Indulge in the delightful simplicity of Fried Dough Churro Holes with Cajeta, a treat that brings the essence of Mexican street food right to your kitchen.
These golden-fried dough pieces, made surprisingly easy with store-bought pizza crust, are coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and generously filled with rich, creamy cajeta.
Perfect for a quick dessert or a festive gathering, this recipe promises a burst of flavor and a comforting warmth in every bite, ready in just 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for Your Churro Holes
Gather these simple items to create a batch of irresistible churro holes.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Classic Crust Pizza Crust
- 1 cup Mexican caramel, dulce de leche, or caramel sauce
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil
Crafting Your Fried Dough Churro Holes With Cajeta
Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfectly golden and delicious churro holes.
Step 1:
Mix the sugar and ground cinnamon in a large bowl.
Step 2:
Open the pizza dough. Spread the dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough in half the long way and then cut into 1 1/2 – 2 inch strips.
Step 3:
Heat 2 to 3 cups of oil in a deep pan or pot at medium-high heat. Carefully add 4-6 strips to the oil and let fry 2-3 minutes on both sides or until they’ve browned. Remove the churros from the oil and transfer to a dish lined with paper towels to strain the excess oil.
Step 4:
While the churros are still warm, make a vertical cut on one side to open the churro. Fill each one with 2 to 3 tablespoons of cajeta (Mexican caramel, dulce de leche or caramel sauce). Reseal the churros and sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Serve with a cup of coffee or Mexican hot chocolate. Enjoy!
Sweet Answers to Your Churro Questions
Can I use a different type of dough for churro holes?
While this recipe uses refrigerated pizza crust for convenience, traditional churros are made from choux pastry. You can experiment with other doughs, but the texture and cooking time may vary. For best results, stick to the recommended pizza crust or a similar ready-made dough.
What is cajeta, and can I substitute it?
Cajeta is a Mexican caramel made from goat’s milk, known for its distinct rich flavor. If cajeta is unavailable, you can substitute it with dulce de leche (made from cow’s milk) or any good quality caramel sauce. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I ensure my churro holes are crispy?
The key to crispy churro holes is maintaining the correct oil temperature (medium-high heat) and not overcrowding the pan. Fry them in batches to ensure even cooking and browning. Also, make sure to drain them on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil.
Can I prepare these churro holes in advance?
Churro holes are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispness over time. However, you can prepare the dough strips in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to fry. The cajeta filling and cinnamon-sugar coating should be applied just before serving.
What are some serving suggestions for churro holes?
These churro holes are fantastic on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or Mexican hot chocolate. You can also serve them with extra cajeta for dipping, or a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Churro Holes
- Oil Temperature is Key: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil stays at a consistent medium-high heat (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C). Too low, and the churros will be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry churro strips in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking. This prevents them from sticking together and becoming soggy.
- Fill While Warm: The churro holes are easiest to fill when they are still warm and pliable. The heat also helps the cajeta melt slightly and distribute evenly.
- Generous Coating: Don’t be shy with the cinnamon-sugar mixture! Roll the warm churros thoroughly to ensure they are well coated for that classic churro flavor.
- Get Creative with Fillings: While cajeta is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate ganache, Nutella, or fruit preserves for a different twist.
