If there is one thing that can turn a regular afternoon into a celebration, it is the smell of warm cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen. Now, imagine taking that classic street-food aroma and combining it with the golden, structured crunch of a Belgian waffle and the cooling sensation of premium vanilla ice cream. This is exactly what you get when you dive into the world of Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches. This dessert is a masterclass in textures and temperatures, offering a sophisticated twist on two of the most beloved comfort foods in existence.
When we think of a churro, we think of that iconic ridged dough, deep-fried to perfection and rolled in a gritty, sweet spice mixture. When we think of waffles, we envision deep pockets designed to hold onto flavor. By merging these two concepts, we create a vessel for ice cream that is far superior to a standard cookie or a plain cone. In this guide, we are going to explore how to create this masterpiece from scratch, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of crispy, airy, and creamy.
What is a Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich?
At its core, a Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich is a hybrid dessert that utilizes a cinnamon-infused waffle batter as the “bread” for a decadent ice cream filling. Unlike a traditional waffle that might be soft and pillowy, these waffles are cooked until they achieve a specific level of crispness. While they are still radiating heat from the iron, they are tossed in a signature blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This creates a sweet crust that mimics the exterior of a traditional Mexican churro.
The magic happens when you introduce the ice cream. By sandwiching a thick, cold slab of ice cream between two of these spiced discs, you create a handheld treat that hits every sensory note. The warmth of the cinnamon sugar against the freezing ice cream creates a “melt-in-your-mouth” experience that is hard to replicate with any other dessert. It is essentially a portable version of a gourmet sundae, but with a much better crunch factor.
The Origin of This Fusion Recipe
The history of the churro itself is a bit of a culinary mystery, with some historians pointing toward Spanish shepherds who needed a dough that could be easily cooked over an open fire, while others suggest it was an adaptation of Chinese pastry brought to Europe by Portuguese sailors. Regardless of its ancient roots, the churro became a staple of Spanish and Latin American culture, eventually making its way into the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.
The “waffle” part of the equation brings in a North European influence, specifically the Belgian style which emphasizes deep grids and a light, leavened interior. The fusion of these two—the churro and the waffle—likely gained popularity in modern food trucks and “fusion” cafes in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Chefs began looking for ways to capture the churro flavor without the mess and danger of deep-frying large batches of dough. The waffle iron provided the perfect solution: it creates high surface area for the cinnamon sugar to cling to, without the need for a vat of boiling oil. Adding ice cream was the natural next step, turning a breakfast-inspired pastry into a world-class dessert.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Batch
To make these Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches truly stand out, you need high-quality ingredients. Because the recipe is relatively simple, the quality of your spices and your dairy will make a significant difference in the final flavor profile.
For the Churro Waffles
Two cups of all-purpose flour: This provides the structural foundation for your waffles.
One tablespoon of granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the batter without making it overly heavy.
One teaspoon of baking powder: To ensure the waffles rise and stay airy.
One half teaspoon of baking soda: This reacts with the milk to create a golden-brown finish.
One half teaspoon of salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the cinnamon.
Two teaspoons of ground cinnamon: The star of the show, mixed directly into the dry ingredients.
One and three quarters cups of whole milk: For a rich, creamy batter consistency.
Two large eggs: To bind the ingredients and provide a slight custard-like interior.
One third cup of melted butter: Butter provides much better flavor than vegetable oil for this specific recipe.
One teaspoon of vanilla extract: To add depth and aroma to the batter.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
One half cup of granulated sugar: This gives that iconic churro crunch.
One and one half teaspoons of ground cinnamon: To be mixed thoroughly with the sugar.
For the Filling
Vanilla ice cream: The classic choice, but you can certainly get creative here. Think of flavors like dulce de leche, salted caramel, or even a spicy Mexican chocolate ice cream to complement the cinnamon.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method: Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
Creating the perfect Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich requires a bit of timing. You want to manage the heat of the waffle so that it accepts the sugar coating but doesn’t immediately turn your ice cream into a puddle.
Preparing the Waffle Batter
Start by preheating your waffle iron. Whether you are using a standard square iron or a round Belgian-style iron, make sure it is hot before you even think about pouring the batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and two teaspoons of cinnamon. It is important to distribute the cinnamon evenly so every bite has that warm spice flavor.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk your eggs until they are slightly frothy. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the liquid mixture in. Use a spatula or a whisk to combine them. A major pro-tip here is to avoid overmixing. If you see a few small lumps, leave them alone. Overmixing leads to tough, rubbery waffles, and for a sandwich, we want them to be crisp yet tender.
Cooking to Golden Perfection
Lightly grease your waffle iron with a bit of butter or a non-stick spray. Pour enough batter to cover the grids, but be careful not to overfill, as this batter will rise. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are deep golden brown. For this recipe, you might want to cook them about thirty seconds longer than you would for a standard breakfast waffle. This extra time ensures the exterior is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the ice cream.
The Signature Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the waffles are cooking, prepare your coating in a shallow bowl or a pie plate by mixing the half cup of sugar and the remaining cinnamon. As soon as a waffle comes out of the iron, it is “primed” to absorb flavor. While it is still hot and slightly damp from the steam, toss it into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Coat both sides generously. The heat will cause the sugar to adhere to the waffle, creating a sweet, crunchy crust that is the hallmark of a great churro.
Crucial Step: Move the coated waffles to a wire cooling rack. Do not stack them! Stacking creates steam, which will make your crispy waffles soggy. Let them cool completely to room temperature. If you put ice cream on a hot waffle, you will end up with a mess rather than a sandwich.
Final Assembly
Once the waffles are cool, take a large scoop of your chosen ice cream and place it on the flat side of one waffle. Place a second waffle on top, cinnamon-sugar side facing outward for maximum texture. Gently press down so the ice cream reaches the edges. If you want a professional look, you can use a butter knife to smooth the edges of the ice cream around the perimeter of the sandwich.
Pro-Tips for Success
If you want your Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches to rival those found in high-end dessert boutiques, consider these extra steps. First, the freezer is your best friend. After assembling the sandwiches, wrap them individually in parchment paper and pop them into the freezer for at least thirty to sixty minutes. This “sets” the sandwich, making it much easier to eat without the ice cream sliding out the sides.
Another tip involves the texture of the waffle. If you find your waffles are too soft, you can pop the cooled, sugared waffles into a toaster oven for one minute to re-crisp them before assembly. Just make sure they cool down again before adding the dairy.
Creative Variations to Try: Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
While the classic vanilla filling is hard to beat, the Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich is a blank canvas for culinary creativity.
The Dulce de Leche Twist: Drizzle a bit of warm dulce de leche over the ice cream before closing the sandwich for an authentic Latin American flavor profile.
The Chocolate Lover: Use dark chocolate chunk ice cream and roll the edges of the finished sandwich in mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs.
The Breakfast Club: Use maple-flavored ice cream and top the sandwich with a piece of crispy candied bacon for a sweet and salty explosion.
The Mini Version: If you are hosting a party, use a mini waffle maker to create bite-sized sliders. These are much easier for guests to handle and look incredibly cute on a dessert platter.
The Nutty Crunch: Roll the exposed ice cream edges in crushed pecans or toasted walnuts to add an extra layer of complexity to the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions: Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
Can I make the waffles in advance?
Yes! You can make the waffles a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose their crunch, a quick minute in a toaster oven will bring them back to life. However, wait to apply the ice cream until you are nearly ready to serve or freeze them.
What is the best ice cream to use?
A high-fat, premium ice cream works best because it melts more slowly. Look for “churned” or “French vanilla” varieties. If you use a lower-fat “frozen dairy dessert,” it may melt too quickly against the waffles.
How do I prevent the waffles from getting soggy?
The key is the cooling rack. Never let the waffles sit on a flat plate while they are cooling, as the bottom will trap steam and become soft. Also, the sugar coating acts as a slight barrier between the ice cream and the waffle, helping to maintain that crunch.
Can I use a boxed waffle mix?
You can, but it won’t be as good. Boxed mixes often lack the density required to hold up as a sandwich. If you do use a mix, be sure to add the extra cinnamon and vanilla to the batter to keep the “churro” theme alive.
Is it possible to make Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches vegan?
Absolutely. You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, and swap the butter for a melted vegan buttery spread. Use your favorite plant-based ice cream for the filling, and you will have a delicious dairy-free treat.
Conclusion: Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
Mastering the Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich is about more than just following a recipe; it is about embracing the joy of fusion cooking. By taking the best elements of a crispy churro and a structured waffle, you create a dessert that is far more than the sum of its parts. Whether you are serving these at a summer backyard barbecue, a birthday party, or just as a special weekend treat for the family, they are guaranteed to impress. The contrast of the warm-toned cinnamon sugar against the cold, velvety ice cream creates a nostalgic yet modern experience. So, fire up that waffle iron, get your cinnamon ready, and prepare to enjoy one of the most satisfying desserts you have ever made in your own kitchen.
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The Ultimate Guide to Making Crispy Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
At its core, a Churro Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich is a hybrid dessert that utilizes a cinnamon-infused waffle batter as the “bread” for a decadent ice cream filling. Unlike a traditional waffle that might be soft and pillowy, these waffles are cooked until they achieve a specific level of crispness. While they are still radiating heat from the iron, they are tossed in a signature blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This creates a sweet crust that mimics the exterior of a traditional Mexican churro.
Ingredients
Churro Waffles
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1¾ cups milk
2 large eggs
⅓ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
½ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
Filling
Vanilla ice cream (or dulce de leche, churro, cinnamon, or chocolate ice cream)
Instructions
1. Make the Waffle Batter
Preheat your waffle iron.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
2. Cook the Waffles
Lightly grease the waffle iron.
Pour batter into the iron and cook until waffles are golden and crisp.
Remove waffles and immediately proceed to coating.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
While waffles are still warm, generously coat both sides in cinnamon sugar.
Let waffles cool completely on a wire rack (important so the ice cream doesn’t melt).
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
Scoop ice cream onto the flat side of one waffle.
Top with another waffle, cinnamon-sugar side facing in.
Gently press together.
Optional Freezer Step (Highly Recommended)
Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper and freeze for 30–60 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
These churro waffle ice cream sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, when the waffles are still warm and crisp against the cold, creamy ice cream. Feel free to mix and match ice cream flavors and toppings to make them your own!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Waffle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420 kcal
Keywords: Cinnamon waffle ice cream treats, churro ice cream sliders, fried dough waffle sandwiches, dessert waffle sandwiches
