Are you ready to whip up something that’s not just another bowl of ice cream? Imagine taking the warm, cinnamon-kissed crunch of a freshly fried churro and pairing it with the creamy, dreamy goodness of your favorite ice cream. Plus, we’re not stopping at just a sprinkle of this and a dash of that — oh no, we’re going all out to create the ultimate churro sundae that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Table of Contents
How to make churro sundae
A churro sundae is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of a classic churro with the indulgence of a sundae. It typically consists of a warm, crispy churro (a fried dough pastry often dusted with cinnamon sugar) served with a scoop or scoops of ice cream, topped with various toppings such as chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and sometimes nuts or sprinkles.
Ingredients:
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar (save a bit extra for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (make sure you have enough to get a good deep fry going)
- Cinnamon for dusting (trust us, don’t be shy with it)
For the Magic (AKA Sundae Assembly):
- Your favorite ice cream (vanilla? chocolate? go wild!)
- Chocolate sauce (because…chocolate)
- Whipped cream (the more, the merrier)
- Any other toppings you love (think sprinkles, nuts, or even fruit)
Instructions:
- Churro Time: Combine water, sugar, salt, and oil in a pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down, dump in your flour, and stir like there’s no tomorrow until it forms a ball. Let this cool slightly (so you don’t cook the eggs in the next step).
- Frying Squad: Heat up your frying oil to 375°F (190°C). While it’s getting hot, spoon your churro dough into a piping bag with a star tip. Squeeze some test strips into the oil. If they sizzle and float, game on. Fry them until they’re golden brown, then let them sit on a paper towel to drain off the excess oil.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Magic: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss your warm churros in this sweet mix to coat them completely. This is where the magic happens—they go from just fried dough to churros.
- Sundae Build: Take a nice big bowl or a fancy glass if you’re feeling extra. Start with a scoop (or two) of your chosen ice cream. Break your churros into manageable pieces and artfully arrange them around and on top of the ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate sauce, add a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle on your favorite toppings.
Tips
- Piping Hot Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag by cutting a small hole in one of the corners. Getting that star-shaped tip, though, is key for the authentic churro shape and texture.
- Keep It Cool: Let your churros cool just a tad before adding ice cream. You want that perfect warm churro and cool ice cream contrast.
- Dress to Impress: Don’t hold back on the toppings. This is your sundae masterpiece, after all. Ever tried a little sea salt on top? Game changer.
Serving Ideas
Okay, so you’ve nailed the churro sundae. Your kitchen smells like a dream, and that first bite is as heavenly as you imagined. But what’s next? What do you serve with this showstopper to make your treat-time or party even more epic? Let’s break it down into simple, delicious ideas that will complement your dessert masterpiece.
Snacks
A little bit of savory can be a welcome break between bites of sugary goodness:
- Salty Nuts: A bowl of salty nuts such as almonds, pecans, or peanuts can add a nice crunch and contrast to sweet treats.
- Cheese Platter: Sounds fancy, but it’s dead simple. A selection of cheeses with some crackers can offer a creamy, tangy contrast to your dessert.
- Popcorn: Light, buttery, and a bit salty, popcorn is an easy and popular choice that offers a satisfying contrast.
Light Bites
Adding something fresh to the mix can lighten things up:
- Fruit Skewers: Think of fruits that pair nicely with chocolate and cinnamon. Strawberries, bananas, and pineapples on little sticks make fun and healthy sidekicks for your churro sundae.
- Mini Salads: A small, simple greens salad with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing palate cleanser.
Ingredients Substitutes
So, you’re all set to whip up that churro sundae that’s been dancing around in your dreams, but then – oh snap – you’re out of a key ingredient. Or maybe you’re catering to some special diets and need to tweak things a bit. No worries!
Flour
The backbone of any churro is flour, but it doesn’t have to be the all-purpose kind that might not be everyone’s friend.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Just look for one that’s meant to be a straight swap. Brands vary, so your first batch might be a bit of a taste-test adventure.
- Feeling Nutty? Almond flour can add a richer, nuttier flavor to your churros. It’s not a direct swap due to its different absorption rates and lack of gluten, so you’ll want to look up a recipe specially designed for almond flour.
Sugar Alternatives
Sugar gives churros their signature sweet crust, but you’ve got options if you’re trying to cut down on refined sugars.
- Coconut Sugar: It’s less processed and has a lower glycemic index. It can darken your churros a tad, but they’re just as tasty.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Swapping sugar for maple syrup or honey can be done in the dough. Start with less than the sugar amount called for, as these are sweeter and add moisture.
Oil Options
Vegetable oil is the usual go-to for frying and making the churro dough, but you’re not stuck with it.
- Coconut Oil: Want a slightly tropical twist? Coconut oil can be a fun swap. Plus, it’s a champ at high temperatures.
- Canola or Sunflower Oil: These are great for frying if you want something a bit healthier that doesn’t interfere with the taste.
Ice Cream
Ah, ice cream – the “sundae” in your churro sundae. If you’re dairy-free or just exploring, there’s a whole galaxy of options.
- Coconut Milk Ice Cream: It’s creamy and has a subtle coconut flavor that can actually enhance your sundae.
- Almond Milk or Soy Milk Ice Creams: These are perfect for keeping that creamy texture without the dairy. Plus, they come in as many flavors as traditional ice cream, so you’re all set for variety.
Toppings
Here’s where you can truly personalize your sundae. If regular chocolate sauce or whipped cream isn’t in the cards:
- Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Coconut cream with some sugar can create a delightful, dairy-free whipped topping.
- Dark Chocolate: Melt it down with a bit of your favorite milk substitute for a rich, dairy-free chocolate sauce.
Final Thoughts
Who knew such a simple list of ingredients could transform into something so decadently delicious? This churro sundae isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a celebration, and maybe even a new weekend tradition.
More Treats Recipes:
- Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars Recipe
- Faworki (Polish Chrusciki) Recipe
- Chocolate Cannoli
- Healthy Banana Pudding
- Philly Cheese Steak Wrap
Ingredients
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar (save a bit extra for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (make sure you have enough to get a good deep fry going)
- Cinnamon for dusting (trust us, don't be shy with it)
For the Magic (AKA Sundae Assembly):
- Your favorite ice cream (vanilla? chocolate? go wild!)
- Chocolate sauce (because...chocolate)
- Whipped cream (the more, the merrier)
- Any other toppings you love (think sprinkles, nuts, or even fruit)
Instructions
- Churro Time: Combine water, sugar, salt, and oil in a pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down, dump in your flour, and stir like there's no tomorrow until it forms a ball. Let this cool slightly (so you don't cook the eggs in the next step).
- Frying Squad: Heat up your frying oil to 375°F (190°C). While it's getting hot, spoon your churro dough into a piping bag with a star tip. Squeeze some test strips into the oil. If they sizzle and float, game on. Fry them until they're golden brown, then let them sit on a paper towel to drain off the excess oil.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Magic: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss your warm churros in this sweet mix to coat them completely. This is where the magic happens—they go from just fried dough to churros.
- Sundae Build: Take a nice big bowl or a fancy glass if you're feeling extra. Start with a scoop (or two) of your chosen ice cream. Break your churros into manageable pieces and artfully arrange them around and on top of the ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate sauce, add a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle on your favorite toppings.
