These Tasty Angel Cake Churro Bites are sweet little treats that combine fluffy angel food cake with a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for a fun snack or dessert!
I love how they look and taste like mini churros, but they’re super soft inside! Just sprinkle some extra sugar on top and enjoy these bites any time you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Angel Food Cake Mix: This is the star of the recipe. You can make a homemade version if you prefer, but a box mix is quick and easy. If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free angel food cake mix.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. If you’re not a fan, consider using nutmeg or allspice for a different but delicious flavor. Always freshen your spices for the best taste; older spices might lack punch.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, melted coconut oil works nicely here, too.
Powdered Sugar: This gives the drizzle a lovely sweetness. If you need a healthier option, you can use a powdered erythritol or other sugar substitutes for the drizzle.
How Do I Ensure My Angel Food Cake is Light and Fluffy?
Creating a light and fluffy texture in your angel food cake is crucial. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mixing: When preparing the cake mix, combine it with just the amount of water specified. Whisk until it’s well mixed but don’t overbeat; you want it airy, not dense.
- Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This helps set its fluffy structure. If you turn it out too early, it can collapse.
How to Make Tasty Angel Cake Churro Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box angel food cake mix (approximately 15 oz)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 50-60 minutes to prepare and bake. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, about 30 minutes baking, and then a few more minutes cutting and coating. Plus, the cooling time is included in the total so you can relax while waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
First things first—set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and lightly grease it so your cake won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a mixing bowl, pour in the angel food cake mix. Follow the package instructions, which usually involve adding water and mixing until it’s fluffy and well combined. You want it to be nice and airy!
3. Bake the Cake:
Now, pour that fluffy batter into your greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The cake should turn a light golden brown, and a toothpick poked into the center will come out clean. Once it’s done, let the cake cool completely in the pan.
4. Cut into Bite-sized Pieces:
Once your cake is completely cool, it’s time to cut it into cute little cubes, around 1 inch in size. These bite-sized pieces will be perfect for coating!
5. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be your delicious coating! Set it aside for now.
6. Coat the Cake Cubes:
In another bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Take each cake cube and dip it into the melted butter, letting the excess drip off. Then, roll each cube in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s fully coated. You want every bite to be sweet and spicy!
7. Arrange and Drizzle:
Place all your coated churro bites on a serving plate. Now, let’s make that sweet drizzle! In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth. If it’s too thick, just add a bit more milk; if it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle the sweet glaze over the churro bites and enjoy right away! If you’re not serving them immediately, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Dig in!
Enjoy your delightful Tasty Angel Cake Churro Bites!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While angel food cake mix provides a light and fluffy texture, you can experiment with other cake mixes such as vanilla or lemon. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change slightly. For denser results, layer cakes or pound cakes can also be used, but the cooking time might need adjusting.
How Can I Store Leftover Churro Bites?
To keep your churro bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, they can be placed in the fridge for up to a week, but note that they may lose some of their crispiness. For best results, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore some crunch.
Can I Make the Drizzle in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the drizzle ahead of time. Just whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir to incorporate any separation and drizzle over the churro bites.
What Should I Do If My Cake is Too Dense or Wet?
If your cake turns out too dense, it might be overmixed or undercooked. Next time, try mixing until just combined and make sure to bake for the recommended time. If it’s too wet, ensure you’re following the package instructions regarding water measurements. Allowing it to cool completely before cutting can also help improve texture.
