Name: Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 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; Cinnamon sugar (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced churros with the softness of a layered cake, then this Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch is about to become your new obsession. Imagine fluffy cinnamon-infused cake layers stacked high with luscious cinnamon buttercream, crowned with crispy churros that bring the perfect crunch. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress and indulge in something truly special.

Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the flour that gives structure to the cake, to the cinnamon that delivers that iconic spicy warmth, these simple, pantry-friendly items come together to make magic happen.

All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups / 325g): Provides the base structure and tenderness of the cake layers.
Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): Ensures the cake layers rise beautifully for a light, airy crumb.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon for cake, 2 ½ teaspoons for buttercream): The star spice that infuses every bite with warm, fragrant flavor.
Salt (½ teaspoon for cake, ¼ teaspoon for buttercream): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted Challenge Butter (¾ cup for cake, 2 ½ cups for buttercream): Adds richness, moisture, and that smooth creamy texture we dream of.
Vegetable oil (¼ cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist without overwhelming the flavors.
Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the cake layers for a perfect balance against the cinnamon kick.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon for cake, 2 ½ teaspoons for buttercream): Adds depth with its sweet, fragrant notes.
Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
Milk (1 ¼ cups): Keeps the batter smooth and adds to the cake’s tender crumb.
Powdered sugar (10 cups / 1150g): Creates the luscious, silky cinnamon buttercream that wraps this cake in sweetness.
Water or cream (8 tablespoons / 60-75ml): Adjusts the buttercream’s consistency for spreadability and fluffiness.
Churros (for decoration): Adds an irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch, putting the finishing touch on this showstopper.

How to Make Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven

Start by lining three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles and greasing the sides. This ensures your layers will release easily after baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) so it’s ready and perfect for baking the cake evenly.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is crucial because evenly mixing these ingredients helps achieve a consistent texture and cinnamon flavor throughout your cake layers.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Oil

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract at medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creaming process traps air, giving your cake a tender, light crumb, so be patient here — don’t rush!

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition to keep the batter smooth and cohesive. Then add half of the dry ingredient mixture, followed by the milk, mixing just until incorporated after each. Even if your batter looks slightly curdled after adding milk, don’t worry — this is totally normal. Finish by folding in the remaining dry ingredients until smooth but don’t overmix, or the cake might turn dense.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the cakes cool in their pans for a couple of minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Buttercream

For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar in two additions, mixing well between each to keep the texture light. Beat in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Then add water or cream a tablespoon at a time to achieve a luscious and spreadable buttercream consistency.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate Your Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

To assemble, level the tops of your cooled cakes so each layer is flat. Place the first cake layer on your serving plate and spread about 1 cup of cinnamon buttercream evenly over it. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the final one. Frost the outside of the cake smoothly, and pipe pretty swirls around the edges with a piping tip like Ateco 849. Finally, crown each swirl with a cinnamon sugar-coated churro and arrange extra churros around the cake’s base for a stunning effect. For the extra wow factor, sprinkle the whole cake with cinnamon sugar.

How to Serve Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Garnishes

Churros are the star garnish of this cake, but you can also dust a little extra cinnamon sugar over the top for sparkle and spice. Some fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a delicious contrast to the spicy and sweet cinnamon flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate to complement the cinnamon warmth. For a lighter touch, fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears balances the richness of the buttercream and adds freshness to your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a churro stick planted on top for a whimsical touch. You can also make mini versions in cupcake form and pipe swirls of cinnamon buttercream with tiny churro pieces for a playful party treat that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store the whole cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for 4 days to keep the buttercream fresh and the cake moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers separately, wrapped well in cling film and foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and assembling your Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch for fresh-baked taste anytime.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted cake, it’s best served at room temperature or chilled. If you want to warm a slice slightly, let it sit out for a bit or microwave it uncovered on low power for a few seconds, keeping the frosting intact and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought churros for decoration?

Absolutely! Store-bought churros make a great shortcut and add that signature crunch to your cake. Just be sure to pick fresh ones or reheat them slightly so they’re crisp and delightful.

Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?

You can experiment with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind it might slightly change the cake’s texture. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help maintain structure and softness.

How long does the frosting take to make?

Making the cinnamon buttercream usually takes about 10 minutes of beating until it’s fluffy, smooth, and ready to spread or pipe beautifully on your cake.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes, this cake actually benefits from resting a day before serving, allowing the flavors to deepen and the frosting to set perfectly.

What’s the best way to level my cake layers?

Using a serrated knife or a cake leveler, gently slice off the domed top of each layer to create a flat surface, which helps stacks stay stable and creates a polished look.

Final Thoughts

The Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch is truly a showstopper that brings together everything we love about churros and celebration cakes. It’s rich yet balanced, crunchy yet creamy, and will quickly become your go-to dessert when you want something special to share and savor. Trust me, once you try this cake, your dessert game will never be the same—so go ahead, bake one and watch it become the star of your next gathering!

Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Churro Layer Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch is a delightful celebration of classic churro flavors transformed into a luscious layered cake. Featuring moist cinnamon-spiced cake layers, a rich cinnamon buttercream frosting, and topped with crispy churros for a crunchy finish, this dessert is perfect for churro lovers looking to impress with a show-stopping sweet treat.

Instructions

Prepare Cake Pans and Preheat Oven: Line the bottoms of three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles and grease the sides. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy. Proper creaming is essential for a light cake texture.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until mostly combined. Then gradually pour in the milk and mix fully. Add the remaining dry ingredients and combine until the batter is smooth, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake Layers: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool the cakes in the pans for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Cinnamon Buttercream: Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Slowly add half the powdered sugar and mix well. Add vanilla extract and ground cinnamon and mix thoroughly. Pour in 4 tablespoons of water or cream and the salt, beating until smooth. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add more water or cream if needed.
Level Cake Layers: Using a serrated knife, level the tops of the cooled cakes to remove domes, ensuring flat layers for stacking.
Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of cinnamon buttercream evenly over the layer. Repeat with the second cake layer and frosting. Place the final cake layer on top and frost the outside of the cake evenly.
Decorate the Cake: Pipe swirls of remaining frosting around the top edge using a piping tip like Ateco 849. Place a churro atop each swirl and arrange additional churros around the base. Optionally, sprinkle the entire cake with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and crunch.
Storage: Store the finished cake in an airtight container. It is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and cake texture.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
Using water or cream in the frosting affects consistency; adjust to reach your preferred texture.
You can use homemade or store-bought churros for decorating.
For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the frosting after decorating.
Keep the cake refrigerated if your kitchen is warm, but bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.

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