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These amazing oven-baked red velvet churros give you that awesome crunchy outside and soft inside you'd want from churros, at just 36 calories a piece. They're great for Valentine's Day or whenever you want something special, mixing that hint of chocolate from red velvet with the classic cinnamon-sugar dusting, while being way healthier than fried versions. I came up with this after tons of experiments to nail a baked churro that actually feels like the real thing.
I brought these to a get-together last weekend and nobody could tell they weren't fried. The way the red velvet flavor works with that traditional churro crunch makes them so tempting that they don't stick around for long.
Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice
- Red Velvet Mix - Grab premium cake mix for richer taste
- Eggs - Take them out early for better consistency
- Butter - Get unsalted, melt it and let it cool down
- Cinnamon Sugar - Blend your own for the best balance
- Piping Tips - You'll need a star tip for those real churro grooves
The real trick happens when the red velvet mix hits that high temperature, making that signature crunchy outside while keeping the middle nice and soft.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Mix Your Batter
- Combine all red velvet ingredients until you get a smooth, thick mix. Let it sit for 5 minutes to properly absorb moisture. Put it in a piping bag with a big star tip.
- Step 2: Set Up Your Trays
- Cover baking sheets with parchment paper. Give them a light coating of non-stick spray. You can draw lines if you want perfectly straight churros.
- Step 3: Pipe Out Churros
- Hold your bag at a 45-degree angle over the tray. Squeeze out 4-inch strips with even pressure. Snip the ends clean with scissors.
- Step 4: First Baking Phase
- Put in a hot oven at 400°F. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they start getting crisp. Keep that oven door shut the whole time.
- Step 5: Second Baking Phase
- Turn the heat down to 350°F. Bake another 5-7 minutes until properly crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don't burn.
- Step 6: Sugar Coating
- Immediately roll in cinnamon sugar. You'll need to work fast while they're still hot. Set them on a rack to cool a bit.
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Flawless Piping Technique
Getting these churros right really comes down to how you pipe them. Your batter should be thick enough to keep its shape but soft enough to squeeze out smoothly. Try a test run on some extra parchment until you figure out the right pressure and speed.
Getting The Heat Just Right
The two-step baking process is super important for that real churro texture. Starting with high heat makes that crispy shell, then the lower temp makes sure the inside cooks without burning the outside. This approach gives you that fried feeling without all those extra calories.
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Tasty Coating Options
The standard cinnamon sugar tastes great, but these red velvet churros can handle some fun twists too. Maybe try a mix of cocoa and sugar, or add some melted chocolate on top. For Valentine's Day, a drizzle of white chocolate looks stunning against the red background.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Keep your piping bag warm for easier squeezing
- Pick strong piping bags that won't tear open
- Leave good gaps between churros on the tray
- Make sure you do both baking stages
- Roll in sugar right away while they're hot
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These baked red velvet churros have turned into my favorite dessert when I want to wow people. The way they combine that traditional churro crunch with red velvet flavor makes something totally special.
Closing Advice
- Prepare more cinnamon sugar than you think you'll need
- They taste best when they're still warm
- Think about some nice dipping sauces
- Put leftovers in a paper bag instead of plastic
- Try to eat them the same day you make them
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why are double piping bags recommended?
- The thick dough can split weaker bags, so stronger ones are better.
- → Is natural coloring an option?
- You can swap artificial dyes with beetroot juice.
- → Why bake at two different temps?
- The hot start crisps up the outside, while a cooler finish cooks the middle perfectly.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
- They're best fresh, but an airtight container keeps them briefly.
- → What dipping sauce works best with these?
- Melted chocolate or Nutella is always a great choice.