Churro Apple Pie Bowls

These Churro Apple Pie Bowls are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, featuring a cinnamon-sugar churro crust that perfectly complements the warm, spiced apples inside. With the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors, this dessert is sure to become a favorite at any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Churro Bowls:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender (about 10-12 minutes).
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the apples, stirring to thicken the mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the filling is thickened. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract, then remove from heat.
4. To make the churro bowls, combine butter, water, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Once the mixture is boiling, add the flour and stir continuously until a dough forms. Continue stirring for another 1-2 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
6. Remove the dough from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe or scoop the churro dough into a greased muffin tin, forming bowls with the dough. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
8. While the churro bowls are baking, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the coating in a shallow bowl.
9. Once the churro bowls are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
10. To serve, spoon the warm apple filling into the churro bowls and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

1. Different Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apple varieties for different flavors. Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet and tart balance, while Granny Smith apples provide a tangier flavor.
2. Caramel Apple Filling: Add caramel sauce to the apple filling for a rich, decadent twist.
3. Nutty Churro Bowls: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the churro dough for an added crunch and flavor.
4. Crispy Churro Bowls: For extra crunch, fry the churro bowls instead of baking them. This will give them a more traditional churro texture.
5. Ice Cream Topping: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm apple filling for a creamy and indulgent touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover churro bowls and apple filling separately in airtight containers. The churro bowls can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, while the apple filling should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the apple filling in the microwave or on the stove until warm. The churro bowls can be briefly reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain their crispiness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use pre-made pie filling instead of making my own apple filling? Yes, pre-made apple pie filling can be used as a shortcut, but the homemade filling offers a fresher, more customized flavor.
2. Can I make these churro bowls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the churro bowls a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the apple filling just before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of dough for the bowls? While churro dough is ideal for this recipe, you could use puff pastry or pie dough as alternatives if you prefer a flakier texture.
4. How do I make the churro bowls crispy? Ensure you bake the churro bowls long enough to make them golden brown and crisp. If you want extra crispiness, consider frying them.
5. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make the churro bowls. Be sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that works well for baking.
6. What is the best way to serve these? Serve the churro apple pie bowls warm with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
7. Can I freeze these churro bowls? Yes, you can freeze the churro bowls. After baking and cooling, store them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven.
8. Can I add other fruits to the apple filling? Yes, you can mix in other fruits like pears or berries for a fruit medley filling.
9. What can I do if my churro bowls don’t hold their shape? Make sure the dough is piped into a well-greased muffin tin, and try pressing the dough gently to form a bowl shape before baking. If needed, you can also use a silicone mold to shape the bowls.
10. Can I make these without the cinnamon-sugar coating? Yes, the churro bowls are still delicious without the cinnamon-sugar coating, but it adds a signature churro flavor that enhances the dessert.

Conclusion

Churro Apple Pie Bowls are a fantastic dessert that combines the delicious warmth of apple pie with the irresistible crunch of churros. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a fun and delicious treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Customize with toppings, fillings, or variations to make it your own, and enjoy this sweet, cinnamon-spiced dessert for any occasion.