Copycat Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into the warm, cinnamon-sweet bliss of a churro, you know there’s nothing quite like that delightful crunch followed by a soft, tender center. Now, imagine if that churro was lovingly stuffed with a creamy, festive birthday cake frosting, complete with a confetti of cheerful sprinkles. Your taste buds might start dancing at the mere thought, right? Well, hold on to your party hats because I’m going to share a recipe that’ll let you recreate the magic of Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake right in your kitchen!

How to make Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake

Taco Bell has partnered with Milk Bar to introduce the Milk Bar Birthday Cake Churros, a limited-time dessert offering. These churros are warm and crispy, filled with birthday cake frosting and topped with pink confetti sprinkles.

Ingredients:

For the Churros:

• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (enough to fill your frying vessel 2 inches deep)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating

For the Birthday Cake Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons whole milk (more if needed for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus extra for topping

Instructions:

Churro Dough:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
2. Stir in flour until the mixture forms a ball.
3. Heat oil for frying in a deep fryer or deep pot to 375°F (190°C). While the oil is heating, mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish and set aside. This will be used to coat the churros.
4. Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
5. Pipe the dough into the hot oil, cutting it into your desired length with scissors (about 4 to 6 inches long). Fry until golden brown, and then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
6. While still warm, roll each churro in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Birthday Cake Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing at low speed until combined and then at high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Add milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until smooth. If necessary, add more milk by the tablespoon until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
4. Fold in rainbow sprinkles with a spatula, being careful not to overmix (to prevent color bleeding).

Assembling the Churro Birthday Cakes:

1. Once the churros have cooled slightly, use a small knife or skewer to gently make a hole through the center of the churro, long enough to pipe in the frosting.
2. Transfer the birthday cake frosting into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
3. Pipe the frosting into the center of each churro.
4. Sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles on top of the frosted churros for that birthday cake flair.

Tips:

• Ensure your oil stays at a consistent 375°F (190°C) for even cooking. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Don’t overripe the churros in the oil; overcrowding can lower the oil’s temperature and cause soggy churros.
• Pipe the churros straight into the oil to avoid any misshaping.
• Draining and coating the churros right after frying ensures that the cinnamon sugar sticks well.
• When making the frosting, if the added milk makes it too thin, balance it with a little more powdered sugar. If it becomes too thick, add more milk.
• If you prefer a different flavor of frosting, feel free to substitute the birthday cake frosting with your favorite buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
• Given that these churros are filled, they’re best enjoyed warm and fresh for the ultimate texture and flavor experience.

What to serve with

Serving a Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake offers a playful twist on a classic birthday celebration. It combines the warm, cinnamon-sweet charm of churros with the festivity of a cake. Considering the unique blend of flavors and the hearty appeal of churros, you can complement this dessert with a variety of beverages and side dishes to round out your party menu.

Beverages:

• Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy hot chocolate is a cozy companion to the churro cake, especially during cooler months. The warm beverage contrasts with the churros’ crunchy texture while complementing their cinnamon and sugar flavors.
• Coffee or Espresso: For an adult gathering, a strong coffee or espresso provides a bitter contrast that cuts through the Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake sweetness, balancing each bite with a robust flavor.
• Mexican Horchata: This traditional rice milk beverage, flavored with cinnamon and sometimes vanilla, echoes the flavors of Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake. Its refreshing and creamy texture makes it ideal for washing down the sweet cake.
• Fruity Sangria: A pitcher of colorful sangria, made with wine, brandy, and a variety of fruits, can add a festive touch to your celebration. The fruitiness and slight acidity of the sangria can cleanse the palate between bites of the sweet Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake.

Side Dishes:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with berries, oranges, and perhaps some mint offers a light and refreshing side dish that contrasts with the richness of the churro cake. The acidity and natural sweetness of the fruits provide a perfect balance.
• Dulce de Leche Ice Cream: If you’re looking to double down on decadence, serving a scoop of dulce de leche or vanilla ice cream beside your churro cake adds a creamy, cool element that complements the warm spices.
• Whipped Cream and Berries: A simple side of freshly whipped cream, garnished with a handful of mixed berries (like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), offers a straightforward yet elegant accompaniment that enhances the flavors of your churro cake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake at home might require some ingredient substitutes if you are missing certain items, have dietary restrictions, or preferences.

Flour:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: For gluten-intolerant guests, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but check for added xanthan gum, which helps emulate the texture of gluten.
• Whole Wheat Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it will make the cake denser. Use it as a partial substitute (e.g., half whole wheat, half all-purpose) to avoid altering the texture too much.

Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar: If you’re looking for an alternative to white sugar, coconut sugar provides a similar sweetness with a slightly caramel-like flavor. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a less processed option, use honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that these are liquids, so you’ll need to adjust other wet ingredients accordingly—for every 1 cup of sugar, use about 3/4 cup of liquid sweetener and reduce other liquids by about 2-4 tablespoons.

Butter:

• Margarine: If you’re out of butter or need a dairy-free option, margarine can be used in a 1:1 ratio—preferably a baking-stick variety as it has less water content than tub margarine.
• Coconut Oil: Solid at room temperature, coconut oil can be a good substitute for butter. Use it in equal measure. It will add a slight coconut flavor to your cake.

Eggs:

• Flaxseed or Chia Seed Egg: For a vegan option, replace each egg with a “flax egg” or “chia egg”—mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, and let it sit until it gels.
• Applesauce: Applesauce is another egg substitute that adds moisture. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg, which brings a natural sweetness.

Milk:

• Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk can replace cow’s milk in a 1:1 ratio for those avoiding dairy. Choose unsweetened varieties to control the sugar level.
• Lactose-Free Milk: If lactose is the issue but dairy is still acceptable, lactose-free milk can substitute regular milk without any adjustments.

Cinnamon & Sugar Coating:

• Ground Nutmeg or Cardamom: If you’re out of cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom can give your churro cake an aromatic twist. These spices should be used sparingly, as they are stronger than cinnamon.

Chocolate Filling or Frosting (if used):

• Cocoa Powder with Sugar: If you don’t have chocolate, mix cocoa powder with a sweetener of choice for a similar chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate: Opt for dairy-free chocolate if catering to vegan or lactose-intolerant individuals.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake – a treat that’ll turn any ordinary day into a sweet celebration!

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Homemade Taco Bell Steak Nacho Fries Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Dirty Baja Blast Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Dipping Burrito Recipe
• Homemade Taco Bell Cheese Sauce Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

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Taco Bell Churro Birthday Cake

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cooking Time: 20 Minutes 20 Minutes Nutrition facts: 550 calories 37 grams fat

Ingredients

For the Churros:

• 1 cup water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating

For the Birthday Cake Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus extra for topping

Instructions

Churro Dough:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
2. Stir in flour until the mixture forms a ball.
3. Heat oil for frying in a deep fryer or deep pot to 375°F (190°C). While the oil is heating, mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish and set aside. This will be used to coat the churros.
4. Transfer the churro dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
5. Pipe the dough into the hot oil, cutting it into your desired length with scissors (about 4 to 6 inches long). Fry until golden brown, and then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
6. While still warm, roll each churro in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Birthday Cake Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing at low speed until combined and then at high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Add milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until smooth. If necessary, add more milk by the tablespoon until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
4. Fold in rainbow sprinkles with a spatula, being careful not to overmix (to prevent color bleeding).

 

Assembling the Churro Birthday Cakes:

1. Once the churros have cooled slightly, use a small knife or skewer to gently make a hole through the center of the churro, long enough to pipe in the frosting.
2. Transfer the birthday cake frosting into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
3. Pipe the frosting into the center of each churro.
4. Sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles on top of the frosted churros for that birthday cake flair.