Vanilla Churro Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar Crust
Mini tart shells with a cinnamon-sugar crust filled with smooth vanilla custard, inspired by classic churro flavors. This spanish-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar, divided ground cinnamon 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 180 calories and feeds 12, 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 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp divided ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp cold diced unsalted butter
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Cut in 6 tbsp cold diced unsalted butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Add 1 large egg yolk and 1 tsp vanilla extract; mix until dough starts to come together. Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface, then cut into 3-inch circles. Press circles into a mini tart pan with 12 cavities. Mix 2 tbsp granulated sugar with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over tart shells.
- Step 4: Bake tart shells for 12-15 minutes until golden and set; remove and cool.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk 1 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 3 tbsp cornstarch, 3 large egg whites, and 1/4 tsp salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until custard thickens and boils, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove custard from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Allow to cool slightly.
- Step 7: Spoon the vanilla custard into cooled tart shells. Chill tarts in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to set the filling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vanilla Churro Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar Crust take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (35 min prep + 20 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 Vanilla Churro Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar Crust?
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 Vanilla Churro Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar Crust?
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 Vanilla Churro Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Vanilla Churro Tarts with Cinnamon Sugar Crust?
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.
