Name: Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (325g) all-purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (168g) unsalted Challenge Butter, softened to room temperature; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 1 ½ cups (310g) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 ¼ cups (300ml) milk; 2 ½ cups (560g) unsalted Challenge Butter, softened at room temperature; 10 cups (1150g) powdered sugar; 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 8 tablespoons (60-75ml) water or cream; ¼ teaspoon salt; Churros (store-bought or homemade); Optional: cinnamon sugar for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the delightful flavors and textures of a classic churro in cake form, then the Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch is ready to become your new favorite dessert obsession. This luscious cake layers moist cinnamon-infused sponge with creamy cinnamon buttercream, all topped with crispy churros that add a sweet, crunchy finish that is simply irresistible. Every bite brings the comforting warmth of cinnamon and sugar, making it the perfect centerpiece for celebrations or cozy moments at home.

Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most magical cakes. Each element in this recipe plays a crucial role—from the fluffy texture of the cake layers to the rich creaminess of the frosting, and of course, the crunchy churro garnish that elevates it all.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender yet sturdy cake.
Baking powder: Ensures your cake layers rise beautifully and stay light.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice infuses warmth and that signature churro flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Challenge Butter: Adds creaminess with controlled saltiness—key for both cake and frosting.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning for a lovely color.
Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor and complements cinnamon perfectly.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s rise.
Milk: Adds moisture and smooths the batter for an even crumb.
Powdered sugar: Essential for achieving a silky, spreadable cinnamon buttercream.
Water or cream: Helps to adjust frosting consistency for spreading and piping.
Churros: The crunchy, sugary garnish that makes this cake truly special.

How to Make Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Begin by lining your cake pans and preheating the oven to 350°F (176°C). Whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix is the spice-filled foundation for your delicious cake layers.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is vital because the air you whip in now helps create a light, airy texture in the finished cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Alternate Dry Ingredients with Milk

One at a time, add each egg to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Next, carefully incorporate half of your dry ingredients, followed by all of the milk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until smooth but be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose that tender crumb we all adore.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the cake pans and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes rest briefly before transferring to cooling racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Whip Up Cinnamon Buttercream

Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, water or cream, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is smooth and luscious. This buttercream is what gives the Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch that irresistible, creamy spice hit.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Trim the domes off your cooled cake layers to make them flat and perfect for stacking. Spread a generous cup of buttercream over the first layer, repeat with the second, then pile on the final layer and frost the entire cake evenly. Use a piping bag to add decorative swirls on top, and place a churro on each swirl along the cake’s edge for that iconic crunch.

How to Serve Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Garnishes

The pièce de résistance is definitely the churros perched atop the cake’s frosting swirls; they add a delightful crunch and nostalgic sweetness with every bite. For an extra touch, sprinkle finely ground cinnamon sugar over the decorated cake to amplify that churro charm and provide a sparkling finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the cinnamon notes. For a more indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside freshly whipped cream or a light fruit compote made from berries to balance the sweetness and add a fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a mini churro garnish on the plate, or create a churro “crumble” by breaking smaller churro pieces to scatter around the cake base on the serving platter. For parties, consider placing the cake on a rotating stand so guests can admire the beautiful layers and all the crunchy cinnamon sugar magic up close.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The churros will gently soften over time, melding their texture with the creamy frosting—still delicious and perfect to enjoy!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and bring to room temperature to enjoy the fullest flavors and softness of the cake layers and frosting.

Reheating

While this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can gently warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to awaken the flavors and soften the buttercream, especially if it’s been refrigerated.

FAQs

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two before assembling. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated until ready to frost.

Where can I find churros to decorate the cake?

Many grocery stores carry pre-made frozen churros in the freezer section, or you can pick them up from local bakeries. For the freshest option, try making homemade churros if you have the time!

Can I use a different frosting for this cake?

While the cinnamon buttercream pairs perfectly with the cake, a cream cheese frosting would also complement the churro flavor wonderfully if you prefer a tangier option.

What if I don’t have ground cinnamon on hand?

Ground cinnamon is key to the flavor here, but if absolutely necessary, you can substitute with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a similar warm note.

Is this cake suitable for birthdays and celebrations?

Definitely! The Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning—making it a fantastic choice for any festive occasion or even just a special treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of soft cinnamon cake, creamy buttercream, and crunchy churro topping that sets the Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch apart from any ordinary dessert. Whether for a family gathering or a sweet self-indulgence, this cake is bound to become a beloved favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of your next slice!

Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch is a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon cake layers filled and frosted with rich cinnamon buttercream. Each layer boasts a tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon, complemented by a fluffy, sweet cinnamon-spiced frosting. The cake is beautifully decorated with crispy churros and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, making it an irresistible dessert perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

Instructions

Prepare Pans and Oven: Line the bottoms of three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles and grease the sides to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to ensure consistent baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set aside this dry mix for later use.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture turns light in color and has a fluffy texture; this step is key to a tender cake, so don’t rush it.
Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend them until mostly combined. Then, gradually pour in the milk while mixing. The batter may look curdled—that’s normal—so continue blending until smooth.
Finish Cake Batter: Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix gently until the batter is smooth and homogenous. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Bake the Cakes: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Cinnamon Buttercream: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, 4 tablespoons of water or cream, and salt, then beat until smooth. Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar, mixing until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add more water or cream as needed.
Assemble the Cake: Level the tops of the cooled cakes using a serrated knife to create flat surfaces. Place the first layer on your serving plate or cake board, then spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over it. Repeat with the second layer and another cup of frosting. Position the final cake layer on top and spread a thin, even coat of frosting over the entire cake.
Decorate: Use a piping bag fitted with an Ateco 849 tip to pipe swirls of frosting around the top edge of the cake. Place a churro atop each swirl and arrange additional churros around the base. Optionally, sprinkle the whole cake with cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Storage: Store your finished cake in an airtight container. For the best taste and texture, enjoy within 3 to 4 days.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and smooth frosting.
Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender crumb.
The batter may look curdled after adding milk; this is normal and will not affect the cake’s texture.
Churros used for decoration can be store-bought or homemade according to your preference.
Use a serrated knife to level cake layers for a professional and even finish.
Adjust frosting consistency by adding water or cream a tablespoon at a time until desired smoothness is reached.
Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated, but bring it to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American