Salted Caramel Churro Cake – SouthernRambles

Salted Caramel Churro Cake transforms the classic churro flavor profile into a soft, cinnamon-scented cake finished with a crisp sugar topping and warm caramel drizzle. The technique blends a tender butter-based crumb with layered sweetness and controlled caramelization. The final result is moist, aromatic, and indulgent—capturing churro-inspired flavor in sliceable cake form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churro Flavor Without Frying – Delivers cinnamon-sugar warmth in a baked, no-fry format.
Moist, Tender Crumb – Buttermilk and proper creaming create a soft, evenly structured cake.
Balanced Sweetness – Salted caramel offsets sugar richness with controlled bitterness and salinity.
Versatile Pan Options – Works equally well as a sheet cake or layered round cake.
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation – Cinnamon topping and caramel drizzle add visual drama with minimal effort.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Cake can be baked in advance and assembled before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake

2½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure while maintaining tenderness.
2½ teaspoons baking powder – Ensures proper rise and light crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with buttermilk for additional lift.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances cinnamon flavor.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Delivers the signature churro spice profile.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and creates a fluffy batter when creamed.
2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and supports moisture retention.
4 large eggs – Bind the batter and contribute structure.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Rounds out sweetness and warmth.
1 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and acidity for a tender crumb.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

½ cup granulated sugar – Forms the crisp, sweet surface layer.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – Reinforces churro-style flavor.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar – Caramelizes to form the sauce base.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and smooth texture.
½ cup heavy cream – Creates a pourable, glossy sauce.
1 teaspoon sea salt – Balances sweetness and enhances depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans, ensuring full coverage to prevent sticking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute leavening and spice.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes, incorporating air for a tender crumb.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry Components

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overdevelopment.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool Completely

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before topping.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

Make the Salted Caramel

Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber-colored. Add butter, then slowly stir in cream. Finish with sea salt and cool slightly.

Assemble the Cake

Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the cooled cake, then drizzle salted caramel generously over the top, allowing it to flow naturally.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Room-Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter and eggs are fully softened for smooth batter emulsification.
Do Not Overmix – Overworking the batter can lead to a dense texture.
Watch the Caramel Closely – Sugar can burn quickly once it begins to darken.
Caramel Consistency – Slightly cooled caramel thickens and drizzles more evenly.
Layer Cake Option – Spread caramel between layers for added indulgence.
Extra Texture – Sprinkle coarse sugar over the topping for crunch.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12–15 slices
Calories: Approximately 420–460 calories per slice (estimate based on caramel amount)

Perfect Pairings

Hot Coffee or Espresso – Cuts through sweetness with bitterness.
Vanilla Ice Cream – Melts into the warm caramel for contrast.
Spiced Chai Latte – Echoes cinnamon notes.
Fresh Berries – Add acidity and freshness.

Ideal Occasions

Birthday Celebrations – Familiar flavors with elevated presentation.
Holiday Dessert Tables – Cinnamon-forward and festive.
Potlucks and Gatherings – Easy to slice and transport.
Weekend Baking Projects – Impressive without being overly complex.

Storage & Serving Tips

Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Extend freshness up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheat Gently: Warm slices briefly to loosen caramel.
Add Caramel Before Serving: Maintains shine and texture.

Creative Variations to Try

Apple Churro Cake – Fold diced apples into the batter.
Chocolate Caramel Version – Add cocoa powder and chocolate drizzle.
Dulce de Leche Swap – Replace caramel sauce with dulce de leche.
Lighter Option – Reduce sugar slightly and serve with yogurt instead of caramel.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dry Cake – Overbaked or insufficient buttermilk.
Sunken Center – Oven temperature too low or batter overmixed.
Grainy Caramel – Sugar crystallized; avoid stirring once melting begins.
Overly Sweet Finish – Reduce cinnamon sugar or caramel quantity.

Why This Recipe Works

This cake succeeds by combining classic butter-cake technique with churro-inspired flavor elements. Cinnamon is integrated directly into the batter for even distribution, while buttermilk provides acidity that enhances tenderness. The cinnamon sugar topping adds surface texture, and the salted caramel introduces contrast through controlled bitterness and salt. At roughly 440 calories per slice, it delivers indulgence while remaining suitable for sharing.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Churro Cake offers the comfort of cinnamon sugar with the sophistication of homemade caramel. It’s approachable, visually appealing, and adaptable for different occasions and preferences. Whether served plain or with ice cream, this cake delivers warmth, sweetness, and depth in every slice.