Why Make This Recipe
Healthy Baked Churro Bites are a delicious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt. These bites are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with coconut sugar and applesauce, you can enjoy a classic treat in a healthier way. They are perfect for a quick dessert or a fun party snack!
How to Make Healthy Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (cinnamon + sugar mixture)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine the coconut sugar, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your guilt-free churro bites!
How to Serve Healthy Baked Churro Bites
These churro bites are best enjoyed warm, right after baking. Serve them on a plate and sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar for added flavor. You can also dip them in chocolate sauce or yogurt for a delicious twist. Perfect for sharing at a gathering or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea!
How to Store Healthy Baked Churro Bites
To keep your churro bites fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw and reheat before serving for the best taste.
Tips to Make Healthy Baked Churro Bites
- Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients well for a smooth batter.
- For added texture, you can mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less coconut sugar.
- Keep an eye on the churro bites while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary.
Pro Tips for Success
Measure flour correctly: Spoon whole wheat flour into your cup, then level. Packed flour can make the bites dense.
Don’t overmix: Stir just until the dry streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten and toughens the texture.
Scoop evenly: Use a small cookie scoop so all bites bake at the same rate and brown evenly.
Watch the bake window: Start checking at 12–14 minutes; pull them when the edges are set and the tops spring back lightly.
Warm topping sticks best: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar immediately after baking so it adheres while the bites are hot.
For extra crisp edges: After the first sprinkle, return to the oven for 2–3 minutes to set the coating (optional).
Flavor boosters (no fry needed): Add a pinch of salt to the batter to amplify cinnamon, or a dash of nutmeg/cardamom for warmth.
Dairy-free dips: Serve with dairy-free chocolate sauce, vanilla coconut yogurt, or a quick maple–cinnamon yogurt for a healthier finish.
Make-ahead friendly: Bake, cool, and store airtight. Rewarm for 3–4 minutes at 325°F (165°C) to refresh the texture before serving.
Variation
You can try using different types of milk such as soy or oat milk. For a fun twist, add a little cocoa powder to the batter for chocolate churro bites!
FAQs
1. CAN I USE REGULAR ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR INSTEAD OF WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR?
A: Yes, you can swap in all-purpose flour one-for-one, but expect a few differences. All-purpose flour will typically yield lighter, softer bites with a slightly less hearty flavor than whole wheat. Because whole wheat flour absorbs a bit more liquid, using all-purpose may make the batter feel a touch looser—this is normal and doesn’t require any changes. Keep an eye on bake time and start checking at the 12–14 minute mark, as lighter flours can brown a little faster. If you enjoy the nuttier taste and extra fiber of whole wheat, you can also try a 50/50 blend for balance.
2. IS COCONUT SUGAR HEALTHIER THAN REGULAR SUGAR?
A: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than standard granulated sugar, which may help reduce sharp spikes in blood sugar for some people. It also retains a small amount of minerals and has a naturally caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. However, it’s still an added sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation—“healthier” doesn’t mean “free-for-all.” If you substitute with white sugar, the bites will taste a bit sweeter and less molasses-y, and the color may be a shade lighter. For those tracking ingredients closely, note that coconut sugar is vegan-friendly by default, while some white sugars are processed with bone char depending on brand and region.
3. CAN I MAKE THESE CHURRO BITES VEGAN?
A: Yes—great news: the recipe is already vegan as written. It uses almond milk (or any non-dairy milk), applesauce for moisture, and contains no eggs or dairy. To keep the cinnamon sugar topping vegan, use coconut sugar or a certified vegan granulated sugar for sprinkling. If you plan to dip, choose dairy-free chocolate sauce or a vanilla coconut yogurt for a completely plant-based treat. Texture-wise, the applesauce provides tenderness and a slight chew that mimics the satisfying bite of classic churros—without any frying or animal products.
Healthy Baked Churro Bites
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Sprinkling
- Cinnamon sugar Mixture of cinnamon and sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine the coconut sugar, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.