If you’re dreaming of a cozy autumn treat that feels indulgent yet simple, you have to try this Baked Pumpkin Churros Recipe. These churros bring together the warm, comforting spices of pumpkin pie with a lighter, oven-baked twist that’s just perfect for sharing with family or friends. They deliver all the familiar flavors you love from traditional churros but with a moist, tender interior that only pumpkin can provide. Plus, they’re baked rather than fried, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing any of the holiday magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five rows and six columns of evenly spaced, rectangular orange dough pieces with ridged textures, all placed on a white marbled surface covered with white parchment paper. Each dough piece is about the same size and shape, with parallel grooves running along the length, and some have slightly uneven ends. The lighting is soft, highlighting the smooth and slightly glossy texture of the dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Baked Pumpkin Churros Recipe means gathering a handful of everyday ingredients that work together beautifully to create that irresistible fall flavor and perfect churro texture. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing moisture, spice, and sweetness.

1/2 cup water: Provides the liquid base to blend all ingredients smoothly and helps achieve the right churro batter consistency.
Canned pumpkin: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature autumn taste everyone loves.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and a tender crumb to the churros without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
Brown sugar: Contributes deep caramel notes and enhances the overall sweetness.
Salt: Just a pinch to brighten the flavors and provide balance to the sweetness and spices.
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves): These warm spices are essential for that quintessential pumpkin pie flavor that elevates every bite.
Vanilla: Adds a subtle, fragrant depth to the churros.
All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and gives churros their classic shape and slight crunch on the outside.
Eggs: Binds the batter together and helps achieve the light yet sturdy texture.
Granulated sugar: For coating the finished churros, giving them a sweet, textured crust reminiscent of the traditional version.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Churros Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Churro Batter

Start by combining the water, canned pumpkin, and unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the butter has melted and everything is warmed through. This mixture forms the moist, flavorful foundation for your churros. Once combined, remove from heat and whisk in the brown sugar, salt, your carefully measured spices, and vanilla extract to layer in all those cozy pumpkin pie notes.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour and Eggs

While the pumpkin mixture is still warm, stir in the all-purpose flour all at once and mix vigorously to create a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan. After it cools slightly, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is key for developing the perfect churro texture—airy yet substantial.

Step 3: Pipe the Churros onto Baking Sheets

Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a star tip, which will give your churros that classic ridged look. Pipe 4- to 5-inch strips onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving some space between each. Their shape and size will help them bake evenly with crisp edges and tender centers.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Bake the churros in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and fragrant. The oven’s gentle heat will create a delicate, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and full of pumpkin spice goodness. Keep an eye to avoid overbaking, as you want them soft inside, just like a comforting fall pastry.

Step 5: Coat with Granulated Sugar

Once the churros are out of the oven and still warm, sprinkle or toss them in granulated sugar. This final touch delivers that signature churro sweetness and a bit of crunch, rounding off the flavors perfectly. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Churros Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with a light brown mixture of cinnamon sugar at the bottom. On top, there are nine churros arranged evenly across the dish. Each churro has a golden-brown color with a crispy, ridged texture and is coated lightly in cinnamon sugar, matching the base layer. The dish is on a white marbled surface, surrounded by small orange pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and a dark blue cloth nearby. The lighting is soft, highlighting the warm tones of the churros. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These baked pumpkin churros shine with simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkling of finely chopped toasted pecans for added texture. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully, turning this treat into an elegant dessert.

Side Dishes

While churros are typically a snack or dessert on their own, pairing them with a warm cup of spiced apple cider, hot cocoa, or a rich coffee can transform your tasting session into a full sensory celebration of fall flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your baked pumpkin churros in a rustic wire basket lined with a colorful kitchen towel, or stand them upright in a tall glass filled with cinnamon sticks for a fun and festive display. You can even offer an array of dips like chocolate ganache, maple syrup, or cream cheese frosting for your guests to customize their churros experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover baked pumpkin churros in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender, but they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh for that perfect crispness on the outside.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, freeze the baked churros in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They keep well for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy the flavor of fall anytime you crave it.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the churros in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy rather than delightfully crunchy.

FAQs

Can I substitute canned pumpkin with fresh pumpkin?

Using fresh pumpkin puree is possible, but canned pumpkin is preferred for its smoother consistency and concentrated flavor. If you use fresh, make sure to cook and puree it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Why bake instead of frying churros?

Baking churros provides a lighter option that still captures the classic texture without the oiliness of frying. It’s also cleaner and faster, perfect for home cooks who want all the flavor but less hassle.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

This batter is best piped and baked right after preparation. If you refrigerate it, the dough will firm up and become difficult to pipe evenly.

What is the best way to get the traditional churro ridges?

Using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip helps create those characteristic ridges, which give churros their signature crispy exterior and hold on to the sugar coating beautifully.

Are these churros gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. You could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture may vary from traditional churros.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Baked Pumpkin Churros Recipe, it will instantly become one of your favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin season. They’re warm, spiced, and perfectly approachable to make at home. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, they bring a little extra joy to any day. So grab your ingredients and start baking—you’re in for a deliciously cozy treat!