Healthy Baked Churro Bites


In a bustling mercado in Mexico, the air is thick with the tantalizing scent of cinnamon and sugar. Street vendors serve up golden churros, their crispy, sugary exteriors sparking joy in the hearts of passersby. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy this beloved treat without the guilt, all from the comfort of your kitchen? Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure with these Healthy Baked Churro Bites!

Why make this recipe

Imagine biting into a warm churro, that satisfying crunch yielding to a tender center, coated in a blissful cinnamon-sugar blanket—now, picture that joy guilt-free! These baked beauties offer all the decadence you crave, minus the oil-slicked mess and with a mix of wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re seeking a light snack while daydreaming about sun-soaked shores or a sweet treat for a cozy movie night, these churro bites will take you on a delicious journey without weighing you down.

How to make Healthy Baked Churro Bites

Pack your bags! We’re diving into the culinary world of baked delights with a mix of whimsy and tantalizing flavors. Simply follow this recipe, and before you know it, you’ll have a warm batch of Healthy Baked Churro Bites cooling on your countertop, calling your name!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • Cinnamon sugar for coating (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon)

Directions:

  1. Begin your culinary escapade by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your launch pad!
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and coconut sugar. Give it a good whisk—let those dry ingredients mingle.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, almond milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. It’s time for a little liquid love!
  4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. No need for an arm workout here—mix until the floury dust disappears.
  5. Now comes the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet and shape them into small bites. Think of them as little pillows of sunshine!
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and your kitchen is fragrant with the aroma of cinnamon. The smell alone will whisk you away!
  7. While they’re still warm and oh-so-tempting, roll those baked wonders in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re coated in sweetness. Finish with a wink—it’s a celebration!
  8. Serve these delights warm, and watch them disappear faster than summer vacation!

How to serve Healthy Baked Churro Bites

These churro bites are the perfect companion to your favorite coffee or hot chocolate—just the right match to enhance every cozy moment! Gather your friends, set up a fun little DIY churro station, and let them choose their dipping sauces. Think chocolate, caramel, or even a fresh raspberry coulis for a gourmet touch! Who says street food can’t be classy?

How to store Healthy Baked Churro Bites

If, by some miracle, you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze them for an adventure later! Just pop them in the oven for a quick reheating, and you’ll find they taste just as delightful as the day you baked them!

Tips to make Healthy Baked Churro Bites

  • Need a bit more pizzazz? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an exotic twist!
  • Want to make these bites dairy-free? You’ve already got that covered with almond milk, but feel free to swap in your favorite non-dairy option!
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts into the batter—I suggest a handful of finely chopped walnuts for that added texture.

Variations

Feeling experimental? Dip these churro bites in a gooey chocolate sauce, or drizzle them with maple syrup for a no-holds-barred flavor explosion! Looking for a gluten-free version? Try substituting the whole wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. The world is your oyster—or in this case, your churro!

FAQs

Can I make these churro bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready for churros, just scoop and bake!

What can I use instead of applesauce?
If applesauce isn’t your jam, you can substitute it with mashed bananas or even pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.

How can I spice things up?
For those who crave a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar! The combination of sweet and spicy will have taste buds dancing around the globe.

Bring your tastebuds on a whirlwind journey with these Healthy Baked Churro Bites. They’re not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavor and fun, promising to ignite your spirit and sweeten your day!

Healthy Baked Churro Bites

Enjoy guilt-free churro bites with a crispy exterior and tender center, coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar blanket.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 70

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce Can be substituted with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree.
  • 1/4 cup almond milk Use any milk of choice.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
For the Coating
  • 1/4 cup sugar Mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for coating.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and coconut sugar. Whisk to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, almond milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
  4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and shape them into small bites.
Baking
  1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
  2. While warm, roll the baked churro bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.

Notes

Serve warm. For a fun experience, set up a DIY churro station with various dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel.