Churro Snacks
Indulge in the delightful crunch of Churro Snacks, a fun and sweet twist on the classic churro! These bite-sized treats combine the crispy goodness of Honeycomb cereal with a rich, buttery cinnamon-sugar coating.
Perfect for snacking on the go or as a tasty dessert, they’re easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether enjoyed solo or shared with friends, these churro-inspired bites are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Churro Snacks
Ingredients
5 cups Honeycomb cereal
⅔ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter (1 stick)
⅓ cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Cereal Setup:
Place the Honeycomb cereal into a large bowl and set it aside for later.
Create Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking for an additional minute while stirring.
Incorporate Flavors:
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully mix in the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
Combine with Cereal:
Pour the syrup over the Honeycomb cereal and gently toss to coat the cereal evenly.
Cinnamon Sugar Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the cereal and toss again until well coated.
Bake:
Spread the cereal mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the churro snacks to cool completely before breaking them into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container for a delicious treat!
Notes:
Cereal Alternatives: While Honeycomb cereal is recommended for its sweetness and texture, you can substitute with other similar cereals, like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Puffins, for a different flavor.
Butter Substitutes: If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make the recipe suitable for various dietary needs.
Corn Syrup Options: Light corn syrup is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use maple syrup or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly.
Storage: For maximum freshness, store the churro snacks in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a week but can last longer if stored properly.
Customization: Feel free to get creative! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or some cocoa powder to the sugar mixture for added flavor, or mix in some mini chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions: These churro snacks are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping to elevate the treat even more.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture in advance and bake it just before serving to enjoy warm, freshly baked churro snacks.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 10 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 180 | Protein: 1g | Total Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Carbohydrates: 28g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Sugars: 12g | Sodium: 90mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes! While Honeycomb is recommended for its sweetness and texture, you can substitute with similar cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Puffins for a unique twist.
How should I store these churro snacks?
Store the churro snacks in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will stay fresh for about a week, but for the best taste, enjoy them within a few days.
Can I make these snacks gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cereal that you enjoy, and check the labels on the brown sugar and corn syrup to ensure they are gluten-free.
Is it possible to make these churro snacks healthier?
To make a healthier version, you could reduce the amount of sugar used or substitute part of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
Additionally, using whole grain cereal can add more fiber.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit for added flavor and texture.
Just be mindful of how it may affect the coating process.
What should I do if my syrup mixture hardens?
If your syrup mixture hardens too quickly, try warming it gently on low heat while stirring to loosen it up.
Be careful not to overheat it, as that can cause the sugar to crystallize.
How can I ensure the cereal is evenly coated?
To ensure even coating, pour the syrup over the cereal in stages, gently tossing the cereal after each addition.
This helps to distribute the syrup more evenly.
How do I know when the churro snacks are done baking?
The churro snacks should be lightly golden and fragrant after baking for 8 minutes.
Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking, and keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe!
Just make sure to use a larger bowl for mixing and a bigger baking sheet or two sheets to allow for proper spreading and even baking.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
If you don’t have baking soda, you can omit it from the recipe.
It helps the syrup bubble and adds a slight texture, but the churro snacks will still taste delicious without it.