Vegan churros are a delightful twist on the classic Spanish treat, offering the same crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior without any animal products.
These delicious pastries are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in rich chocolate sauce.
Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and results in churros that are just as good as the traditional version. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun dessert, these vegan churros are sure to impress!
Why This Recipe Is Simple and We Love It
This vegan churro recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
The dough comes together quickly on the stovetop, and frying the churros is easier than you might think. We love this recipe because it captures the essence of churros while being entirely plant-based, allowing everyone to enjoy this beloved treat.
Plus, they can be made gluten-free with a simple flour substitution!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying (such as canola or vegetable oil)
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (or any non-dairy milk)
Detailed Steps
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, coconut oil, sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Add Flour: Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the flour until fully combined. The dough will be thick and form a ball.
- Cool the Dough: Allow the dough to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, it’s ready.
- Pipe the Churros: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Carefully pipe strips of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting them to your desired length with scissors.
- Fry Until Golden: Fry the churros in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. While still warm, roll each churro in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce (Optional): In a small saucepan over low heat, combine dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut milk. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Enjoy your vegan churros warm with chocolate dipping sauce on the side!
Tips and Suggestions
- Frying Temperature: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature; too hot will burn the churros quickly, while too cool will make them greasy.
- Piping Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.
- Storage: Leftover churros can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these churros gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations: Add spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an extra flavor kick.
- Different Coatings: Instead of cinnamon sugar, try coating them in powdered sugar or drizzling with caramel sauce.
Calorie Content
The estimated calorie content for one vegan churro (assuming this recipe makes about 12 churros) is approximately 100 calories per churro, depending on specific ingredient brands used and portion sizes.
Conclusion
These vegan churros are not only easy to make but also provide a deliciously sweet treat that everyone can enjoy! With their crispy exterior and soft interior, they are perfect for dipping in chocolate sauce or enjoying on their own. Try this recipe for your next dessert craving or special occasion!