Name: Pumpkin Churro Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying, about 2 cups); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, bite-sized treat that captures all the warmth and spice of autumn, these Pumpkin Churro Bites are exactly what you need. Imagine golden, crispy little nuggets bursting with pumpkin flavor and generously coated in cinnamon sugar. They bring together the best of churros and the beloved seasonal squash in a way that’s simple, quick, and positively irresistible. Whether you’re sneaking them as a snack or sharing them at a festive gathering, these Pumpkin Churro Bites are guaranteed to delight everyone with their soft, fluffy inside and crunchy exterior.

Pumpkin Churro Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that Pumpkin Churro Bites are all about. These kitchen staples work together to give you that classic churro crunch with a cozy pumpkin twist that’s truly unforgettable.

1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the dough and ensures a tender, yet sturdy bite.
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: Adds moistness, natural sweetness, and that quintessential pumpkin flavor.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to complement the spices without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bites puff up just right, making them light and airy.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and the signature churro spice.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthiness that deepens the flavor complexity.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a slight zing that lifts the pumpkin spice profile.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet and spicy elements perfectly.
1/4 cup butter, melted: Gives richness and moisture for a perfectly tender texture.
1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and helps with structure.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, aromatic layer to the flavor.
Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy churro coating.
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Provides the sweet sparkle that churros are famous for.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Creates the final fragrant, cinnamon sugar crust that makes these bites truly special.

How to Make Pumpkin Churro Bites

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This combination lays down the flavorful foundation for your Pumpkin Churro Bites, ensuring every bite is perfectly spiced.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture brings the rich, moist, and aromatic elements needed to make your dough tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring carefully until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. This dough will be soft enough to pipe but firm enough to hold shape when fried, the hallmark of perfect churro bites.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Warm up the vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). The right temperature is key here — too cool and your bites will absorb oil and become greasy; too hot and they’ll brown too fast without cooking through.

Step 5: Pipe the Dough into the Oil

Fill a pastry bag or a sturdy Ziplock bag with your pumpkin churro dough, snipping a small tip at the end. Then, carefully squeeze small, bite-sized pieces into the hot oil. Use scissors to cut the dough off evenly for consistent, golden bites.

Step 6: Fry Until Golden

Fry the bites for 2-3 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking and a crispy finish. Watch for that irresistible golden brown color indicating they’re perfectly done and crunchy on the outside.

Step 7: Drain and Coat

Remove the churro bites using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll each bite in a cinnamon sugar mixture, allowing the coating to stick beautifully and give that classic churro sparkle and spice.

How to Serve Pumpkin Churro Bites

Garnishes

Add a little extra something special by garnishing Pumpkin Churro Bites with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a touch of whipped cream can also elevate these bites to a dessert-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a warm cup of spiced cider or a rich hot chocolate to complement their cozy flavors. They’re also wonderful alongside vanilla ice cream, giving the perfect balance of warm and cool, soft and crisp in one bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Pumpkin Churro Bites in fun, festive ways by placing them in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual gathering, or arrange them elegantly on a tiered dessert stand. For parties, consider offering dipping sauces like chocolate ganache, pumpkin spice cream cheese dip, or maple syrup for a playful touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Pumpkin Churro Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve their crunch, avoid stacking them directly and place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any moisture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bites longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. After they’re frozen hard, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. This way, the bites won’t stick together and will be easy to reheat one by one.

Reheating

To revive the crisp texture, reheat Pumpkin Churro Bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy. This method ensures they taste just freshly fried and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

You absolutely can, but you’ll want to roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth first. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid a watery dough. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and has a consistent texture which makes the recipe foolproof.

Is it possible to bake Pumpkin Churro Bites instead of frying?

While traditionally fried for that crispy exterior, you can try baking them. Pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be a bit different but still tasty!

What oil is best for frying Pumpkin Churro Bites?

Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor. You could also use canola or peanut oil, which work well for deep frying without interfering with the churro’s delicious flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just give it a quick stir before piping to make sure the consistency is still right.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check for 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of dough in the oil — it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly but not burn immediately. Adjust heat as needed to maintain this temperature.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried making these Pumpkin Churro Bites, I’m confident you’ll want to keep them in your seasonal recipe rotation. Their mix of crispy, tender, spicy, and sweet is just the kind of cozy comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. So grab your ingredients, bring that pumpkin magic into your kitchen, and enjoy the delight of sharing these little bites of joy with friends and family.

Pumpkin Churro Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 churro bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these Pumpkin Churro Bites, a festive twist on classic churros with a moist pumpkin-infused dough, fried to golden perfection and coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy dessert treat.

Instructions

Prepare dry mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to evenly distribute all spices and leavening.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Form the dough: Gradually add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a smooth dough forms without lumps.
Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan or deep fryer and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot enough to crisp the churro bites quickly.
Prepare piping bag: Fill a pastry bag or resealable plastic Ziplock bag with the pumpkin dough, then snip off a small tip at the end to create a manageable opening for squeezing dough pieces.
Fry bites: Squeeze small bites of dough into the hot oil, using scissors to cut the dough at even lengths to ensure uniform cooking.
Cook until golden: Fry the churro bites for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping them halfway to achieve an even golden brown crust on all sides.
Drain excess oil: Remove the fried churro bites with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
Mix coating: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar coating.
Coat churro bites: While still warm, toss the churro bites in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are thoroughly and evenly coated for a sweet, spiced finish.

Notes

Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F to achieve crispy, well-cooked bites without absorbing too much oil.
Use a thermometer for accuracy when heating oil.
Do not overcrowd the frying pan to avoid temperature drops in the oil.
You can store leftover churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat in an oven to retain crispness.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American, Fall/Autumn-inspired