Name: Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 and ½ cups All purpose flour; 1 and ½ cups granulated Sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 and ½ teaspoons Baking powder; ½ teaspoon Baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large Eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract; ⅓ cup Vegetable oil; ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature; ½ cup sour cream, room temperature; 1 jar Dulce de Leche (see notes); ½ cup Granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon; 1 recipe of Dreamy Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting (ingredients not included); 3-4 Baked Churros, cut into 1-inch pieces; Extra Dulce de Leche, for filling churros and drizzling

Introduction

Dulce de Leche Churro Cupcakes are a delightful treat combining tender cinnamon-spiced cupcakes with rich dulce de leche filling and dreamy cinnamon buttercream. Topped with churro pieces filled with more dulce de leche, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a cupcake with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a light brown cupcake base with a smooth texture and slight crumb detail, inside a white paper liner. Above it, there is a thick swirl of light beige frosting with fine dark specks, giving it a creamy and slightly grainy look. On top of the frosting, there is a small dollop of shiny caramel sauce that drips slightly down the side. The cupcake is finished with a small square piece of cinnamon sugar-coated dough placed on top. The background is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to keep focus on the cupcake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1½ cups granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

⅓ cup vegetable oil

½ cup buttermilk, room temperature

½ cup sour cream, room temperature

1 jar dulce de leche (see notes)

½ cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar)

1 recipe Dreamy Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting (ingredients not included)

3-4 baked churros, cut into 1-inch pieces

Extra dulce de leche, for filling churros and drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners for even baking and easy removal.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and sour cream until fully blended.

Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter.

Step 5: Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. While cupcakes are still warm, dip the tops into the cinnamon sugar and return to the racks to cool.

Step 7: Prepare the Dreamy Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting and set aside.

Step 8: Use a large piping tip or apple corer to carefully remove the center of each cupcake, creating space for the filling.

Step 9: Fill the hollow centers with dulce de leche using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 10: Pipe swirls of cinnamon buttercream on top, leaving the cinnamon sugar-coated edges visible.

Step 11: Lightly dust frosting with cinnamon sugar and drizzle extra dulce de leche over the top.

Step 12: Cut 3-4 baked churros into 1-inch pieces and fill each piece with dulce de leche using a piping bag with a small tip.

Step 13: Arrange the filled churro pieces on top of the cupcakes as a decorative finishing touch. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and even baking.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

If you cannot find pre-made churros, you can bake mini churro bites or use cinnamon-sugar coated pretzel sticks instead.

Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes without dulce de leche?

Yes, you can skip the dulce de leche filling and topping, but dulce de leche adds richness and a signature flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

How do I make Dreamy Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting?

Dreamy Cinnamon Buttercream is typically made by creaming butter with powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla, and ground cinnamon until fluffy. For detailed instructions, you can find many recipes online or try this one.