Baked Coconut-Lime Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
These baked churros combine the tropical flavors of coconut and lime with a warm cinnamon sugar coating for a lighter twist on the classic Spanish dessert. This spanish-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers water, unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp fresh lime zest
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- as needed vegetable oil spray
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat until butter melts completely.
- Step 2: Remove saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime zest and 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut.
- Step 4: Fit a large piping bag with a large star tip and fill with churro dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with vegetable oil spray.
- Step 5: Pipe 4-inch strips of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 6: While churros bake, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon in a large shallow bowl.
- Step 7: Remove churros from oven and immediately roll each warm churro in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Coconut-Lime Churros with Cinnamon Sugar take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Coconut-Lime Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Coconut-Lime Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Coconut-Lime Churros with Cinnamon Sugar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Coconut-Lime Churros with Cinnamon Sugar?
Spanish desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
