Caramel Spiced Apple Churros

Featured in: Movie Night Snacks

Enjoy the irresistible combination of golden, crisp churros infused with freshly grated apple and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The dough is piped and fried until perfectly puffed, then tossed in aromatic, spiced sugar. Paired with silky homemade caramel sauce for dipping, these churros make a comforting dessert ideal for fall afternoons or festive gatherings. The fusion of Spanish technique and American flavors creates a memorable treat for sharing. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:57:00 GMT
Crispy caramel spiced apple churros dipped in rich caramel sauce, perfect for fall.  Save to Pinterest
Crispy caramel spiced apple churros dipped in rich caramel sauce, perfect for fall. | snackandmack.com

Crispy, golden churros infused with warm spices and apple, served with a rich caramel sauce for dipping. The perfect fall-inspired treat!

I first tried combining spiced apple with classic churro dough on a chilly fall weekend, and everyone couldn&t get enough. These churros quickly became our go-to dessert for gatherings and family movie nights.

Ingredients

  • Churros: 1 cup (240 ml) water, 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 medium apple (peeled and finely grated, about 1/2 cup), 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 2 large eggs
  • For Frying: Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
  • Spiced Sugar Coating: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) water, 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, Pinch of sea salt, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prep Dough:
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Add Apple & Flavor:
Stir in vanilla and grated apple, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Reduce heat to low and add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir until a ball forms and pulls away from the pan (about 2 minutes).
Cool & Add Eggs:
Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until smooth and glossy.
Pipe Dough:
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Heat Oil:
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry Churros:
Pipe 5-inch strips of dough into hot oil, cutting with scissors. Fry 4–5 at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown (2–3 minutes per batch).
Drain & Coat:
Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While warm, toss churros in spiced sugar coating mixture.
Make Caramel:
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until deep amber, 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, then cream, salt, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Serve:
Serve churros warm with caramel sauce for dipping.
Golden churros infused with warm apple spices, served with decadent caramel for dipping.  Save to Pinterest
Golden churros infused with warm apple spices, served with decadent caramel for dipping. | snackandmack.com

Making these with my kids is always a blast. We love piping the churros together and watching them fry up golden and puffed—everyone fights for the first warm bite!

Required Tools

Saucepan, mixing bowls, box grater, piping bag with large star tip, deep frying pot, slotted spoon, paper towels, scissors

Allergen Information

Eggs, dairy, and gluten are present. Check caramel ingredients if using pre-made sauce for additional allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 4 g.

Deliciously warm caramel spiced apple churros, a sweet treat with rich caramel sauce. Save to Pinterest
Deliciously warm caramel spiced apple churros, a sweet treat with rich caramel sauce. | snackandmack.com

Savor these caramel spiced apple churros fresh and warm for the best texture. Everyone will love their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful center.

Recipe FAQs

How do I get churros extra crispy?

Frying churros at 350°F in hot oil and draining on paper towels ensures a crisp exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.

Can I substitute the apple with another fruit?

Yes, finely grated pear works well and offers a unique flavor twist to the classic texture and taste.

What spices give depth to the flavor?

Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves form a warm, aromatic base. A pinch of cardamom adds extra complexity.

Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?

Homemade caramel offers freshness and full flavor, but a quality pre-made sauce can be used for convenience.

What tools are essential for preparation?

A piping bag with star tip shapes the dough, while a deep pot and thermometer ensure precise frying for best results.

How should churros be served?

Churros are best enjoyed warm and freshly coated in spiced sugar, with a generous side of caramel sauce for dipping.

Caramel Spiced Apple Churros

Crispy churros blend apple and spice, served with creamy caramel for a comforting seasonal treat.

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
20 min
Overall Time
45 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Movie Night Snacks

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Spanish-American Fusion

Output 4 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Churros Dough

01 1 cup water
02 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 1 medium apple, peeled and finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
07 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
11 2 large eggs

For Frying

01 Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Spiced Sugar Coating

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
03 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Caramel Sauce

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 2 tablespoons water
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 1/4 cup heavy cream
05 Pinch of sea salt
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 01

Prepare liquid base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Step 02

Infuse apple and vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and finely grated apple. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 03

Incorporate dry ingredients: Decrease heat to low and add all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and detaches from the sides of the saucepan, about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Cool and add eggs: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until the dough is supple and glossy.

Step 05

Shape for frying: Transfer the prepared dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Step 06

Heat frying oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pot and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 07

Form and cook churros: Pipe 5-inch lengths of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting each strip with scissors. Fry 4 to 5 at a time, turning occasionally, until evenly golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per batch.

Step 08

Drain and coat: Remove churros using a slotted spoon and set on paper towels to drain. While still warm, toss each churro in the spiced sugar mixture to coat.

Step 09

Prepare caramel sauce: For the caramel, combine granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat without stirring until the syrup reaches a deep amber color, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and rapidly whisk in unsalted butter, then blend in heavy cream, sea salt, and vanilla extract until the sauce is smooth.

Step 10

Serve: Present churros warm with caramel sauce for dipping.

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Box grater
  • Piping bag with large star tip
  • Deep frying pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Scissors

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and wheat gluten.
  • Check caramel sauce ingredients for additional allergens in commercial preparations.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fat Content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Proteins: 4 g