If you’ve ever craved the crispy, golden delight of churros but want to keep things 100% plant-based, this Vegan Churros Recipe will quickly become your go-to treat. These churros come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them at a cozy gathering or indulging in a sweet snack for yourself, this vegan version proves you don’t need dairy or eggs to create a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and essential for creating the perfect taste and texture for your Vegan Churros Recipe. Each one plays a vital role—bringing richness, sweetness, structure, and that beautiful golden color you expect in a churro.
- Water (1 cup): The base of our dough, providing moisture and helping to create the perfect consistency.
- Coconut sugar (2 tbsp): Adds a delicate natural sweetness and a subtle caramel note that elevates the flavor.
- Coconut oil (2 tbsp): Gives the dough richness and contributes to its crispy exterior once baked or air-fried.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the churros with a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides structure and ensures the churros hold their shape beautifully.
- Sea salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Organic cane sugar (½ cup): For coating—creates that classic churro crunch and sweet exterior.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Gives that unmistakable spicy-sweet kick, perfect for coating your churros.
- Dairy-free chocolate sauce or vegan caramel sauce (optional): Ideal for dipping and adding extra indulgence.
How to Make Vegan Churros Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
The magic starts by gently heating water, coconut sugar, and coconut oil in a saucepan. As the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, removal from heat and stirring in vanilla adds warmth to the base. Quickly incorporating flour and salt all at once, then stirring vigorously, transforms these simple ingredients into a smooth dough that pulls away from the pan like a soft, elastic ball. This texture is key for piping and achieving that perfect churro bite.
Step 2: Pipe the Churros
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip because those classic churro ridges trap cinnamon sugar so well! You can pipe them in long strips onto parchment paper or get creative with shapes if you like. If you’re air frying, go ahead and pipe right into the lined air fryer basket for convenience. This step is where your churros truly start taking shape and promise that satisfying exterior crunch.
Step 3: Bake or Air Fry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake your churros for about 18 to 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and puff up slightly. Alternatively, air frying at the same temperature for 10 to 12 minutes offers a quick, indulgent way to get them perfectly crisp, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. This cooking method seals in the moisture inside while crisping up the outside just right.
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Right after baking or air frying, toss the churros in a mixture of organic cane sugar and cinnamon while they are still warm. The residual heat helps the sugar sticky coating cling beautifully, creating that iconic churro crunch and flavor that’s impossible to resist. This sweet cinnamon coating elevates the whole experience, bringing richness and texture in every bite.
Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce
The finishing touch to this Vegan Churros Recipe is serving with a luscious dip. Melt dairy-free chocolate sauce or pour vegan caramel sauce for dipping, adding layers of gooey sweetness that make every bite dreamy. These sauces complement the churros’ crispness and warming cinnamon notes magnificently, turning a simple treat into a festive indulgence.
How to Serve Vegan Churros Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is divine on its own, you can sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar or finely chopped nuts for a bit of extra texture and flair. A light drizzle of melted vegan chocolate over the top adds eye appeal and an extra hit of decadence. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the plate, offering a fresh contrast to the warm, sweet churros.
Side Dishes
Pair your churros with a fresh fruit salad or a tangy berry compote to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing twist. Vegan-friendly ice cream or sorbet on the side also complements the warm churros wonderfully, especially for those wanting to create a full dessert experience that’s both comforting and cool.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve churros alongside mini dipping bowls of various vegan sauces—chocolate, caramel, and even a spiced berry sauce allow everyone to customize their bites. You can also stack churros in a festive cone or jar for easy sharing at parties or family gatherings, making the eating experience as delightful as the flavor itself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any churros left over (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, avoid sealing them while still warm and let them cool completely before storing.
Freezing
Churros freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to one month and conveniently reheated when the craving strikes again.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven crispiness, reheat the churros in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaves as they can make churros chewy instead of crispy. The reheated churros still pair perfectly with your favorite vegan dips, making them feel just as special as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
While it’s best to use the dough immediately for the best texture, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. Just give it a quick stir before piping to soften it up if it firms.
Is it necessary to use coconut oil, or can I substitute it?
Coconut oil adds great flavor and helps achieve the perfect crunch, but you can substitute it with another neutral oil like vegetable oil if needed. The texture will still be lovely!
Can these churros be deep-fried instead of baked or air-fried?
Absolutely! If you prefer more traditional textures, deep frying is an option. Just heat oil to 375°F and fry the piped dough until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels before coating with cinnamon sugar.
Are these churros gluten-free?
This Vegan Churros Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but expect some variation in texture.
What are some other dipping sauces I can try?
Beyond vegan chocolate and caramel, try peanut butter sauce, fruit coulis, or even a tangy citrus glaze for a unique flavor twist that complements the warm churros beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Churros Recipe captures all the cozy joy and comforting flavors of traditional churros while being completely plant-based and accessible. It’s wonderfully simple yet impressively delicious, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Give this recipe a go, and watch how quickly these golden sticks of joy disappear off the plate!
Print
Vegan Churros Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 churros
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy these crispy and golden Vegan Churros made with a simple dough of water, coconut sugar, and coconut oil, baked or air-fried to perfection. Coated in cinnamon sugar and perfect for dipping in dairy-free chocolate or vegan caramel sauce, this recipe brings the classic churro experience in a plant-based, allergen-friendly way.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp sea salt
For Coating:
- ½ cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional for Dipping:
- Dairy-free chocolate sauce
- Vegan caramel sauce
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, coconut sugar, and coconut oil. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer. Turn off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, then add the flour and salt all at once. Use a wooden spoon to stir vigorously until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides forming a smooth ball.
- Pipe the Churros: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in long strips or any desired shape. If air frying, pipe directly into the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper.
- Bake or Air Fry: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes until golden brown, or air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed. The churros are done when they puff up and are lightly golden.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, toss the churros in a mixture of cane sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. The residual warmth helps the sugar adhere perfectly to the surface.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Enjoy your vegan churros warm, paired with melted dairy-free chocolate sauce or your favorite vegan-friendly dipping sauce for a delightful treat.
Notes
- For best results, pipe the churros quickly as the dough thickens as it cools.
- You can choose either baking or air frying based on your preference and available equipment.
- Use parchment paper in the air fryer to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Customize your dipping sauce with vegan-friendly options like fruit purees or nut butters.
- Leftover churros can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
