Pin It A playful twist on classic churros, these bite-sized treats are filled with tender caramelized apples and coated in cinnamon sugar for a delightful dessert or party snack.
I made these for a family game night and everyone loved the warm filling and sweet cinnamon crunch. The caramel sauce for dipping was the winning touch!
Ingredients
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled, cored, and diced small
- Unsalted butter: for filling and dough, 2 tbsp for filling, 1/4 cup for dough, plus 2 tbsp for caramel sauce
- Light brown sugar: 3 tbsp, for filling
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp for filling and 1 tsp for coating
- Salt: Pinch, divided between filling, dough, and sauce
- Water: 1 cup, for dough
- Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp for dough, 1/2 cup for coating, 1/2 cup for caramel sauce
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup, for dough
- Eggs: 2 large, for dough
- Vegetable oil: For frying
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup, for caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the Churro Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, 1/4 cup butter, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add flour all at once, stirring until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from sides. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time until dough is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Churro Balls:
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten in your hand. Place 1 tsp cooled apple filling in the center. Enclose filling with dough and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Fry the Churro Balls:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry churro balls in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Drain on paper towels.
- Coat the Churro Balls:
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl. Roll warm churro balls in cinnamon sugar until well coated.
- Make the Caramel Sauce:
- Melt 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until amber. Add 2 tbsp butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Simmer until smooth. Serve warm with churro balls for dipping.
Pin It Whenever I make these, my kids love rolling the warm churro balls in cinnamon sugar and dipping them into the caramel. It's messy but lots of fun!
Required Tools
You'll need a medium skillet, saucepan, mixing bowls, deep fryer or heavy pot, slotted spoon, and paper towels for draining.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and wheat. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 145 calories, 6 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Pin It Serve immediately so the outside stays crisp and the inside stays soft. These churro balls are always a festive hit!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent churro balls from falling apart during frying?
Ensure dough is well-sealed around the apple filling and roll balls tightly before adding to hot oil.
- → What type of apples work best for the filling?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness.
- → Can I bake instead of fry for a healthier option?
Deep frying yields the classic texture, but baking at 400°F may produce denser, less crisp churro balls.
- → Is it possible to prepare churro balls ahead of time?
Prepare dough and filling in advance but fry and coat immediately before serving for best results.
- → Can caramel sauce be made ahead and reheated?
Yes, refrigerate caramel sauce and gently warm before serving to maintain smooth texture.
- → How do I know when churro balls are cooked through?
Look for a deep golden color and ensure the dough is firm and not sticky when cut in half after frying.