Save 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 still remember the first batch I made for my family—everyone grabbed two before I could even finish plating! The warm apples and soft churro dough were such a cozy treat together.
Ingredients
- Apple Filling: 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced small), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 tbsp light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, pinch of salt
- Churro Dough: 1 cup water, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs
- For Frying: Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- Coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a medium skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5–7 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 vigorously until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from sides (1–2 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing 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 or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry churro balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning to brown evenly, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Coat the Churro Balls:
- Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll warm churro balls in cinnamon sugar until well coated.
- Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat without stirring until it turns amber. Add 2 tbsp butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Simmer 1–2 minutes until smooth. Serve warm with churro balls for dipping.
Save My kids love rolling the churro balls in cinnamon sugar—it's become our tradition whenever fall arrives.
Required Tools
Medium skillet, saucepan, mixing bowls, deep fryer or heavy pot, slotted spoon, paper towels
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, cream) and eggs. Contains gluten (wheat flour). If you have allergies, always double-check all package labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 145 calories, 6 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Save These churro balls bring extra delight to autumn and are sure to become a crowd favorite at any gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What apples work best for the filling?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp maintain texture and offer a balanced sweetness after caramelizing.
- → Can the balls be baked instead of fried?
Frying gives the traditional crisp texture, but oven baking at 400°F may work, though the coating won't be as crunchy.
- → How can I prevent the dough from sticking?
Lightly dust hands with flour or use parchment paper for easier handling and rolling when preparing the dough balls.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Substitute plant-based butter for dairy and use coconut cream for the caramel sauce for a dairy-free option.
- → How do I serve caramel apple churro balls?
Serve warm with caramel sauce for dipping. Pair with spiced cider or coffee for a complementary flavor experience.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
For best texture, fry and coat just before serving. Prepare apple filling and dough ahead, then fry when ready.