.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon (for coating)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter has melted.

3. Add the flour to the saucepan and stir until combined and dough-like.

4. Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer or large bowl and allow it to cool slightly.

5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

6. Add milk and mix until smooth and thick. The batter should be pipeable.

7. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

8. Pipe 3-4 inch churro shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.

10. While the churros are baking, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

11. Once the churros are done, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while they are still warm.

12. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Kcal: 150 kcal per churro | Servings: 10 servings

Why Baked Pumpkin Churros?

Churros, typically a deep-fried dessert, are loved for their crispy, golden crust and soft, fluffy interior. Traditionally made with just flour, water, sugar, and salt, churros are often served with a rich chocolate sauce for dipping. However, by baking the churros, you can achieve that same crispy exterior with less oil and a healthier twist. Baked pumpkin churros take this concept a step further by infusing the dough with pumpkin puree, giving them a seasonal touch that fits perfectly with fall flavors.

Pumpkin adds moisture to the dough while bringing a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger provide the warm, comforting spices we crave during autumn, making these churros a delicious reflection of the season. Not only do baked pumpkin churros taste fantastic, but they also fill your kitchen with the irresistible smell of fall as they bake. They’re a perfect treat for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or just to enjoy as a cozy snack on a chilly afternoon.

Healthier, Lighter Alternative

One of the major benefits of this baked version of churros is that they are much lighter than the traditional fried version. Frying churros can lead to a heavy, greasy dessert, but by baking them, you still get the same delightful texture without all the added calories from oil. Baking also means fewer messes, and the dough retains its structure as it rises, creating a perfect balance of crispiness and fluffiness.

The pumpkin puree in this recipe offers additional nutritional benefits, adding fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants to your treat. It’s a great way to sneak in a serving of vegetables without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Additionally, this recipe avoids the need for excessive amounts of sugar, making it a relatively healthier dessert option compared to other fall treats that can often be packed with refined sugar and fats.

A Versatile Dessert for All Occasions

These baked pumpkin churros are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. The classic approach is to roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, which adds a delightful sweetness that complements the spiced pumpkin flavor. However, you can easily customize these churros to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for something extra indulgent, drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or caramel on top for added sweetness. For those who prefer a more savory flavor profile, you can add a pinch of sea salt or even a bit of chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Another fun way to enjoy these churros is to serve them with a warm, comforting dip. Pair them with a rich pumpkin-flavored dip, vanilla frosting, or even a tangy cream cheese dip for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. These churros are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes. The golden, cinnamon-dusted churros are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them an excellent choice for a special occasion dessert or a fun family activity.

A Fall Family Activity

If you’re looking for a fun family activity, making baked pumpkin churros is a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. Children can help with mixing the dough, rolling the churros, or coating them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Baking churros together creates lasting memories and encourages a love for cooking. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach your kids about the fall season and the flavors that come with it.

These churros are easy enough to make with a few simple kitchen tools, such as a stand mixer or hand mixer for mixing the dough, a piping bag with a star tip to shape the churros, and a baking sheet. Once the churros are in the oven, you’ll have time to enjoy the delicious smell of pumpkin and spice wafting through your home, making it an enjoyable and low-stress baking experience for the entire family.

Pumpkin Churros for Every Season

While baked pumpkin churros are the perfect fall treat, they can also be enjoyed year-round with slight variations. For example, if you want to enjoy churros outside of the fall season, you can swap out the pumpkin puree for mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or even a fruit puree like apple or pear. Adjust the spices to match the fruit, such as using cinnamon and allspice with apple, or cinnamon and cardamom with pear.

For those who love a classic churro flavor without the pumpkin, you can make traditional churros by omitting the pumpkin puree and simply adding the usual sugar and cinnamon for flavoring. You can also experiment with different coatings, like powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even a sprinkle of your favorite flavored salt.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Churros

These baked pumpkin churros are perfect on their own or can be served as part of a larger dessert spread. They pair wonderfully with a warm drink like hot chocolate, apple cider, or a spiced latte. For a more festive touch, serve them at your fall gatherings, such as Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or even a cozy fall brunch.

They also make an excellent treat to bring to potlucks, bake sales, or as a sweet gift. The churros’ combination of cinnamon, pumpkin, and sugar makes them an appealing dessert that will stand out and impress your guests. Whether you serve them alongside other fall-themed desserts like pies, cakes, or cookies, these churros will always be the star of the show.

Tips for the Best Baked Pumpkin Churros

To ensure your baked pumpkin churros turn out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If possible, use homemade pumpkin puree rather than canned for a richer flavor. However, if you opt for canned, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

2. Properly Cool the Dough: Let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents them from cooking in the warm mixture, ensuring the churros hold their shape during baking.

3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense churros.

4. Piping Tips: Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to get the traditional churro shape. Pipe 3-4 inch lengths and try to keep them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.

5. Bake on Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Conclusion

Baked pumpkin churros are an ideal dessert for fall and beyond. They combine the iconic flavor of churros with the rich taste of pumpkin, offering a healthier alternative to the fried version while still delivering all the deliciousness you expect from this sweet treat. With the added benefit of being baked, they are lighter but no less flavorful, making them perfect for enjoying without the guilt.

Whether you’re celebrating the fall season, hosting a gathering, or just craving something sweet, these baked pumpkin churros are sure to delight. They are a simple yet impressive dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for every occasion, this pumpkin churro recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and toppings to make this treat your own. Enjoy!