Red Velvet Churros Recipe: 12 Incredible Steps to Dessert Perfection

Red velvet churros might sound like an impossible dream, but trust me—I’ve spent countless nights in my kitchen perfecting this show-stopping dessert that combines the beloved flavors of red velvet cake with the crispy, cinnamon-sugar magic of traditional churros. As someone who’s explored street food markets from Barcelona to Mexico City, I can confidently say these red velvet churros deliver that perfect balance of indulgent flavor and satisfying crunch that will have your guests asking for the recipe all night long.

Hey there! I’m Emeli from FoodFansy, and today I’m sharing a recipe that was born from my love of fusion desserts and my belief that the best treats come from fearless experimentation in the kitchen. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right cake mix to achieving that perfect golden exterior, plus I’ll share my pro tips for creating the dreamiest cream cheese filling. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert!

Why This Red Velvet Churros Recipe Works

These red velvet churros aren’t just another trendy dessert—they’re a carefully crafted fusion that delivers on every level:

• Bold flavor profile: The red velvet cake mix adds that distinctive cocoa-vanilla sweetness that pairs beautifully with warm cinnamon • Perfect texture contrast: Crispy exterior meets soft, pillowy interior with a luscious cream cheese filling • Impressive presentation: That stunning red color makes these churros an instant conversation starter • Surprisingly simple: Uses pantry staples and doesn’t require any special equipment beyond a piping bag • Make-ahead friendly: Dough can be piped and frozen, making these perfect for entertaining

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Red Velvet Churros

Best Red Velvet Cake Mix for This Recipe

The key to authentic red velvet flavor lies in selecting the right cake mix. Look for brands that include cocoa powder in their ingredient list—this ensures that signature subtle chocolate note that makes red velvet special. Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker both produce excellent results, but avoid sugar-free versions as they can affect the churro dough’s texture.

Essential Pantry Staples

Your red velvet churros success depends on quality basics:

• Fresh eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the hot dough
• Real butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the final flavor balance
• High-quality canola oil: Choose refined canola oil with a high smoke point for frying
• Pure vanilla extract: Skip imitation vanilla—the real thing makes a noticeable difference in the cream cheese filling

Pro Shopping Tips

When shopping for ingredients, pick up extra cream cheese—it’s the star of the filling and you’ll want to make sure it’s perfectly softened. I always grab an extra box of cake mix too, because once people try these red velvet churros, requests for seconds (and thirds!) are inevitable.

Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Red Velvet Churros

Red Velvet Churros Dough Essentials

For the Churros:

• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup red velvet cake mix
• 2 eggs
• Canola oil for frying

For the Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Filling Must-Haves

The filling is what transforms these from good to absolutely irresistible:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make-Ahead Prep Strategy

The beauty of these red velvet churros lies in their make-ahead potential. The dough can be piped and frozen for up to one month, and the cream cheese filling can be prepared up to two days in advance. This makes them perfect for dinner parties or holiday entertaining when you want to impress without last-minute stress.

Step-by-Step Red Velvet Churros Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Red Velvet Churros

Start by bringing your eggs to room temperature—this ensures they’ll incorporate smoothly into the hot dough without scrambling. Set up your piping bag with a size 9 star tip, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready before you start cooking the dough is crucial since the mixture needs to be piped while still warm and pliable.

Cooking Method for Red Velvet Churros

1. Create the base: In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, bring water, sugar, and butter to a rolling boil. The mixture should be vigorously bubbling.
2. Add dry ingredients: Remove from heat and immediately add flour and red velvet cake mix. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until no streaks remain and the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pot.
3. Incorporate eggs: Let the mixture cool for 2-3 minutes, then beat in eggs one at a time until the dough becomes smooth and holds together in a cohesive ball.
4. Pipe and freeze: Transfer to your prepared piping bag and pipe 3-4 inch strips onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for exactly 30 minutes—this helps them hold their shape during frying.

Doneness Check for Red Velvet Churros

Heat oil to 350°F (use a candy thermometer for accuracy). Fry frozen churros for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. They should sound hollow when tapped and float easily in the oil. Internal temperature should reach 190°F for fully cooked dough.

Resting and Finishing Red Velvet Churros

Immediately after frying, drain on paper towels for just 30 seconds, then roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm. Use a drinking straw to carefully hollow out the centers, creating space for that luscious cream cheese filling.

Pro Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Churros

Avoiding Common Red Velvet Churros Mistakes

The biggest mistake home cooks make is not freezing the piped dough long enough. Those 30 minutes in the freezer are non-negotiable—they prevent the churros from falling apart in the hot oil. Also, resist the urge to overcrowd your frying pot. Cook in small batches for even browning and temperature control.

Essential Tool Recommendations for Red Velvet Churros

• Candy thermometer: Consistent oil temperature is crucial for perfect texture
• Large star piping tip: Size 9 creates those classic churro ridges that hold cinnamon sugar
• Long-handled slotted spoon: For safe frying and easy removal
• Paper towels: Multiple layers for proper draining

Storage & Reheating Red Velvet Churros

Unfilled churros can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To refresh, pop them in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes. The cream cheese filling should be used within 24 hours and stored refrigerated. For best results, fill churros just before serving to maintain that perfect textural contrast.

Red Velvet Churros Flavor Variations

Spicy Red Velvet Churros Twist

Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a Mexican-inspired kick that complements the chocolate notes beautifully. The heat builds slowly and creates an addictive sweet-spicy balance.

Keto-Friendly Red Velvet Churros

Substitute the granulated sugar with erythritol and use a sugar-free red velvet cake mix. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor remains indulgent and satisfying for those following low-carb lifestyles.

Global Red Velvet Churros Flavors

Italian Inspiration: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough and fill with mascarpone cream instead of plain cream cheese.

French Twist: Incorporate orange zest into the cream cheese filling and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Mexican Traditional: Mix cocoa powder into your cinnamon sugar and add a pinch of chili powder for authentic Mexican chocolate flavors.

Red Velvet Churros Serving Suggestions

These show-stopping red velvet churros deserve equally impressive accompaniments. Serve them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cream cheese filling for dipping—your guests will love the interactive element. For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving and garnish with fresh berries.

Perfect Pairings:

• Coffee drinks: Rich espresso or Mexican café de olla complement the chocolate notes
• Dessert wines: Port or sweet sherry enhance the indulgent experience
• Ice cream: Vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream creates the ultimate dessert platter
• Fresh fruit: Strawberries and raspberries add bright acidity to balance the richness

Beverage Matches:

• Hot chocolate: Double down on chocolate flavors for cold winter evenings
• Champagne: The bubbles cut through the richness for special celebrations
• Milk: Classic and comforting, especially for family gatherings

Red Velvet Churros FAQs

Can I make red velvet churros without a piping bag? While a piping bag with a star tip creates the traditional ridged texture, you can use a large zip-top bag with the corner cut off in a pinch. The churros won’t have the classic fluted appearance, but they’ll still taste incredible.

How do I prevent my red velvet churros from becoming soggy? The key is proper oil temperature (350°F) and not overcrowding the pot. Soggy churros usually result from oil that’s too cool or too many churros competing for heat. Also, serve immediately after coating in cinnamon sugar for maximum crispiness.

Can I bake these red velvet churros instead of frying? While traditional churros are fried, you can bake these at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. Brush with melted butter before and after baking for the best flavor, though the texture will be more like a breadstick than a traditional churro.

Are these red velvet churros safe during pregnancy? Yes! All ingredients are pregnancy-safe when the churros are cooked to proper internal temperature (190°F). The eggs are fully cooked during the frying process, making these a safe indulgent treat.

Can I freeze leftover red velvet churros? Absolutely! Freeze unfilled churros in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, then fill with fresh cream cheese mixture.

Conclusion

These red velvet churros represent everything I love about fusion cooking—taking beloved flavors from different culinary traditions and creating something entirely new and exciting. The combination of that distinctive red velvet taste with the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried churro, all brought together with a luscious cream cheese filling, creates a dessert that’s both familiar and surprising.

Fire up your oil and try these red velvet churros tonight! I guarantee they’ll become your new go-to dessert for impressing guests and satisfying those late-night sweet cravings. The recipe is more forgiving than you might expect, and the results are absolutely worth every minute of prep time.

Join the thousands of home cooks who’ve already fallen in love with this show-stopping dessert! Share your red velvet churros creations on social media and tag @FoodFansy—I love seeing how this recipe brings joy to kitchens around the world.

Ready for your next culinary adventure? Try our Mexican Street Corn Esquites Guide or dive into our Ultimate Tres Leches Cake Recipe for more Latin-inspired desserts that will transform your dessert game!

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I’d love to see your unique twist—feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Red Velvet Churros Recipe: 12 Incredible Steps to Dessert Perfection

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• Author: Emeli
• Total Time: 49mins

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Description

Take your love for red velvet to the next level with these crispy and delicious red velvet churros that are perfect for a special occasion. The sweet cream cheese filling makes these irresistible.

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Ingredients

for 12 churros

• 2 cups water

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup red velvet cake mix

• 2 eggs

• canola oil, for frying

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup confectioners sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

 

• In a pot over medium-high heat, bring water, sugar, and butter to a boil.

• Add in the flour and the cake mix and stir vigorously until mixture has no streaks.

• Remove from heat and add the eggs, stirring until the dough becomes a ball. Transfer dough to a piping bag with a size 9 star tip.

• Pipe 3 to 4 inches (7-10cm) strips of the dough on a baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes.

• Heat the canola oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Fry the red velvet churros for about three to four minutes.

• Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

• Using a straw, poke a hole through the centers of the churros to hollow out a cavity for the filling.

• On a plate, combine the cinnamon and the sugar and mix until it is a uniform color.

• Roll the hollowed out churros in the cinnamon sugar.

• In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla, stirring until smooth.

• Transfer filling into a piping bag with a round tip.

• Pipe the filling into the churros and serve.

• Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 45minutes
• Cook Time: 4minutes
• Category: Desssert

Keywords: Red Velvet Churros Recipe