Churro ice cream is a sweet and indulgent treat that brings together the best of two beloved desserts: churros and ice cream.
The warm, cinnamon-sugar coated churros are perfectly paired with creamy, cold ice cream, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Whether you’re a churro fan or an ice cream lover, this dessert is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love Churro Ice Cream
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with churro ice cream! First, the cinnamon-sugar churros offer a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety ice cream.
The combination of the two creates an irresistible dessert that satisfies both your sweet and savory cravings.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile—you can use any ice cream flavor you like, or even make your own homemade ice cream for an extra special touch.
If you’re looking for something fun, indulgent, and absolutely mouthwatering, churro ice cream is your perfect choice.
What is Churro Ice Cream?
Churro ice cream is a fusion dessert that combines crispy, cinnamon-sugar churros with creamy ice cream.
The churros are usually deep-fried to golden perfection and dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
The ice cream, which can be any flavor of your choosing, is served alongside or inside the churro to create a rich and delightful contrast of textures. This treat offers both a warm and cold sensation in every bite, making it an unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients Needed for Churro Ice Cream
To make churro ice cream, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
For the Churros:
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Ice Cream:
- 1 pint of your favorite ice cream flavor (vanilla, chocolate, or even a cinnamon-flavored one would work great!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Churros
Start by preparing the churro dough. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in the flour until the dough comes together. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the churros.
Step 3: Fry the Churros
Carefully transfer the churro dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe the dough into long strips (about 3-4 inches in length) into the hot oil. Fry the churros in batches, turning them until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Once the churros are fried, remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Immediately toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar until well-coated.
Step 5: Serve with Ice Cream
Allow the churros to cool slightly, then serve them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. You can either serve the ice cream on top of the churros or stuff the churros with ice cream for a more decadent presentation. Enjoy immediately for the best contrast between warm churros and cold ice cream!
Tips for Perfect Churro Ice Cream
To ensure your churro ice cream turns out just right, here are some helpful tips:
1. Make the Churros Fresh
For the best taste and texture, make the churros just before serving. Fresh churros have the perfect crispy exterior and soft interior, making them ideal when paired with cold ice cream. If you make them in advance, they can lose some of their crispness.
2. Use the Right Oil for Frying
When frying churros, vegetable oil or canola oil works best because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor. This ensures the churros fry evenly without absorbing too much oil, keeping them light and crisp.
3. Control the Oil Temperature
Keeping the oil at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the churros will burn on the outside before cooking through; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for perfect churros every time.
4. Coat Generously with Cinnamon Sugar
Don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar! A generous coating enhances the flavor and gives that iconic churro sweetness. If you want a bit of a twist, you can even experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or chili powder to the sugar mix for extra depth.
5. Choose a Creamy Ice Cream
While any flavor of ice cream works, choosing one with a rich and creamy base complements the crunchy churros wonderfully. Vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream are great choices to pair with the warm, cinnamon-spiced churros.
6. Avoid Overfilling the Churros with Ice Cream
If you’re stuffing churros with ice cream, be sure not to overstuff them. You want enough ice cream to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the churro itself. This ensures that you get the perfect balance of crispy and creamy in every bite.
How to Serve Churro Ice Cream
Serving churro ice cream is all about presentation and creating the perfect balance between the warm churros and cold ice cream. Here are a few creative ways to serve:
1. Churro Ice Cream Bowls
Serve churros as a base, arranging them in a bowl or on a plate. Top them with a generous scoop of ice cream. This method lets you enjoy the churros with ice cream while keeping everything neat.
2. Churro Ice Cream Sundae
For a fun twist, create a churro ice cream sundae! Stack a few churros on top of each other and add a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Top with toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, whipped cream, or even crushed nuts for added texture.
3. Churro Ice Cream Sandwich
Stuff the churros with ice cream to create a churro ice cream sandwich. This is a great option if you’re serving this dessert at a party or for a more portable option.
4. Mini Churro Bites with Ice Cream Dipping Sauce
For a fun appetizer-style presentation, cut churros into bite-sized pieces and serve them with a side of ice cream for dipping. This is perfect for parties where guests want a quick bite of this delicious dessert.
5. Churro Ice Cream Cones
You can also turn churros into an edible ice cream cone. Shape your churro dough into a cone shape, fry it, then let it cool slightly before filling with ice cream. It’s a whimsical take on the traditional ice cream cone!
Conclusion
Churro ice cream is a sweet, indulgent treat that perfectly combines the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros with the creamy, cold sensation of ice cream. Whether you serve it as a sundae, a sandwich, or just as churros alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream, this dessert is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will delight friends, family, or even just yourself on a cozy afternoon. So, go ahead—get frying, and enjoy this delightful fusion of two classic desserts!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make churros in advance?
While churros are best when served fresh, you can make them ahead of time. If you plan to do so, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. To restore their crispness, heat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought ice cream?
Absolutely! While making homemade ice cream can add a personal touch, store-bought ice cream works perfectly fine and is an easy option. Choose a flavor that complements the cinnamon-churro flavor, like vanilla, caramel, or even chocolate.
3. Can I make churros without deep frying?
Yes, you can bake churros if you prefer a lighter version. Brush the dough with melted butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. You won’t get the same crispy texture as fried churros, but they’ll still be delicious!
4. What other toppings can I use with churro ice cream?
In addition to the classic cinnamon-sugar coating, you can experiment with a variety of toppings like chocolate or caramel sauce, crushed nuts (like pecans or almonds), whipped cream, or even sprinkles. Get creative and make it your own!
5. Can I stuff churros with flavored ice cream?
Yes! Stuffing churros with flavored ice cream is a great way to add extra depth to the dessert. You can fill them with chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, or any other flavor you enjoy. Just be sure not to overstuff them, so the churros maintain their shape and don’t get soggy.
Churro Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 piping bag (or plastic zip-top bag)
- 1 deep fryer or large pot
- 1 thermometer (for oil temperature)
- 1 large spoon or slotted spoon
- 1 paper towel-lined plate
- 1 small bowl (for cinnamon sugar mixture)
- 1 ice cream scoop
- 1 large plate or serving dish
Ingredients
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- For the Ice Cream:
- 1 pint 2 cups of your favorite ice cream flavor (vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel work great)
Instructions
Prepare the Churro Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and stir in the flour until smooth. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before adding eggs and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
Heat the Oil:
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the churros.
Fry the Churros:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe dough into long strips (about 3-4 inches) into the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
- Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. While the churros are still hot, toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them evenly.
Serve with Ice Cream:
- Once the churros are done, allow them to cool slightly, then serve them with a scoop of ice cream either on top or stuffed inside the churros. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Freshness is Key: Churros are best served fresh for the perfect crispy texture. If making ahead, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to restore crunchiness.
- Ice Cream Variations: You can experiment with different ice cream flavors like chocolate, caramel, or coffee for a unique twist on the classic.
- Baking Option: If you prefer not to deep fry, you can bake the churros at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, brushing them with melted butter before baking.
