Irresistible Homemade Churro Cake Recipe: Your Guide to a Delicious Cinnamon Swirl Dessert

Prepare to fall in love with this incredible **Churro Cake** recipe! It captures all the magic of your favorite fried churros – the warm, sweet crunch of cinnamon and sugar – but in a wonderfully moist and easy-to-make cake format. Forget deep-frying; this simple one-layer cake brings the iconic flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success, promising a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion and will leave everyone asking for more.

Imagine a tender, fluffy cake generously swirled with a fragrant blend of cinnamon and sugar, then topped with even more of that irresistible crunch. Every single bite of this Churro Cake recipe is a taste sensation, offering an authentic churro experience without the fuss. The rich cinnamon and sweet sugar topping make each forkful an amazing journey of flavor. It’s a dessert that consistently wows, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a sweet treat for yourself. If you’re a fan of classic churros, you absolutely need to try this convenient and delicious cake version!

Here at Desserts on a Dime, we’re huge fans of easy cinnamon dessert recipes, and this homemade Churro Cake has been a long-standing favorite in our household for over a decade. Its simplicity, being just one delicious layer, makes it a go-to for busy days or impromptu celebrations. We also enjoy exploring other churro-inspired delights like Churro Cookies and the decadent Churro Cheesecake, but this single-layer cinnamon cake remains a classic for its sheer ease of preparation and unforgettable flavor.

What is Churro Cake?

A churro cake is a delightful dessert that ingeniously takes the iconic flavors of a traditional Spanish and Portuguese churro – typically a deep-fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar – and transforms them into a more accessible, oven-baked cake form. Instead of the labor-intensive process of frying dough, you get a wonderfully moist and tender cake batter infused with rich cinnamon. This batter is often swirled with an additional cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating beautiful ribbons of flavor and texture throughout. The cake is then typically finished with a generous, crispy cinnamon-sugar topping that mimics the classic churro crunch. It’s designed to provide that comforting, sweet, and distinctly spicy flavor profile of a churro, but in a sliceable, shareable cake format, making it much easier to prepare and serve for a crowd or a casual family dessert. It’s a truly innovative way to enjoy the beloved churro experience without the need for a deep fryer.

Why This Churro Cake is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this easy Churro Cake has become a consistent hit and a cherished recipe in many homes. Its blend of convenience, familiar ingredients, and utterly irresistible flavor makes it stand out as a truly special and beloved treat.

• Pantry Staple Perfection: You’ll likely find most of the ingredients already residing in your kitchen pantry. This means less planning and fewer trips to the grocery store, allowing you to whip up this delightful cake whenever a craving for something sweet and cinnamon-spiced strikes, without any last-minute dashes for obscure ingredients.
• Effortlessly Easy: With its single-layer design, this churro cake recipe elegantly sidesteps the complexities often associated with multi-tiered baking projects. There’s no need for intricate frosting techniques or specialized stacking skills. It’s a straightforward process that yields consistently impressive results, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Incredibly Moist Texture: The secret weapon behind this cake’s melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is the addition of sour cream. The fat and acidity within the sour cream work wonders, interacting with the leavening agents to ensure every crumb is exceptionally rich, soft, and never dry. This creates a truly luxurious and satisfying mouthfeel that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Bursting with Authentic Flavor: The star of the show, defining the essence of a churro, is undeniably the cinnamon and sugar. In this cake, it’s not just a garnish; it’s a foundational flavor. A fragrant blend is generously swirled throughout the cake batter, creating beautiful, enticing ribbons of spice and sweetness. Furthermore, a substantial layer is sprinkled on top before baking, which caramelizes to form a delightful, crunchy crust. This dual application ensures a robust, authentic churro taste in every bite, delivering a truly immersive flavor experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Its unique yet comforting flavor profile and universally appealing nature make this churro cake a guaranteed favorite for family and friends. It’s impressive enough to serve as the centerpiece for special occasions, yet its simplicity makes it perfectly suitable for an everyday indulgence, making any moment feel a little more festive.

Essential Ingredients for Churro Cake

Crafting this delicious churro-inspired cake requires a few basic baking ingredients, each carefully selected to play a crucial role in achieving its signature flavor and wonderfully moist texture. The good news is that most of these staples are likely already well-stocked in your kitchen pantry, making this a convenient recipe to bake anytime.

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential structural foundation of our cake. For accurate measurement and to prevent a dense, heavy cake, always remember to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-packing.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These are our primary leavening agents, working in perfect harmony to give the cake its signature light, airy, and fluffy texture. They create the necessary lift, ensuring a tender crumb. If you find yourself out of baking soda, don’t fret – check out our comprehensive guide to the Best Baking Soda Substitutes for quick solutions.
• Butter: For the richest flavor, unparalleled depth, and a supremely tender crumb, real unsalted butter is highly recommended. Butter contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness and decadent flavor, far surpassing the results achieved with alternative fats like vegetable oil or canola oil. Using unsalted butter also grants you precise control over the overall salt content in your recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness for the cake, creating that characteristic churro sweetness that we all love. Beyond taste, it also plays a vital role in tenderizing the cake and contributing to its beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice of this dessert, ground cinnamon unequivocally defines the churro flavor profile. We utilize it generously, not only infusing it directly into the cake batter but also as a crucial component of the crunchy topping for maximum aromatic impact and authentic taste.
• Large Eggs: Eggs serve multiple essential functions in baking, acting as binders that hold the cake together, adding significant richness and moisture, and helping to emulsify the batter for a wonderfully smooth and cohesive texture. For optimal mixing and an evenly baked, cohesive cake, always ensure your eggs are at room temperature.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient is a true game-changer for moisture and tenderness! The fat content and subtle acidity in sour cream work synergistically, reacting with the baking soda to create an incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful cake. It’s an absolute key component in achieving that rich, satisfying, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer par excellence. It subtly elevates and harmonizes all the other flavors in the cake, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and best results in your baking.
• Whole Milk: This liquid ingredient contributes to the cake’s overall moisture and helps achieve the perfect batter consistency. Like the eggs, it’s beneficial for whole milk to be at room temperature to ensure smooth and effortless integration into the batter, preventing any potential curdling of the other ingredients.

For the Irresistible Topping

• Cinnamon and Sugar: This simple yet utterly essential combination is what truly creates the iconic crunchy, sweet, and spicy crust that is so reminiscent of authentic churros. This top layer is precisely what elevates our moist cake to undeniable churro status, adding that vital textural contrast and burst of flavor.

You can find the full, precise measurements for all these ingredients, both for the cake and the topping, conveniently listed in the detailed recipe card located further down on this page.

Churro Cake Variations and Substitutions

While this churro cake recipe is absolutely perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile and forgiving! Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations and smart substitutions to tailor it to your personal taste, dietary needs, or simply adapt to what you have readily available in your kitchen.

• Chocolate Chips: Elevate the indulgence factor by gently folding in 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (whether milk, semi-sweet, or dark) into the prepared cake batter just before pouring it into the pan. The classic pairing of cinnamon and chocolate is truly a match made in heaven, adding a delightful surprise to every bite.
• Buttermilk Boost: For an even more tangy, rich, and incredibly tender crumb, consider swapping the whole milk for an equal amount of buttermilk. The increased acidity in buttermilk reacts beautifully with the baking soda, contributing to an extra soft and moist cake texture.
• Decadent Topping Options: Don’t limit yourself to just the classic cinnamon-sugar!
  • Cinnamon Buttercream: Instead of, or in addition to, the simple cinnamon-sugar topping, once your cooled cake is ready, generously frost it with a luscious Cinnamon Buttercream. This adds an extra layer of creamy sweetness and makes for an even more decadent dessert.
  • Chocolate Ganache: For the ultimate chocolate lover, drizzle a rich, glossy chocolate ganache over the cooled cake. To make it, simply heat equal parts heavy whipping cream and chocolate chips (or finely chopped chocolate) in a small saucepan over medium heat until melted and smooth, then pour!
  • Dulce de Leche Drizzle: A warm, gooey, caramel-like dulce de leche drizzle would be an absolutely divine and authentic addition, perfectly enhancing the dessert’s Latin-inspired roots and adding a luxurious sweetness.
  • Cream Cheese Glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla or cinnamon would also be a lovely, tangy-sweet complement.
• Greek Yogurt Substitute for Sour Cream: If you find yourself without sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt (it must be full-fat, not reduced or light) makes an excellent and highly effective substitute. It will provide a similar level of moisture, acidity, and tenderness to the finished cake.
• Different Pan Shapes: This incredibly versatile churro cake batter isn’t strictly limited to an 8×8 inch baking dish. You can easily adapt it to make a beautiful churro bundt cake (you may need to slightly adjust the baking time and ensure the pan is meticulously greased and floured) or even bake it as individual churro cupcakes, perfect for parties or portion control.
• Nutty Crunch: For those who appreciate extra texture, sprinkle finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a mix of both into the cinnamon sugar topping before the cake goes into the oven. This adds a delightful nutty crunch that complements the spice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Churro Cake

Follow these comprehensive and detailed instructions to create your perfect homemade churro cake. Paying close attention to each step will ensure the best results – a wonderfully moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured dessert!

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take an 8×8 inch baking dish and generously spray it with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your cake releases easily and cleanly from the pan after baking. For an extra layer of assurance and perfectly clean edges, you can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use a whisk to thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these ingredients together ensures they are evenly distributed throughout, which is absolutely crucial for proper leavening and an even rise in your cake. Set this bowl aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is visibly light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process effectively incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which significantly contributes to the cake’s tender and airy crumb. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a reliable hand mixer works perfectly well for this step.

Step 4: Incorporate Cinnamon. Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, reduce your mixer speed to low. Add the ground cinnamon to the bowl and mix until it is just combined with the creamed mixture. Immediately after, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and no streaks of cinnamon remain untouched.

Step 5: Add Eggs Gradually. Increase the mixer speed to medium. Add the large, room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each individual addition. Continue mixing until each egg is fully incorporated into the batter and the mixture returns to a light and fluffy consistency. This gradual addition and thorough beating are crucial for emulsifying the batter, which helps prevent it from splitting and contributes to a smooth final texture.

Step 6: Stir in Sour Cream and Vanilla. With your mixer still on low speed (or mixing by hand), add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Mix just until they are fully incorporated and the batter appears smooth. Be particularly careful at this stage not to overmix, as vigorous mixing can begin to develop gluten prematurely.

Step 7: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients. Now, it’s time to bring the dry and wet mixtures together to form your cake batter. Slowly add approximately one-third of your dry ingredient mixture (the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) to the wet ingredients, mixing by hand with a spatula or on the very lowest speed of your mixer until just barely combined. Then, add half of the room-temperature whole milk and mix gently until just incorporated. Repeat this process, adding another third of the dry ingredients, then the remaining milk, and finally the last third of the dry ingredients. Continue mixing only until no visible streaks of flour remain. Be extremely careful not to overmix the batter at this stage; overmixing can quickly develop the gluten in the flour, which will result in a tough, dense cake. We are aiming for a light and fluffy churro cake, so mix gently and stop as soon as it comes together.

Step 8: Layer the Batter. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for your topping (granulated sugar and ground cinnamon) until well combined. Once your cake batter is perfectly mixed, pour approximately half of it evenly into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter to cover the entire bottom surface of the pan in an even layer.

Step 9: Add Cinnamon Swirl. Evenly sprinkle about half of your freshly prepared cinnamon and sugar topping mixture over the first layer of batter in the pan. If you desire a more pronounced swirl effect, you can gently drag a knife or a skewer through the mixture a few times. However, be mindful not to fully mix it into the batter; the goal is to create distinct pockets and ribbons of spice and sweetness, not a uniform blend.

Step 10: Final Batter Layer. With the first swirl layer in place, carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer. Gently spread it out using your spatula to completely cover the topping without disturbing the layer underneath too much. Take your time to ensure an even coating.

Step 11: Apply Final Topping. Once the top layer of batter is spread, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake batter. This final layer is crucial for creating that authentic, golden-brown, and delightfully crunchy crust once the cake is baked, truly mimicking a churro’s exterior.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection. Carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. It’s important to note that baking time can vary slightly depending on the calibration of your specific oven, so begin checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. The churro cake is fully set when the edges begin to turn a beautiful golden brown and a clean toothpick inserted into the very center of the cake comes out clean, with no wet batter attached. Be vigilant not to overbake, as this is the most common cause of a dry cake.

• Step 13: Cool and Serve. Once baked to golden perfection, carefully remove the cake from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This initial cooling period is essential as it allows the cake to firm up slightly and completes its internal baking process, preventing it from crumbling. After this, you can slice and serve your delicious homemade churro cake warm, or let it cool completely before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions for Churro Cake

This Churro Cake is delightful on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:

• Warm Delight: Serve slices of churro cake slightly warm. The warmth enhances the cinnamon aroma and makes the cake even more comforting and tender.
• A la Mode: Pair a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream is a perfect contrast to the warm, spiced cake.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Enjoy your churro cake with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a rich mug of hot chocolate, mimicking the traditional churro experience.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a touch of lightness and extra creaminess, balancing the rich flavors of the cake.
• Fruit Compote: For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a light berry compote or sliced fresh berries.
• Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle: Add an extra layer of decadence with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over each slice.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Proper storage is essential to ensure your delicious Churro Cake stays as fresh, moist, and flavorful as possible for days to come. This cake is so incredibly good, you might not have many leftovers, but just in case, here’s how to keep it perfectly!

• Room Temperature Storage: The best way to preserve any leftover Churro Cake is to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. When stored correctly, it will remain wonderfully fresh and moist for up to 4-5 days. The airtight container is absolutely crucial for preventing the cake from drying out and for maintaining its delightful texture and aromatic flavor.
• Refrigeration (Optional): While not strictly necessary for short-term storage, you can choose to refrigerate the cake if your kitchen is particularly warm and humid, or if you simply prefer a chilled dessert. However, be aware that refrigeration can sometimes slightly alter the cake’s texture, making it a little firmer. For the best experience, we recommend bringing it back to room temperature or gently warming an individual slice in the microwave before serving.
• Freezing for Longer Preservation: This Churro Cake freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping desserts or saving some for later! Once the cake has completely cooled to room temperature, you can either wrap individual slices or the entire uncut cake. First, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in, and then add an additional protective layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Thawing Instructions: To thaw frozen cake, simply unwrap the desired portion and let it come to room temperature on your kitchen counter for several hours (typically 2-4 hours, depending on slice size). Alternatively, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This cake is an ideal candidate for making ahead! It can be baked a day in advance without any loss of quality. In fact, many find that the flavors of the cake actually deepen and meld beautifully overnight, potentially making it even more delicious the next day! Simply store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.

Expert Baking Tips for the Perfect Churro Cake

Achieving a truly spectacular homemade Churro Cake is easier than you might think, especially when you keep these expert baking tips in mind. They’re designed to help ensure your cake turns out consistently moist, bursting with flavor, and perfectly textured every single time you bake it.

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Absolutely Key: This is a golden rule in almost all baking, and it’s particularly important for this churro cake! Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature before you even begin the mixing process. Room temperature ingredients emulsify much more easily and evenly, which creates a smoother, more uniform batter. This, in turn, leads to a better rise in the oven and results in a more evenly textured, wonderfully moist cake. Plan ahead by taking them out of the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before you plan to start baking.
• Opt for Full-Fat Dairy Products: For the ultimate moist, tender, and rich cake experience, it is highly recommended to stick with full-fat sour cream and whole milk for this recipe. The higher fat content in these dairy products contributes significantly to the cake’s luxurious, tender crumb and enhances its overall depth of flavor. Low-fat or fat-free alternatives simply will not yield the same satisfyingly rich and moist results.
• Do Not Overmix the Cake Batter: This tip cannot be stressed enough! Once you begin incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix only until they are *just* combined and you no longer see any visible streaks of dry flour. Overmixing the batter, especially after adding flour, rapidly develops the gluten in the flour. This leads to a tough, rubbery, and dense cake, which is the opposite of the light and fluffy texture we are aiming for in a churro cake. So, mix gently and stop as soon as it comes together.
• Gently Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar Layers: When it comes to adding the enticing cinnamon-sugar mixture between the cake batter layers, resist the urge to vigorously stir or blend it completely into the batter. The objective here is to create beautiful, distinct swirls and delightful pockets of concentrated cinnamon-sugar flavor within the cake. A gentle drag with a knife or a skewer through the mixture is perfectly fine if you want a subtle swirl, but avoid over-blending to maintain the layered effect.
• Consider Lining the Baking Pan: While a generous application of non-stick cooking spray is certainly helpful, for an extra layer of assurance and exceptionally easy cake removal, consider lining the bottom of your baking pan with parchment paper. This is particularly useful if you plan to invert the cake or if you simply desire perfectly clean, crisp edges every time.
• Check for Doneness Accurately: Never rely solely on the suggested baking time. Ovens can vary significantly in temperature and performance. Instead, use the reliable toothpick test to accurately determine if your cake is done. Insert a clean wooden toothpick into the very center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is ready. If it’s wet with raw batter, bake for a few more minutes and then retest. Be careful not to overbake, as this is one of the quickest ways to end up with a dry cake.
• Allow Adequate Cooling Time: It can be incredibly tempting to slice into your delicious cake immediately after it emerges from the oven, but resist that urge! Allowing the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes is crucial. This cooling period allows the cake to set properly, firms up its structure, and completes its internal baking process. It also makes the cake less likely to fall apart or crumble when you eventually remove it from the pan or slice it for serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Churro Cake

Here are some common questions you might have about making and enjoying this delightful Churro Cake:

• Can I make this churro cake gluten-free?
  Yes, you can often successfully substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure you check all other ingredients (like baking powder) to confirm they are also certified gluten-free. While the texture might be slightly different than with traditional flour, it should still be wonderfully delicious.
• What kind of baking pan should I use for this recipe?
  This recipe is specifically designed and tested for an 8×8 inch square baking dish. You can also use a 9-inch round cake pan; however, be aware that the cake might be slightly thinner, and the baking time could be a little shorter. If you’re considering using a bundt pan, you’ll definitely need to adjust the baking time and ensure the pan is meticulously greased and floured to prevent sticking.
• Why is my cake dry?
  A dry cake is one of the most common baking issues, usually resulting from two main factors: overbaking or incorrect measuring of flour (adding too much). To prevent this, make sure to spoon and level your flour accurately, use room temperature, full-fat dairy ingredients, and diligently check for doneness with a toothpick as soon as the cake’s edges begin to turn golden brown.
• Can I add a different topping or frosting instead of the cinnamon sugar?
  Absolutely! While the cinnamon-sugar topping is a beloved classic, you are encouraged to get creative. A warm dulce de leche drizzle, a simple powdered sugar glaze, a rich chocolate ganache, or even a tangy cream cheese frosting would all be wonderfully complementary additions to this cake.
• How do I achieve the perfect cinnamon swirl effect?
  After pouring the first half of the cake batter into the pan and evenly sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture, you can gently drag a knife or a skewer through the mixture a few times. This creates a subtle, beautiful swirl. The key is to avoid overmixing, as you want to maintain distinct layers and pockets of concentrated flavor, rather than a uniform blend throughout the batter.
• Is this churro cake suitable for children?
  Yes, this cake is generally extremely popular with children due to its sweet, comforting cinnamon flavor. It makes a wonderful and easy-to-love treat for school events, birthday parties, or simply as a special dessert at home that kids will adore.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time for an event?
  Absolutely! This churro cake holds up beautifully when made a day in advance. In fact, many bakers find that the flavors tend to deepen and meld even better overnight. Simply store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to serve it.

We truly hope you’re excited to make this luscious **Churro Cake** recipe today! It’s an incredibly rewarding baking experience that delivers big on authentic churro flavor with minimal fuss, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Once you’ve tried it and delighted in its moist, cinnamon-swirled goodness, please do us a favor and come back to leave a comment and a star rating. Your valuable feedback helps other passionate bakers discover and enjoy this wonderful dessert!