Churro Cake Recipe: Crispy Cinnamon Dessert for Sweet Lovers

Churro cake takes everything you love about cinnamon-sugar churros and transforms it into a soft, moist three-layer cake. Warm cinnamon in the batter, rich butter, and a creamy cinnamon-sugar frosting create a dessert that smells like comfort and tastes like a bakery treat at home. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy weekend bake, this recipe yields tender cake layers, smooth frosting, and optional crunchy churro decorations for an indulgent finish.

What Makes This So Irresistible

• Moist and fluffy: A tender crumb from butter and a bit of oil.
• Three impressive layers: Tall, sliceable, and eye-catching.
• Beginner-friendly: No advanced techniques or equipment required.
• Bakery-style frosting: Creamy cinnamon-sugar buttercream that complements the cake.
• Customizable: Add crushed cereal or cinnamon chips for texture.

Ingredients for Churro Cake

Most items are pantry staples. Adjust for dietary needs as noted.

For the Cinnamon Cake Layers:

• 2 ½ cups (325g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups (310g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) 2% milk

Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Frosting:

• 2 ½ cups (560g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 10 cups (1150g) powdered sugar
• 2 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 8 tbsp (60–75ml) heavy cream or milk
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Decoration:

• Store-bought or homemade churros (mini or full-length)
• Cinnamon sugar mix (1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)

How to Make Churro Cake – Step by Step

This moist cinnamon churro cake uses simple steps to deliver bakery-style results.

Step 1: Prepare Pans

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
2. Grease three 8-inch round pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

4. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream butter, sugar, oil, and vanilla until pale and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Batter

6. Add half the dry mixture and blend gently.
7. Stir in the milk, then add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

9. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans.
10. Bake 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool in pans for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make Frosting

12. Beat butter until smooth.
13. Add half the powdered sugar and mix until incorporated.
14. Add vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and half the cream; mix until smooth.
15. Add the remaining powdered sugar and more cream as needed to reach desired spreading consistency.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate

16. Level the cake domes with a serrated knife if needed.
17. Place the first layer on a cake plate and spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly on top.
18. Repeat with the second layer, then place the final layer and frost the outside of the cake smoothly.
19. Pipe swirls on top with a large star tip, add churros to the swirls, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar or crushed cereal crumbs for crunch.

Pro Tips for the Best Churro Cake

• Cream butter and sugar thoroughly for a lighter crumb.
• Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
• Chill layers before frosting to make assembly easier.
• Pipe with a star tip for a professional-looking finish.
• Add crushed cinnamon cereal between layers for a playful texture contrast.

Best Ways to Serve Churro Cake

This cinnamon-sugar cake pairs beautifully with:

• A glass of milk or a cinnamon-spiced latte
• Vanilla ice cream on the side
• Coffee or Mexican hot chocolate
• Fresh strawberries or a drizzle of caramel

Nutritional Information

Estimated per slice (serves 12–14):

• Calories: 946
• Sugar: 106.7 g
• Fat: 48.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 127.1 g
• Protein: 5.3 g
• Sodium: 164.4 mg
• Cholesterol: 166.9 mg

Note: This is an indulgent dessert—best enjoyed in moderation or shared.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
• Serving: Let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature about 30 minutes before serving for best texture.

FAQ

Can I make churro cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the layers a day ahead, wrap tightly, and assemble and frost the next day for maximum freshness.

What is the secret to a moist churro cake?

Using both butter and a small amount of oil, avoiding overmixing, and choosing high-quality cinnamon will keep the cake tender and aromatic.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and verify any decorative churros are gluten-free if using them.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored in a sealed container, the cake remains good for 3–4 days.

More Tasty Ideas

• Churro cheesecake for a twist on the churro flavor
• Cinnamon roll–inspired cakes and desserts

Before You Go

This churro cake combines soft, buttery cinnamon layers with a creamy cinnamon-sugar frosting for a dessert any cinnamon lover will adore. Try it for birthdays, gatherings, or a special treat—decorate with churros or crushed cinnamon cereal for extra crunch. If you bake it, share your photos and enjoy!