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The Tastiest Churro Cake Recipe

May 7, 2018 · In: Cake, Featured, Recipes, Seasonal, Spring

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What’s better than a churro? A churro CAKE of course. Especially when it’s topped with my favorite local xurros from 180pdx (if you’re a Portlander or ever come to visit, this spot is a must). Creating a churro cake has been on my list of ideas for a long time, and I’m so proud to bring you the result of my kitchen experimentation. Behold!Ā 

No matter what event or time of year, this cake is a true crowd pleaser. Not only is it pretty to look at, it’s bursting with flavor. The cake is cinnamon vanilla as well as the buttercream, and the real kick comes from the Mexican chocolate ganache. It’s spiced with a little cinnamon and cayenne to give your tastebuds a little spice burst after the sweetness of the chocolate.

cinnamon vanilla buttercream with mexican chocolate ganache drip
churro cake recipe with mexican chocolate ganache

This recipe makes enough for a triple-layer 6 or 8 inch cake. Dress it up with your favorite local churros or homemade churro recipe (I still have yet to try making them from scratch, but when I do I’ll be sure to let you know!), or get creative with the presentation and let the flavors speak for themselves.

churro cake recipe with cinnamon vanilla buttercream
churro cake with mexican chocolate ganache and cinnamon vanilla buttercream recipe

However you decide to decorate, I can promise you this: it will be absolutely delicious. I know this because I brought it to work one day and it was gone before lunch – the whole crew at my day job ate it for breakfast! Now that’s a sign of a frickin’ good cake.

Churro Cake Recipe

A light and fluffy churro-inspired cake with cinnamon-vanilla buttercream and spicy chocolate ganache
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time:35 mins
Cook Time:40 mins
Total Time:2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

Churro Cake

  • 2 3/4 Cups (290g) cake flour, sifted before measuring
  • 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 3/4 Cups (358g) granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (112g) sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 Cups (296ml) whole milk, room temperature

Mexican Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 Cup (183g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Cinnamon Vanilla Buttercream

  • 2 Cups (452g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 7 Cups (840g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 5 Tbsp (74ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Make The Churro Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare three 6-inch or two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray and placing a wax paper circle in the bottom of each pan.Ā Ā 
  • Whisk together sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Cream butter on med-high for one minute. Add sugar and beat on med-high for 2 minutes, until light and fluffy, scraping down bowl and paddle as needed.Ā 
  • Turn the mixer down to low and add the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add vanilla and sour cream and mix for one minute on high, scraping down the bowl and paddle once more.
  • Add all of the dry ingredients at once with the mixer on low speed until just combined, then add the milk all at once with the mixer still on low. Scrape down the bowl and paddle and mix on low until it all just comes together, about 30 seconds. You might need to hand whisk at the end to get rid of some lumps, but be careful not to overmix.Ā 
  • Fill prepared cake pans no more than ā…” full and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.Ā 

Make The Mexican Chocolate Ganache

  • Place chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl and set aside.
  • Whisk together heavy whipping cream, cinnamon, and cayenne in a saucepan over medium-high heat until small bubbles start to form (aka right before it starts boiling).
  • Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 30 seconds before whisking together until the ganache is uniform in consistency. You’ll need to let this cool on the counter to room temp before filling or dripping the cake. 

Make The Cinnamon Vanilla Buttercream

  • In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Cream butter on med-high until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes), scraping down bowl and paddle a few times in between.
  • Add powdered sugar/cinnamon mixture a few cups at a time, scraping down bowl and paddle between intervals. Mix on medium until fully incorporated. 
  • Turn mixer to low and add vanilla and milk. Mix on medium for two minutes. Scrape down bowl and paddle and add salt. Mix for another minute on medium until incorporated.

Assembly

  • Torte each cake layer to desired height. Pipe a circle of buttercream around the top edge of the first layer (to make a buttercream dam) and fill with half Cinnamon Vanilla Buttercream, half (room temperature) Mexican Chocolate Ganache. 
  • Place the next cake layer on top and repeat step one, then add the final cake layer on top.
  • Crumb coat the cake with Cinnamon Vanilla Buttercream, then ice with a final layer of buttercream.
  • Place the cake in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to chill the buttercream before dripping with room temperature Mexican Chocolate Ganache.
  • Top with your favorite local churros or topper of your choice. In this design I’ve also piped a few open stars with buttercream using Wilton tip 4B.

Notes

The cake layers can be made ahead, wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, you can wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.Ā 
The ganache can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To bring back to dripping consistency, heat in the microwave for 15 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until room temperature.Ā 
The buttercream can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring back to room temperature and re-whip in your stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add milk, one tsp at a time, if buttercream is too thick.Ā 

Did you make this cake? Let me know by tagging me on Instagram! You might get a shoutout šŸ™‚

By: Whitney Ā· In: Cake, Featured, Recipes, Seasonal, Spring Ā· Tagged: cake, cake recipe, chocolate ganache, churro cake, churros, cinnamon vanilla buttercream, cinnamon vanilla cake, ganache, layer cake, mexican chocolate ganache, recipe, spice cake

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Comments

  1. evette says

    July 10, 2019 at 8:39 pm

    i want to make this cake into cake pops. instead of using candy melts to cover the pops, can i use the chocolate ganache? will the ganache harden like chocolate candy melts?

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      July 11, 2019 at 9:30 am

      Hi Evette! I think I answered this question already on Instagram but I would use melted chocolate as opposed to chocolate ganache. Melted chocolate will harden like candy melts, while ganache will set up more soft.

      Reply
  2. Sally B. says

    November 1, 2019 at 9:13 pm

    Hi, I’m in the middle of making this recipe. Currently working on the buttercream. I’m following the grams measurements for more accurate results. Well, I just wanted to let ya know that the grams for the butter (buttercream) is not correct. I noticed this when I was mixing in the powdered sugar. It was way too thick. Anyway, I’m trying to fix this by starting over. I’ll let ya know how this turns out.

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      November 4, 2019 at 8:41 am

      Hi Sally! The butter and powdered sugar mixture is intended to be super thick, it will thin out beautifully when you add the liquids (vanilla and milk). I hope it worked out for you in the end!

      Reply
  3. Alexandra P. says

    January 27, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    Hi Whitney. This cake looks delicious. I can’t wait to try it out! I do have a question. Is the buttercream considered an American buttercream?

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      January 28, 2020 at 2:59 pm

      Hi Alexandra! Yes – this one is an American buttercream.

      Reply
  4. Jazmine says

    April 29, 2020 at 10:29 am

    I want to make this for Mother’s Day but do cupcakes instead! (Easier to distribute) do you have any tips? I’m thinking of maybe eliminating the chocolate ganache only because I’m not sure where I would put it on the cupcakes although it sounds so delicious.

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      April 29, 2020 at 11:28 am

      Hi Jazmine! This recipe is amazing in cupcake form! Just be sure to fill the cupcake tins no more than 2/3 full and bake at 350 for about 17 min. For the ganache, you can either leave it out completely, fill the cupcakes with it, or drizzle it over the frosting. Excited for you to make these!

      Reply
      • Jazmine says

        May 9, 2020 at 5:09 pm

        Just finished making them and OMG delicious!! Pretty sure I overmixed the batter because they kind of crumbled but still amazing! And I filled them with ganache like you suggested. Thank you!!!

        Reply
        • Whitney says

          May 10, 2020 at 3:37 pm

          So happy the cupcake versions turned out well!

          Reply
  5. April Avery says

    September 6, 2020 at 6:25 pm

    Hello, quick question can the cake flour be substituted for all purpose flour? I would like to make cupcakes for my daughters birthday in October using this recipe.

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      September 9, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      Hi April! The cake flour is what makes this cake extra fluffy, and if you sub with straight all-purpose flour it will be more dense. Instead, I recommend making this DIY version of cake flour that uses all purpose: https://sugarandsparrow.com/homemade-cake-flour

      Reply
  6. Carol says

    October 27, 2020 at 12:43 pm

    Wow!So good did it today,love it!!

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      October 28, 2020 at 9:54 am

      Yay, Carol! So happy you love this recipe!

      Reply
  7. Alejandro Ortega says

    February 24, 2021 at 5:06 am

    What do you mean by cake flour?

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      February 26, 2021 at 5:28 pm

      Hi Alejandro! Cake flour is a type of flour made specifically to create a fluffy texture. If you google “cake flour” you’ll be able to see some brands to look for at your grocery store and learn a bit more about it. If all you have on hand is all-purpose flour, I do have a recipe for homemade cake flour that you can use here: https://sugarandsparrow.com/homemade-cake-flour-recipe/

      Reply

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BANANA BISCOFF CARAMEL CAKE šŸŒšŸŽ‚ these flavors BANANA BISCOFF CARAMEL CAKE šŸŒšŸŽ‚ these flavors are so warm and cozy together: layers of my favorite extra-moist banana cake, Biscoff cookie butter frosting, gooey salted caramel, and crushed Biscoff crumbs. Top it with a salted caramel drip + a Biscoff sprinkled buttercream rope border to go the extra mile. It’ll be worth it imo! ✨ ⁣⁣
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This is one of four EXTRA EXCLUSIVE bonus recipes you’ll get when you preorder my book, Anyone Can Cake! Click the ā€œAnyone Can Cake: Bonus Recipesā€ link in my bio for all the info ⁣⁣
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#biscoffcakeĀ #lotusbiscoff #bananacake Ā #saltedcaramelĀ #caramelcakeĀ #buttercreamĀ #bakedfromscratchĀ #frostingĀ #bananacaramelĀ #bakeĀ #anyonecancakeĀ #cakesofinstagramĀ #cakeĀ #layercakeĀ #cakedecorating
4-INGREDIENT OREO TRUFFLES ✨These bite-sized no- 4-INGREDIENT OREO TRUFFLES ✨These bite-sized no-bake desserts are completely irresistible, super easy to make, and perfect for Valentine’s Day (or any day!)⁣
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OREO TRUFFLES⁣
Yield: 30⁣
⁣⁣
INGREDIENTS⁣⁣
36 Oreo cookies⁣⁣
8 Oz cream cheese, brick-style not the spread⁣⁣
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract⁣⁣
10 Oz (284g) Ghirardelli melting wafers (dark, milk, or white chocolate)⁣⁣
⁣⁣
INSTRUCTIONS⁣⁣
1. Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs.⁣⁣
2. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (a hand mixer works fine too!), beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Set aside 2 Tablespoons of the Oreo cookie crumbs, then add the rest to the cream cheese. Add the vanilla and mix on low speed until well combined.⁣⁣
3. Roll the Oreo mixture into 1 inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 15 minutes.⁣⁣
4. Coat the Oreo balls with @ghirardelli melting wafers or tempered chocolate. Garnish with cookie crumbs immediately after coating, while the chocolate is still wet.⁣⁣
5. Serve after the chocolate coating has set or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.⁣⁣
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Full recipe is linked in my bio! ✨⁣⁣
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#oreos #truffles #chocolate #chocolatelover #nobake #oreo #baking #dessert #bakersofinstagram #easydessert #bakinglove #bakedfromscratch
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This Raspberry Buttercream (recipe below!) šŸ˜ā™„ This Raspberry Buttercream (recipe below!) šŸ˜ā™„ļø I LOVE using freeze dried raspberries for the most authentic flavor + just look at that natural color! It’s silky smooth, ideal for decorating cakes and cupcakes, and perfect for your Valentine’s Day bakes.⁣
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RASPBERRY BUTTERCREAM⁣
Yield: 3 Cups⁣
⁣
INGREDIENTS⁣
1 Cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature⁣
3/4 Cup (18g) freeze-dried raspberries⁣
3 Tbsp (45ml) whole milk, room temperature⁣
1 tsp pure vanilla extract⁣
3 Cups (360g) powdered sugar⁣
pinch of salt⁣
⁣
INSTRUCTIONS⁣
1. With a food processor, grind the raspberries into a fine powder. Sift out the seeds (if a few seeds end up in the powder that is totally ok) and set the powder aside.⁣
2. Whip the butter using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until it’s creamy and light in color, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla, milk, and raspberry powder and continue to mix on medium until fully combined.⁣
3. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time and mix on low speed, scraping down the bowl and paddle after each addition. Add a pinch of salt and mix on low speed until fully combined and smooth, 1-2 minutes.⁣
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Click the ā€œRaspberry Buttercreamā€ link in my bio for the full recipe + flavor pairing ideas ✨⁣
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