Save It Crispy golden churros packed with grated apple and fragrant spices, then tossed in a cinnamon-nutmeg sugar and dipped into a silky homemade caramel sauce these Caramel Spiced Apple Churros are pure fall dessert magic. Inspired by Spanish churro shops but given a cozy American twist, this treat always reminds me of apple-picking weekends and the smell of caramel bubbling on my stove.
The first time I made these, my kitchen smelled like a cinnamon-apple orchard and the whole batch disappeared within minutes my best friend asked for a second plate before I’d even finished making the caramel
Ingredients
- Water: gives structure and moisture for the dough use filtered for a clean flavor
- Unsalted butter: brings richness and crispness to the churro shell choose a quality brand
- Granulated sugar: sweetens both dough and coating organic sugar gives the best caramelization
- Salt: enhances every flavor and balances sweetness
- Vanilla extract: adds floral warmth pure vanilla is worth it here
- Medium apple: grated for bursts of fresh apple flavor pick a tart crisp variety like Granny Smith
- All-purpose flour: forms classic airy churros measure carefully for perfect texture
- Ground cinnamon: delivers warmth and depth always use fresh ground for best aroma
- Ground nutmeg: brings autumn spice use whole nutmeg and grate fresh if possible
- Ground cloves: finishes the spice blend adds subtle sweetness
- Large eggs: bind and enrich the dough buy the freshest you can
- Vegetable oil: for deep frying gives that signature crunch use a neutral high smoke point oil like canola
- Spiced sugar coating: gives every bite a sparkly spicy finish mix cinnamon and nutmeg into sugar right before tossing for the brightest flavor
- Caramel sauce’s granulated sugar and water: create the golden base for the sauce cook carefully for a deep amber color
- Unsalted butter (for caramel): makes it silky and rich
- Heavy cream: gives velvety texture to the caramel
- Sea salt: brightens the taste and keeps caramel from being one note
- Vanilla extract (for caramel): rounds every drop with sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Combine water butter sugar and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat which melts the butter and dissolves all sugar ensuring even texture for your dough.
- Incorporate Fruit and Flavor:
- Add vanilla extract and grated apple to the boiling mixture. Stir for about one to two minutes allowing the apple to soften slightly and infuse the base with fruitiness.
- Form the Churro Dough:
- Lower heat to the minimum and stir in flour cinnamon nutmeg and cloves all at once. Stir vigorously and continuously with a sturdy spoon about two minutes until the mix forms a smooth ball and pulls cleanly from the pan. This ensures the flour is fully cooked for chewy churros.
- Cool the Dough:
- Remove the pan from heat and let dough cool for five minutes before adding eggs. A too-hot dough will scramble them instead of mixing smoothly.
- Finish the Dough:
- Beat in eggs one at a time stirring fast and thoroughly after each addition. Keep beating until the dough is glossy thick and smooth with no visible streaks of egg. This step is key for churros that are light and tender.
- Pipe the Churros:
- Scoop dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. This gives churros their classic ridged look for maximum crispness when fried.
- Prepare the Oil:
- Pour enough vegetable oil into your pot to reach at least two inches deep. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit watching carefully with an instant-read thermometer for steady temp.
- Fry the Churros:
- Pipe five-inch strips directly over the pot cutting the dough with clean scissors before it drops into the oil. Fry just a few at a time turning with a slotted spoon as they puff and turn deep golden brown about two to three minutes. This creates an even cook and crispy outside.
- Drain and Coat:
- Lift churros onto paper towels to drain briefly. While they are still warm roll each churro in your spiced sugar coating for that glittery crunch.
- Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a clean small saucepan cook sugar and water over medium heat without stirring for five to seven minutes until it turns deep amber. Swirl the pan if needed for even color but resist stirring.
- Finish the Caramel:
- Quickly whisk in butter to stop cooking then add heavy cream sea salt and vanilla whisking until perfectly smooth.
- Serve:
- Arrange warm churros on a platter with caramel sauce on the side. Dip and enjoy right away for the freshest texture.
Save It The apple is my favorite addition because it makes these churros extra moist and brings back memories of my grandmother’s apple desserts she always snuck in a pinch of cinnamon and that’s now my trademark too
Storage Tips
Store leftover churros in a paper towel lined container at room temperature for up to one day. Reheat in a hot oven for about four minutes to revive their crunch. Keep caramel sauce in a small jar in the fridge it will thicken but warms back to a pourable drip.
Ingredient Substitutions
Pear can replace apple for a milder fruitiness. If nutmeg is strong for your taste use all cinnamon. Gluten free flour blend works for the dough but you may need to add an extra egg for structure.
Serving Suggestions
Serve on a platter with small bowls of extra spiced sugar on the side for double dipping. A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is a dreamy addition. Keep napkins close everyone gets sugar on their fingers
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Traditional churros have Spanish origins but this version combines apple desserts from American autumn feasts. I love serving them at holiday parties or after family hikes in chilly weather.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try using pumpkin or squash puree instead of apple for a cold weather twist Mix in a pinch of ground cardamom with the sugar for holiday spice Sprinkle crushed pecans on caramel dip for a nutty finish
Success Stories
Readers tell me even churro skeptics fall in love with these the apple and spice makes them taste like fall in every bite. At our last family game night these disappeared before I could pour the drinks. They truly convert those who think fried dough is just for fairs.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Pipe raw strips of dough onto a parchment lined sheet and freeze until solid then store in a well sealed bag fry directly from frozen adding one additional minute to ensure golden crispiness.
Save It Serve with extra caramel sauce and enjoy fresh warm churros for the best texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apple works best?
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for brighter flavor and less moisture.
- → Can I bake instead of fry?
Oven-baking can be done, but frying gives a crispier texture. Bake at 400°F until golden if preferred.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep churros in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
- → Can I substitute the caramel sauce?
Swap with chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or fruit compote for a different dip experience.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or gelatin.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Replace regular flour with gluten-free blend for a version suitable for gluten sensitivities.