Are you ready to take your snack game to the next level? Look no further than the crispy, sweet, and indulgent world of bunuelos! These traditional Latin American treats have been a staple at gatherings and celebrations for generations. And while they’re delicious on their own, why not mix things up with some creative twists?
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering bunuelo recipes that add a sweet twist to the classic. From savory cheese-filled options to indulgent chocolate-stuffed treats, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option or just want to shake things up with some unique flavors, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to dive into the world of crispy, crunchy, and utterly delicious bunuelos!
Traditional Colombian Cheese Bunuelos
These crispy, cheesy fritters are a beloved treat in Colombia. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they’re easy to make and always a hit.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup grated queso fresco (or other crumbly cheese)
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the grated cheese and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the vegetable oil and beaten egg to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
6. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
7. Use a spoon to drop small balls of dough into the oil, flattening slightly with a spatula.
8. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
9. Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total.
Enjoy your delicious Colombian Cheese Bunuelos!
Mexican Cinnamon Sugar Bunuelos
Mexican Cinnamon Sugar Bunuelos Recipe
These sweet and spicy treats are a staple of Mexican celebrations. Fluffy dough, deep-fried to perfection, coated in cinnamon sugar – it’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cinnamon sugar (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk, kneading until a dough forms.
3. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry dough balls (about 1 tablespoon each) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. While still warm, toss bunuelos in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Bunuelos with Maple Glaze
Pumpkin Spice Bunuelos with Maple Glaze: A Sweet Twist on a Mexican Classic
Get ready to delight your taste buds with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices wrapped up in crispy, sugary goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup)
– Maple glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and pumpkin puree.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
5. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 1/4 cupfuls. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Maple Glaze:
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over warm Bunuelos. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes per batch, depending on the size of the balls.
Chocolate-Stuffed Bunuelos
Transform traditional bunuelos into a rich and indulgent treat by adding a velvety chocolate center. This recipe is perfect for chocoholics and those looking to elevate their holiday dessert game.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of bunuelo dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the bunuelo dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Cut out circles of dough using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
4. Place a small spoonful of melted chocolate in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the chocolate, forming a triangle or a square shape, and press the edges together to seal.
6. Place the stuffed bunuelos on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Guava and Cream Cheese Bunuelos
Elevate your dessert game with these crispy and creamy Guava and Cream Cheese Bunuelos. The sweetness of the guava pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a unique flavor combination that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe guava, diced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 package of graham cracker crumbs (about 1 cup)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together guava, cream cheese, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Beat in the egg and milk until smooth.
3. Add the graham cracker crumbs and mix until a dough forms.
4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
5. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 1/4 cupfuls.
6. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Orange Zest and Honey Bunuelos
Sweet and citrusy bunuelos infused with the brightness of orange zest and the warmth of honey.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
• Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, orange juice, honey, and grated orange zest.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., strips or balls).
6. Place the bunuelos on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Almond Flour Bunuelos for a Gluten-Free Option
These crispy and sweet Mexican-inspired treats are perfect for a gluten-free dessert or snack option. Made with almond flour, these bunuelos are not only delicious but also easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda.
3. Add melted coconut oil and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough into thin sheets, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or triangles).
6. Fry the bunuelos in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Sweet Potato Bunuelos with Brown Sugar Syrup
Sweet Potato Bunuelos with Brown Sugar Syrup: A Twist on Traditional Latin American Treats
These crispy fried dough balls are typically filled with sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Our recipe adds a rich brown sugar syrup for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Brown sugar syrup (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
3. Using wet hands, shape the mixture into small balls.
4. Fry the bunuelos for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Brown Sugar Syrup:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Coconut Bunuelos with Dulce de Leche Drizzle
Warm up to a sweet treat with these crispy Coconut Bunuelos drizzled with rich Dulce de Leche. A perfect fusion of textures and flavors, this dessert is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup grated coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Dulce de Leche (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, coconut, salt, and baking powder.
3. Gradually add vegetable oil and heavy cream to form a thick batter.
4. Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve warm Bunuelos drizzled with Dulce de Leche.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Anise-Flavored Bunuelos with Powdered Sugar
Anise-Flavored Bunuelos with Powdered Sugar Recipe
Summary: These traditional Mexican bunuelos are infused with the warmth of anise and coated in a sweet powdered sugar crust. Perfect for a dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon anise extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add oil and warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Add anise extract and knead until well combined.
5. Divide dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to cover the bunuelos.
7. Fry bunuelos in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apple Cider Bunuelos with Caramel Sauce
Kick off your fall festivities with these crispy, sweet, and tender bunuelos infused with the warmth of apple cider. Paired with a rich caramel sauce, this treat is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons apple cider
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and apple cider.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
5. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 1/4 cupfuls.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil.
8. Serve warm bunuelos with caramel sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Bunuelos
Lemon Poppy Seed Bunuelos: A Sweet and Tangy Treat
These crispy, citrusy fritters are perfect for a warm weather dessert or snack. With the brightness of lemon zest and the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and lemon juice.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the poppy seeds.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the oil, about 1/4 cup each.
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pineapple Bunuelos with Rum Glaze
Elevate your dessert game with these sweet and tangy pineapple bunuelos, drizzled with a rich rum glaze. Perfect for a tropical getaway or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Rum glaze (recipe below)
Rum Glaze:
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix together sugar, milk, eggs, and pineapple juice.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
7. Drizzle rum glaze over warm bunuelos.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bunuelos
Transform the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a crispy, sweet treat with these Peanut Butter and Jelly Bunuelos. Crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, these bite-sized fritters are perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup jelly (your favorite flavor)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
2. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add jelly to the peanut butter mixture and stir until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Drop small balls of dough into the oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes to fry all the bunuelos.
Enjoy your crunchy Peanut Butter and Jelly Bunuelos!
Banana Bread Bunuelos with Nutella Dip
Get ready to experience a delightful fusion of flavors and textures! These crispy, sweet banana bread bunuelos are the perfect match for a rich and creamy Nutella dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
– Nutella dip (store-bought or homemade)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Mash bananas in a separate bowl and mix with egg.
4. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture and stir until combined.
5. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil (about 1/4 cup each).
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. Dust warm bunuelos with powdered sugar.
8. Serve with Nutella dip and confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the size of the bunuelos)
Enjoy your scrumptious Banana Bread Bunuelos with Nutella Dip!
Churro-Style Bunuelos with Chocolate Sauce
Transform the traditional Spanish doughnuts into a sweet treat by drizzling them with a rich chocolate sauce. These churro-style bunuelos are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dunking in a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
– Chocolate sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add eggs and yeast; mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add lukewarm milk; knead for 5 minutes.
4. Cover dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough and fry in batches until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
6. Drain excess oil and dust with powdered sugar (if desired).
Chocolate Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Combine ingredients in a saucepan; melt over low heat, whisking until smooth.
Savory Garlic and Herb Bunuelos
Elevate your snack game with these crispy, flavorful bunuelos infused with the pungency of garlic and herbs. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a side dish to accompany your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Add minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese; mix well.
4. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into disks.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry bunuelos for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes.
Matcha Green Tea Bunuelos with White Chocolate Drizzle
Experience the harmony of Japanese green tea and Spanish churros in this unique dessert recipe. Crunchy, chewy bunuelos infused with matcha’s bright, grassy flavor are drizzled with rich white chocolate for a sweet and savory treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– White chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
2. Add matcha powder and whisk until well combined.
3. Gradually add milk to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
5. Cut into 1-inch pieces and fry in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. Melt white chocolate chips or chunks in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
8. Drizzle warm white chocolate over the fried bunuelos.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of crispy, sweet, and savory bunuelos! This collection of 18 recipes puts a twist on the traditional Latin American treat. From classic cheese and cinnamon sugar flavors to innovative pumpkin spice, chocolate-stuffed, and matcha green tea varieties, there’s something for everyone. Discover creative flavor combinations like guava and cream cheese, orange zest and honey, and peanut butter and jelly. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a savory snack, these bunuelos recipes will satisfy your cravings.