Servings: 16 bars | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
A Sweet Memory from Barcelona Streets
My love affair with churros began on a crisp morning in Barcelona, where the aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the narrow cobblestone streets. Standing in line at a tiny café, I watched as the baker dipped freshly fried churros into thick, molten chocolate, creating what locals called “chocolate con churros.” The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet dough, and rich chocolate was absolutely magical.
Years later, back in my own kitchen, I found myself craving those same flavors but wanting something I could easily share with friends and family. That’s when inspiration struck – why not transform those beloved churro flavors into a batch of chewy, indulgent blondies? The result exceeded my wildest expectations, creating a dessert that captures the essence of Spanish street food in every single bite.
Why These Blondies Will Steal Your Heart
Authentic Churro Flavor Profile
These blondies deliver the exact taste you’d expect from traditional churros – warm cinnamon, sweet vanilla, and that distinctive chewy texture that makes churros so irresistible. Moreover, the addition of chocolate chunks creates delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout each bar.
Incredibly Simple to Make
Unlike traditional churros that require frying and careful temperature control, these blondies come together in minutes with basic mixing techniques. Furthermore, you don’t need any special equipment or advanced baking skills to achieve perfect results.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing treats to a potluck, or simply wanting something special for your family, these blondies fit the bill perfectly. Additionally, they travel well and maintain their chewy texture for days.
Customizable and Adaptable
The recipe works beautifully with various dietary substitutions, making it accessible to friends with different nutritional needs. Subsequently, you can easily adjust sweetness levels or add your own creative touches.
Essential Ingredients
For the Blondie Base:
- ¾ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- ½ cup butter or coconut oil, room temperature
- ¼ cup applesauce (optional – substitute with low-fat Greek yogurt or extra butter)
- ½ cup natural sweetener or sugar of choice
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup water
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Churro Magic:
- 2 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- Extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Perfect Serving Suggestions:
- Vanilla ice cream for à la mode serving
- Fresh berries to balance the sweetness
- Hot chocolate or café con leche
- Whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Kitchen
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 176°C (350°F). This moderate temperature ensures even baking without burning the delicate cinnamon flavors.
Step 2: Generously grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan with cooking oil spray. For extra insurance against sticking, line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Creating the Perfect Batter
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter (or coconut oil), and applesauce. Using an electric mixer or vigorous whisking, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This process typically takes 3-4 minutes and creates the foundation for your blondies’ texture.
Step 4: Add the natural sweetener, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Continue beating until everything is well combined and the mixture appears smooth and glossy.
Step 5: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. This dry mixture ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout your batter.
Bringing It All Together
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough, dense blondies rather than the desired chewy texture.
Step 7: Slowly pour the water into the batter while mixing on low speed. The water helps create the perfect consistency and contributes to the blondies’ signature chewiness. Mix until the batter is smooth but don’t overbeat.
Step 8: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter should reach all corners and maintain a consistent thickness throughout.
Adding the Churro Elements
Step 9: Sprinkle the chocolate chunks evenly across the surface of the batter. Press them gently into the surface to ensure they stay in place during baking.
Step 10: Generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the entire surface, creating that signature churro coating. For extra visual appeal, use a knife to create gentle swirls, incorporating the cinnamon sugar into the top layer of batter.
Step 11: If desired, add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for enhanced flavor and a beautiful golden appearance once baked.
Baking to Perfection
Step 12: Bake for 20-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. The key to perfect blondies is achieving that “semi-dirty” toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 13: Watch carefully during the final few minutes of baking. The surface should be golden brown, and the edges should just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Step 14: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is crucial for achieving the proper texture and preventing crumbling when cutting.
Step 15: Once completely cool, cut into 16 equal bars using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between cuts.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Presentation
Serve these blondies at room temperature on a decorative platter, dusted with additional cinnamon sugar. The rustic, homemade appearance adds to their charm and authenticity.
Elevated Dessert Experience
Transform these blondies into an elegant dessert by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The temperature contrast creates an absolutely divine eating experience.
Coffee Shop Style
Pair these blondies with traditional Spanish beverages like café con leche or hot chocolate. The combination honors the original churro tradition while offering a modern twist.
Party Presentation
Cut the blondies into smaller, bite-sized pieces for parties or gatherings. Arrange them on tiered serving stands with small dessert napkins for easy handling.
Creative Recipe Variations
Double Chocolate Indulgence
Add cocoa powder to the batter and use both dark and white chocolate chunks for an ultra-rich variation. This creates a chocolate-cinnamon combination that’s absolutely irresistible.
Nutty Churro Delight
Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor. The nuts complement the cinnamon beautifully while adding nutritional value.
Dulce de Leche Swirl
Create ribbons of dulce de leche throughout the batter before baking. This addition brings authentic Latin American flavors that pair perfectly with the churro theme.
Gluten-Free Version
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains remarkably similar, making this dessert accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Adaptation
Replace the butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure your chocolate chunks are dairy-free. The result is equally delicious and completely plant-based.
Make-Ahead Tips
Advance Preparation
These blondies can be completely prepared and baked up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll maintain their chewy texture perfectly.
Freezer-Friendly Option
Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, and they’ll taste freshly baked.
Batter Storage
The batter can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bring it to room temperature and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the Perfect Texture
The secret to chewy blondies lies in not overbaking them. They should still appear slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue cooking from residual heat.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures smooth mixing and even texture throughout the blondies. Take these ingredients out about an hour before baking.
Measuring Brown Sugar
Pack the brown sugar firmly into your measuring cup for accurate measurement. This affects both sweetness and texture, so proper measuring is crucial.
Cutting Clean Squares
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For extra clean lines, chill the blondies for 30 minutes before cutting.
Important Notes
Storage Guidelines
Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They actually improve in flavor after the first day as the cinnamon notes develop further.
Preventing Overbaking
Keep a close eye on your blondies during the final 10 minutes of baking. Overbaked blondies become dry and lose their signature chewy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
The applesauce can be replaced with Greek yogurt for extra protein, or omitted entirely if you prefer a richer texture. Each substitution creates a slightly different but equally delicious result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate provides a sophisticated flavor that balances the sweetness, while milk chocolate creates a more indulgent treat. White chocolate chunks offer a beautiful color contrast and sweet flavor profile.
Why do my blondies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
This usually happens from overbaking or using too much leavening agent. Ensure you’re measuring accurately and remove the blondies when they’re still slightly underdone in the center.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use a commercial egg replacer. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when they’re perfectly done?
The toothpick test is crucial – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the center may still appear slightly soft.
Can I double this recipe?
Certainly! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the final stages to prevent overbaking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover blondies?
Microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture. Alternatively, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Yes! A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a tiny amount of cayenne pepper can create interesting flavor variations while maintaining the churro theme.
How can I make them less sweet?
Reduce the natural sweetener by half or substitute it with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use sugar-free chocolate chunks to further reduce the overall sweetness.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 bar): 163 calories | 22g carbohydrates | 2g protein | 8g fat | 5g saturated fat | 0.4g polyunsaturated fat | 2g monounsaturated fat | 0.2g trans fat | 27mg cholesterol | 61mg sodium | 62mg potassium | 1g fiber | 11g sugar | 197IU vitamin A | 0.04mg vitamin C | 22mg calcium | 1mg iron
These churro chocolate chunk blondies capture all the magic of Spanish street food in a convenient, shareable format. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of cinnamon warmth, chocolate richness, and chewy satisfaction that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Barcelona. Whether you’re creating new memories with family or simply treating yourself to something special, these blondies promise to deliver pure joy in every single bite.