Cream filled churros take a classic dessert to the next level. These crispy, golden churros, filled with luscious creams like dulce de leche, vanilla custard, or rich chocolate, are a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re serving churros for parties, dessert, or even a special brunch, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make cream filled churros at home, you’re in for a treat. This easy cream filled churro recipe combines the crispy exterior we all love with soft, creamy fillings that make every bite indulgent. Whether you prefer Mexican churros with a traditional caramel filling or want to try Spanish churros with a decadent chocolate center, this recipe has you covered.
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a festive gathering, homemade cream filled churros are surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and some helpful tips, you’ll have the best cream filled churros ready to enjoy in no time. Let’s dive in and discover how to create these irresistible treats!
Homemade Cream Filled Churros Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 churros
Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Wooden spoon
- Piping bag with a large star tip (for churros)
- Piping bag with a small round tip (for filling)
- Deep frying pan or pot
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients:
For the Churros:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Vanilla Cream Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk well to dissolve the cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency (about 5–7 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the filling to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Churro Dough
In another medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.
Remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat about 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 375°F (190°C).
Step 4: Pipe and Fry the Churros
Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 4–5-inch strips of dough directly into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the ends. Fry 3–4 churros at a time to avoid overcrowding.
Fry the churros for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll the warm churros in the mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Fill the Churros
Once the churros are cool enough to handle, use a skewer or chopstick to create a small hole in the center of each one. Transfer the chilled vanilla cream to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and carefully fill each churro.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your vanilla cream filled churros are ready to serve! Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor. These churros are perfect for dessert, brunch, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, indulgent treat.
Other Dipping Sauces and Fillings for Cream Filled Churros
While vanilla cream filled churros are a classic favorite, there are endless ways to customize these treats with different fillings and sauces. Whether you’re craving something rich, fruity, or uniquely indulgent, there’s a flavor combination for everyone. Checkout our complete collection of dipping sauce recipes here
Dulce de Leche Filled Churros:
For a truly traditional twist, fill your churros with dulce de leche. This creamy caramel filling adds a sweet and buttery richness that pairs perfectly with the crispy churro shell. It’s a nod to authentic Mexican churros and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Chocolate Sauce or Filling:
If you’re a chocolate lover, consider piping melted chocolate or chocolate ganache into your churros. Pair them with an extra chocolate dipping sauce for double the indulgence. This combination is perfect for a decadent dessert or to impress guests at a party.
Fruit-Based Fillings and Sauces:
Add a fresh, tangy element to your churros with fruit fillings or dips. Strawberry jam, blueberry dessert sauce, or even lemon curd create a refreshing contrast to the cinnamon-sugar coating. These fruity options work beautifully for brunch or light, summery desserts.
Savory Twists:
If you’re feeling adventurous, try savory cream cheese or flavored mascarpone as a filling. These options add a unique twist to churros, making them an unexpected hit for parties or as a fun appetizer.
Looking for more inspiration? Pair your churros with a dipping sauce like caramel, honey, or whipped cream. You can even get creative with flavored syrups or spicy chocolate dips for something bold and exciting. These versatile treats can be customized endlessly to match any mood or occasion.
How to Store Cream Filled Churros
Proper storage ensures your cream filled churros stay as delicious as the moment they were made. Since these churros are filled with a perishable cream, extra care is needed to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
How to Store Cream Filled Churros
Proper storage ensures your cream filled churros stay as delicious as the moment they were made. Since these churros are filled with a perishable cream, extra care is needed to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
Short-Term Storage:
If you plan to enjoy your churros within a few hours, you can leave them at room temperature. Place them on a plate or in a container, loosely covered to maintain their crispiness. Avoid sealing them completely, as trapped moisture can make them soggy.
Refrigeration:
For longer storage, refrigerate your cream filled churros. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent the filling from leaking or the churros from sticking together. Refrigerated churros will stay fresh for up to two days. To enjoy them at their best, let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving, or warm them briefly in the oven.
Freezing:
While freezing cream filled churros isn’t ideal due to the filling’s texture, it’s possible to freeze the churro shells before filling them. Simply fry the churros, let them cool, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven until crispy, fill with cream, and enjoy.
With these tips, you can prepare your churros ahead of time or save leftovers for later without sacrificing their flavor and texture.
Celebrate Cream Filled Churros Your Way
Cream filled churros are a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining crispy, cinnamon-sugar perfection with creamy, indulgent fillings. Whether you stick with vanilla custard, explore caramel or chocolate fillings, or experiment with fruity and savory options, these churros are endlessly customizable. Perfect for parties, brunches, or a decadent dessert, this homemade cream filled churro recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our Dodger Blue Churros. With a little creativity, you can easily transform them into cream filled churros for an extra layer of flavor and fun. It’s the perfect way to combine team pride with a delicious dessert!
We’d love to hear about your churro-making adventures. Whether you stick to classic vanilla cream or try a bold new flavor, let us know how they turned out and what fillings were your favorite. Until next time, happy baking and enjoy every bite!