Caramel Spiced Apple Churros

Crispy golden churros infused with warm spices and apple are served with a rich caramel sauce for dipping. This is the perfect fall-inspired treat for dessert lovers!

The first time I made these caramel spiced apple churros, the crisp edges and soft centers wowed my family. The caramel sauce quickly became everyone&s favorite part, disappearing almost before the last churro was fried!

Ingredients

• Churros: 1 cup (240 ml) water, 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 medium apple peeled and finely grated (about 1/2 cup), 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 2 large eggs
• For Frying: Vegetable oil for deep frying
• Spiced Sugar Coating: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) water, 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, Pinch of sea salt, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Churro Dough:

In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Add Apple and Flavor:

Stir in vanilla and grated apple. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

Reduce heat to low and add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the pan sides (about 2 minutes).

Cool and Add Eggs:

Remove from heat. Cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until smooth and glossy.

Prepare for Frying:

Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Fry the Churros:

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Pipe 5-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting with scissors. Fry 4 to 5 at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown (2 to 3 minutes per batch).

Drain and Coat:

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Toss warm churros in the spiced sugar coating.

Make Caramel Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until deep amber, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter, then cream, salt, and vanilla until smooth.

Serve:

Serve churros warm with caramel sauce for dipping.

Save

Sharing these churros after dinner easily became a new family tradition. Everyone loved getting messy with caramel and spices, and the batch never lasted long enough for leftovers!

Required Tools

Saucepan, mixing bowls, box grater, piping bag with large star tip, deep frying pot, slotted spoon, paper towels, scissors

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 4 g

Diet & Category

Dessert, vegetarian, Spanish-American fusion, medium difficulty

Save

Enjoy these golden apple churros warm, with plenty of caramel sauce. They&re sure to bring smiles around your table!

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I get churros crispy?

Fry churros in hot oil at 350°F, turn occasionally, and drain well on paper towels for maximum crispiness.

→ Can I use a different fruit?

Yes, substitute pear for apple or try other grated fruits for a unique twist on the flavor.

→ What are the best spices for these churros?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and even cardamom add warm depth to the dough and coating.

→ Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?

Homemade caramel offers rich flavor and texture, but quality store-bought versions can save time.

→ How do I serve these churros?

Serve churros warm with the caramel sauce for dipping, and consider vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

→ Can dough be made ahead?

The dough is best cooked immediately, but the caramel sauce can be prepared in advance.