Pumpkin Churros Recipe

The Fluffiest Pumpkin Churros Recipe: Autumn Magic on a Plate

Crispy, golden pumpkin churros dance with autumn’s sweet whispers, promising a delightful treat that captures seasonal magic.

Warm spices weave through each delicate bite, creating a sensory experience that feels like a cozy embrace.

Mexican street food meets fall flavors in this delectable creation.

Cinnamon sugar coating adds a perfect crunch to the soft, pillowy interior.

Unexpected hints of pumpkin bring surprising depth to the classic churro recipe.

Home kitchens will come alive with the aroma of these delectable twists.

I guarantee these churros will become your new seasonal obsession, so roll up those sleeves and let’s make something magical!

Pumpkin Churros Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

Dough Components:
  • Flour: Base ingredient for churros.
  • Water: Helps create churro dough consistency.
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and helps frying.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to churro base.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Gives signature fall flavor.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Enhances pumpkin taste.
  • Salt: Balances overall flavor.
Frying and Coating:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying churros.
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates sweet exterior coating.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to sugar coating.
Dip and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates creamy dipping sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth to cream cheese mixture.
  • Milk: Helps smooth cream cheese mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides additional flavor complexity.
  • Cinnamon: Enhances cream cheese dip flavor.

Baking Pumpkin Churros That Capture Fall Flavor

Step 1: Whip the Creamy Pumpkin Base

Grab your stand mixer and combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin purée. Blend everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well-incorporated. Set the delightful mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, blend granulated sugar with cinnamon to create a tantalizing coating for your churros. Set this aromatic mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Churro Dough

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Water
  • Pumpkin purée
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract
Next, add the dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Salt

Use a wooden spoon to mix everything until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 4: Heat the Cooking Oil

Prepare a fryer or deep skillet by heating oil to 375°F. Use a cooking thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature for perfect frying.

Step 5: Pipe and Fry the Churros

Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a closed star tip. Carefully pipe 4-inch churro strips into the hot oil. Fry 3-4 churros at a time, cooking each side for approximately 2 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 6: Coat the Churros

Remove the churros from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. While still warm, roll each churro in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm churros alongside the creamy pumpkin dip. Serve immediately for the most delectable fall treat.

Churro Tips That Bring Out Pumpkin Fall Flavor

  • Master Frying Temperature: Maintain oil at 375°F using a reliable thermometer to ensure perfectly crispy, golden-brown churros without burning.
  • Prep Piping Technique: Use a closed star tip for creating traditional ridged churros, which helps create extra crispy exterior and beautiful texture.
  • Control Churro Length: Pipe 4-inch strips consistently to guarantee even cooking and uniform appearance, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Sugar Coating Secret: Roll warm churros immediately in cinnamon-sugar mixture so the mixture adheres perfectly, creating a delightful sweet-spiced exterior.
  • Dip Density Trick: Whip cream cheese mixture until ultra-smooth for a creamy, luxurious dipping sauce that complements the pumpkin spice flavor profile.

Keep Pumpkin Churros Fresh and Sweet

  • Store leftover churros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture and maintain crispness.
  • Place cooled churros in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed churros at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
  • Reheat churros at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar before serving for fresh flavor.

Pumpkin Churros Snack Pairings

  • Pair Warm Spiced Cider: Brew a hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and nutmeg, perfectly complementing the pumpkin churros' warm fall flavors.
  • Enhance with Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a homemade bourbon-spiked caramel sauce over the churros for a rich, decadent adult twist that amplifies the dessert's sweetness.
  • Create Maple Cream Dip Variation: Whip together cream cheese, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon as an alternative dipping sauce that highlights the pumpkin's autumnal essence.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Prepare a creamy chai tea with steamed milk and warming spices that echo the churros' cinnamon and pumpkin profile.

Pumpkin Churros Fall Treat Twists

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Churros: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining the same recipe measurements.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Churros: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with aquafaba for a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Churros: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the classic churro flavor profile.
  • Baked Pumpkin Churros: Skip deep-frying and instead pipe churros onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for a healthier alternative with less oil.

FAQs

  • What makes pumpkin churros different from traditional churros?

These churros incorporate pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice, giving them a unique fall-inspired flavor and a slightly softer texture compared to classic churros.

  • Do I need special equipment to make pumpkin churros?

You’ll need a stand mixer, piping bag with a closed star tip, and a deep fryer or skillet with a thermometer to ensure proper oil temperature for frying.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

While it’s best to fry churros fresh, you can prepare the dough and cinnamon sugar mixture in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.

  • How can I tell if the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the oil at 375°F. If the oil is too cool, churros will absorb too much oil; if too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking inside.

Pumpkin Churros That Bring Fall Flavor in Every Bite

  • Capture Fall Flavors: Infuse your kitchen with the warm, comforting essence of pumpkin and cinnamon in every delightful bite.
  • Surprisingly Simple Preparation: Create restaurant-quality churros with easy steps and basic ingredients that even novice bakers can master confidently.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up a delectable dessert that impresses family and friends with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Versatile Entertaining Option: Perfect for autumn gatherings, game nights, potlucks, or as a special weekend treat that brings everyone together with its irresistible aroma and taste.
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Pumpkin Churros Recipe

Pumpkin Churros Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Spice-infused pumpkin churros bring Spanish street food magic into home kitchens with irresistible autumn flair. Crispy golden exterior and tender interior promise delightful seasonal indulgence you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 quart oil for frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine cream cheese, sugars, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin purée in a stand mixer until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Reserve the mixture for later use.
  2. Create a spiced coating by thoroughly blending granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a separate container. Set aside for churro finishing.
  3. Prepare the churro batter by whisking water, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until well integrated.
  4. Gradually incorporate flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt into the liquid mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
  5. Transfer the dough into a piping bag equipped with a closed star tip, ensuring an even and decorative churro shape.
  6. Heat cooking oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to precisely 375°F, monitoring temperature with a kitchen thermometer for consistent frying results.
  7. Carefully pipe 4-inch dough strips directly into the hot oil, frying 3-4 churros simultaneously to prevent overcrowding.
  8. Fry each batch for approximately 2 minutes per side, rotating to achieve an evenly golden-brown exterior.
  9. Remove churros and drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb additional grease.
  10. While still warm, gently roll each churro in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
  11. Present the churros immediately with the reserved cream cheese dip for an indulgent autumn-inspired dessert experience.

Notes

  • Keep oil temperature steady at 375°F for perfectly crispy churros without burning or undercooking.
  • Use a star-tipped piping bag for traditional ridged churros that trap more cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Pat churros gently with paper towels to remove excess oil and prevent sogginess before rolling in sugar.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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