Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Sweet Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe: A Crunchy-Cool Delight

Indulging in churro ice cream sandwiches lets you experience a delightful fusion of crispy, cinnamon-coated pastry and creamy frozen goodness.

Soft vanilla ice cream nestles between golden, sugar-dusted churro layers that crackle with each delectable bite.

Sweet dreams come alive when classic Mexican street treats meet cool, smooth dairy delights.

Cinnamon lovers will go crazy for this playful dessert that combines contrasting textures and temperatures.

Carnival-inspired flavors dance across your palate, creating a memorable culinary adventure.

Simple ingredients and easy steps make this treat perfect for spontaneous summer celebrations.

Let’s whip up a dessert that promises pure, unapologetic deliciousness!

Why Everyone’s Talking About Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches

  • Craft Sweet Memories: Recreate childhood joy with these delightful churro ice cream sandwiches that bring together crispy, cinnamon-sugar churros and creamy vanilla ice cream.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy frying and assembly skills while creating a dessert that looks professionally made, perfect for boosting kitchen confidence.
  • Customize Your Dessert Adventure: Experiment with different ice cream flavors, add optional nuts or drizzle extra caramel sauce to personalize each sandwich according to taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat: Impress friends and family with a show-stopping dessert that combines classic churro crunch and cool, smooth ice cream in one irresistible package.

Ingredients to Make Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches at Home

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the churro bases.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the churro dough.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the richness of the churro bases.
  • Butter: Provides flavor and helps create a tender churro texture.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy filling that transforms the churros into a delightful sandwich.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the churro dough rise and become light and airy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance of the churro dough.
Coating and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Sugar: Creates a classic churro coating with warm, sweet flavor.
  • Caramel Sauce, Pecans: Optional toppings that add extra richness and crunch.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor profile of the churro dough.
Cooking and Preparation:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the churro bases to achieve a golden brown color.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps in wrapping and freezing the ice cream sandwiches.

Step-by-Step to Build Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches

Step 1: Prepare Churro Dough

Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Create a small well in the center and add wet ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until smooth and pliable.

Step 2: Shape Churro Bases

Roll the dough into a thin rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Slice the dough into 12 rectangular pieces roughly 4×2 inches in size.

Step 3: Fry Churro Bases

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F. Carefully slide 2-3 dough pieces into the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. While the churro bases are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to create a delicious coating.

Step 5: Cool Churro Bases

Let the churro bases cool completely at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare Ice Cream Filling

Allow vanilla ice cream to soften at room temperature for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble Churro Sandwiches

  • Spread caramel sauce on one churro base
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans (optional)
  • Scoop softened ice cream onto the caramel-coated base
  • Top with another churro piece

Gently press the sandwich together to distribute the ice cream evenly.

Step 8: Freeze and Serve

Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes before serving to help them set perfectly.

Top Tips for the Best Churro Ice Cream Dessert

  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a steady 375°F for perfectly crispy churro bases without burning, using a reliable kitchen thermometer.
  • Prevent Dough Sticking: Dust work surface and rolling pin with flour to easily handle the slightly sticky dough and create clean-cut churro rectangles.
  • Cool Before Assembling: Let churro bases cool completely to prevent ice cream from melting instantly and ensure a structurally sound sandwich.
  • Soften Ice Cream Right: Remove ice cream from freezer 5 minutes before assembly to reach the perfect spreadable consistency without becoming too runny.
  • Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different ice cream flavors like dulce de leche, chocolate, or coffee to create unique churro sandwich combinations.

Flavor Combos to Explore with Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches

  • Chocolate Churro Sandwich: Replace vanilla ice cream with rich chocolate gelato, drizzle dark chocolate sauce instead of caramel, and sprinkle cocoa powder on churro edges for intense chocolate lovers.
  • Mexican Spice Fusion: Add ground chili powder to cinnamon-sugar coating, use dulce de leche as spread, and select cinnamon-flavored ice cream for a warm, bold Mexican-inspired experience.
  • Nutty Banana Blast: Incorporate mashed ripe bananas into ice cream base, coat churros with crushed toasted almonds, and add light honey drizzle for extra sweetness and crunch.
  • Berry Bliss Edition: Swap vanilla ice cream with strawberry or raspberry sorbet, spread raspberry compote between churro layers, and dust with powdered sugar for a fruity, refreshing version.

What to Serve with Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches

  • Pair with Caramel Macchiato: Rich espresso with smooth caramel complements the churro's cinnamon sweetness, creating a decadent flavor harmony.
  • Create Mexican Hot Chocolate Accompaniment: Spicy chocolate drink with hints of cinnamon and chili perfectly matches the churro's warm, sugary profile.
  • Select Cinnamon-Infused Rum Cocktail: Smooth rum enhanced with cinnamon notes elevates the dessert's Mexican-inspired culinary experience.
  • Serve with Dulce de Leche Milkshake: Creamy, caramel-rich milkshake mirrors the sandwich's indulgent texture and enhances its sweet undertones.

How to Store Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches for Later Enjoyment

  • Wrap individual churro ice cream sandwiches tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
  • Place wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring they're sealed completely to preserve flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
  • Insert small pieces of parchment paper between each sandwich to prevent them from sticking together and make individual serving easier.
  • Remove sandwiches from freezer 5-7 minutes before serving to allow slight softening, which enhances the creamy texture and makes them easier to bite.

Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches: FAQs You’ll Want to Read

  • Are churro bases difficult to make?

No, they’re surprisingly simple. Just mix dry ingredients, add wet ingredients, knead briefly, and cut into rectangles before frying. The process is straightforward and requires basic baking skills.

  • Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Vegetable oil works best, but canola or peanut oil are good alternatives. Avoid olive oil due to its low smoke point. Ensure oil reaches 375°F for perfect golden churro bases.

  • How do I know when churro bases are perfectly fried?

Look for a golden-brown color and crispy exterior. Each side takes about 2 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, and use a slotted spoon to remove pieces carefully.

  • Is it necessary to use pecans in the recipe?

Pecans are optional.

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Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe

Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful churro ice cream sandwiches blend Mexican street dessert magic with cool creamy indulgence. Crisp cinnamon-sugar coated pastry hugs smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a sweet summer treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Churro Base:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating and Flavor:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Ice Cream Filling:

  • 1 pint vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 2 tbsp chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
  2. Create a well in the center of dry ingredients and crack eggs into the space, then pour melted butter and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  5. Roll dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle, approximately 12×8 inches.
  6. Cut dough into 12 rectangular shapes, each about 4×2 inches.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, ensuring consistent temperature.
  8. Carefully slide dough rectangles into hot oil, frying 2-3 pieces simultaneously until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
  9. Remove churro bases with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  10. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish, then immediately roll warm churro pieces to coat evenly.
  11. Allow churro bases to cool completely at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  12. Soften vanilla ice cream at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  13. Spread caramel sauce on one churro base, sprinkle chopped pecans if desired.
  14. Scoop softened ice cream onto the caramel-coated base, then top with another churro piece.
  15. Gently press sandwich together, ensuring even ice cream distribution.
  16. Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Maintain precise oil temperature between 365-375°F to prevent soggy or burnt churros, using a digital thermometer for accuracy.
  • Work in small batches when frying to ensure consistent golden-brown color and prevent oil temperature drops that lead to greasy results.
  • Allow churros to cool completely before assembling sandwiches, preventing ice cream from melting too quickly and maintaining structural integrity.
  • Experiment with alternative ice cream flavors like dulce de leche, chocolate, or cinnamon to create unique flavor combinations that complement the churro’s warmth.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 386
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 145 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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