Why You’ll Love Churro Apple Pie Bowls Recipe
Churro Apple Pie Bowls are everything you love about fall desserts with a playful spin. The crunchy, cinnamon-sugar churro shell pairs perfectly with soft, syrupy apples, making each bite a warm and cozy experience. They’re great for individual servings, easy to customize with different fillings, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re entertaining or treating yourself, these dessert bowls bring a fun factor that guests of all ages will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Water
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Unsalted butter
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Granulated sugar
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Salt
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All-purpose flour
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Eggs
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Ground cinnamon
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Apple pie filling (homemade or store-bought)
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Cooking spray or oil for frying
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Optional toppings: whipped cream, caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream
Directions
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In a saucepan, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and stir in the flour until a dough forms. Let it cool slightly before mixing in the eggs one at a time until smooth.
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Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
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Invert a muffin tin and spray the bottoms with cooking spray. Pipe the churro dough in circular motions around the bottom of each muffin cup to form bowl shapes.
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Freeze the tray for about 30 minutes to help the dough hold its shape.
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Fry the churro bowls in hot oil (around 350°F) until golden brown, or bake at 375°F until crisp and golden.
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Immediately roll the hot churro bowls in cinnamon sugar.
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Warm the apple pie filling and spoon it into each churro bowl.
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Serve as-is or top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 churro bowls. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for chilling. Cook time is 15-20 minutes, depending on your cooking method (baking or frying). Total time: about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Variations
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Berry twist: Swap apple filling with mixed berries or cherry pie filling.
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Mini version: Make smaller bowls using a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
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Savory version: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and fill the bowls with creamy dips or chili.
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Chocolate-filled: Add chocolate chips or Nutella inside the warm apple filling for extra richness.
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Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
Storage/Reheating
Churro bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored:
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Storage: Keep unfilled churro bowls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
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Filled bowls: If already filled, refrigerate and consume within 24 hours for best texture.
FAQs
How do I keep the churro bowls from falling apart?
Freezing them before cooking helps maintain their shape. Make sure the dough is well mixed and chilled.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, baking is a great alternative. They may not be as crispy, but will still taste delicious.
What type of apples are best for the filling?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and ability to hold shape when cooked.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the churro bowls a day in advance and fill them just before serving.
Do I need a piping bag?
A piping bag with a star tip helps achieve the classic churro texture, but a zip-top bag with a snipped corner works in a pinch.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Absolutely. Store-bought filling works fine and saves time.
How do I keep the bowls crispy?
Store them unfilled and in a dry place. Reheat in the oven before serving to restore crunch.
Can I use this method for other desserts?
Yes, the churro bowls can be filled with pudding, mousse, ice cream, or other fruit fillings.
Are these gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for baking.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
Use small bowls or ramekins as molds, lined with parchment paper or foil for easy removal.
Conclusion
Churro Apple Pie Bowls are a creative and delightful dessert mash-up that combines comfort and flair in one delicious bite. With their crunchy churro shells and warm apple filling, they’re perfect for sharing and celebrating. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just want to try something new in the kitchen, these bowls are sure to be a standout hit.
