If you’re craving churros but want a healthier version without frying or sugar, this recipe is perfect for you! These Oatmeal Churros are simple to make, guilt-free, and come with a rich, thick chocolate dipping sauce. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and perfect for a light snack or dessert. Here’s how to prepare them!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients for About 16 Churros (10 cm Long)

Step 1: The Churro Dough

• 30g butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 150 ml water: To form the base of the dough.
• 100g ground oats: A healthy alternative to traditional flour, providing fiber and nutrients.
• 1 egg: Adds moisture and helps the dough rise.
• Vanilla extract (optional): For a touch of extra flavor.

Step 2: The Thick Chocolate Sauce

• 1 cup milk or plant-based milk: For a creamy base.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: For a rich, chocolaty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sweetener or stevia: To naturally sweeten the sauce without sugar.
• ½ cup milk or plant-based milk: To dissolve the cornstarch for thickening.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and make it velvety smooth.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Churro Dough

1. Heat the Liquid: In a small saucepan, melt 30g of butter with a pinch of salt and 150 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Add the Oats: Gradually stir in 100g of ground oats. Stir constantly over low heat until the mixture comes together into a dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the dough cool for a few minutes before adding the egg to avoid scrambling.
4. Add the Egg: Beat in 1 egg and vanilla extract (if using), mixing until the dough becomes smooth and slightly sticky.
5. Form the Churros: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe churros (about 10 cm long) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Churros

6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the churros for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly crispy on the outside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Sauce

7. Make the Chocolate Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk (or plant-based milk) over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of sweetener (or stevia). Stir until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved.
8. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in ½ cup of cold milk. Slowly add this mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the chocolate sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Serve: Serve the warm churros with the thick chocolate sauce for dipping!

Nutritional Information (Per Churro):

• Calories: Approximately 70 kcal
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 0g (depending on the sweetener used)

Cooking Tips:

• Customize the Flavor: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a more aromatic flavor.
• Avoid Over-Baking: Keep an eye on the churros while baking. They should be golden, not overly crispy, for the perfect soft interior.
• Healthy Sweetener Options: You can use maple syrup, honey, or any other natural sweetener in the chocolate sauce instead of stevia.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover churros in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their texture.
• Freeze for Later: You can freeze the unbaked churro dough by piping it onto a baking sheet and freezing the pieces until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Q: Can I fry these churros instead of baking them?
  A: Yes, you can fry them! Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the churros until golden brown. However, baking is a healthier alternative.
• Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  A: Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats for the dough.
• Q: Can I use almond flour instead of ground oats?
  A: Almond flour can be used, but it may result in a slightly different texture. The churros might be softer and less crispy.
• Q: How can I make the churros more crispy?
  A: To make the churros crispier, increase the baking time by a few minutes or use an air fryer for an even crunchier exterior.