8. Spiced Apple Churros With Caramel Dip
Forget the rolling pin and the lattice top; these Spiced Apple Churros deliver all the comforting flavor of apple pie in a delightfully crispy, handheld package. Each golden-fried strip of dough is dusted with a warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly complementing the tart sweetness of the finely diced apples folded right into the batter. Serving these is an event, especially when paired with a velvety smooth, homemade caramel dip that begs for a generous dunking. While they are best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, you can prepare your caramel dip up to three days in advance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, add flour, and stir vigorously until a smooth ball forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Pipe 10–12 cm strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting the dough with scissors as you pipe.
Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels.
While the churros are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar-allspice mixture.
For the caramel dip: In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar melts and turns amber.
Carefully add cream, whisking constantly, then stir in butter and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Serve churros warm with the caramel dip on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these Spiced Apple Churros ahead of time?
You can prepare the churro dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store the cooled dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before piping and frying according to the recipe instructions.
Can I substitute the apples in this recipe for another fruit?
While the apple flavor is key to these Spiced Apple Churros, you can substitute finely diced pears or even a thick apple butter in the dough for a similar texture, though you may need to slightly adjust the liquid content.
What is the best way to store leftover churros to keep them crispy?
For best results, store leftover Spiced Apple Churros in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To revive crispiness, reheat them briefly in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before serving with the caramel dip.
