Two Recipes for Gluten-Free Churros

Do you like churros but are gluten sensitive or have celiac disease? Then we've got some recipes for you! Try these delicious gluten-free churros.
Two Recipes for Gluten-Free Churros
Eliana Delgado Villanueva

Reviewed and approved by the nutritionist Eliana Delgado Villanueva.

Last update: 27 May, 2022

According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, celiac disease is a disease that affects the immune system when it comes into contact with gluten and gluten-related prolamins. For this reason, we would like to propose two recipes for making gluten-free churros.

We know that gluten-free products aren’t as popular or commercially available as other products. However, that shouldn’t keep youfrom creating whatever recipes you want, whenever you want.

Churros are a simple treat that’s traditionally made with a wheat-based dough that’s fried in vegetable oil. The typical ingredients include water, wheat flour, salt, and oil. However, you can also find many variations on this basic recipe.

Wheat is the primary source of gluten, of course, so you’ll have to learn to cook without it. There are many different options to replace it, however, including rice flour, corn, quinoa, and even lentils. Without further ado, let’s learn two new ways to make gluten-free churros.

Two Recipes for Gluten-free Churros

The need for people with celiac disease to eliminate gluten from their diets has resulted in a lot of gluten-free foods. According to an article from Nutrients magazine, that’s why there are so many options available today that use gluten-free grains and pseudo-grains.

While it might be possible to find ready-made versions in the store, you can also make them at home. These warm, homemade churros are so delicious you won’t even miss the gluten.

Gluten-free churros with rice flour

gluten-free churros

This first recipe will use rice flour, which is one of the more commonly used wheat substitutes. It has a neutral flavor and is the best option for preparing desserts. It also adds a crunchy texture to any food.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups of rice flour (240 g)
  • 1 cup of water (250 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons of honey (50 g)
  • 3 tablespoons of butter (60 g)
  • 1 tablespoon of salt (15 g)
  • 1 tablespoon of gluten-free baking powder (15 g)
  • ½ cup of olive oil (125 ml)

Preparation

  • Heat the water and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the salt and stir well to mix.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the honey and gluten-free baking powder with the rice flour.
  • Pour the melted butter mixture into the bowl and stir well to combine.
  • Let this dough sit for at least five minutes. This will make it more manageable.
  • Heat a skillet with the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the churro dough to a pastry bag and shape them directly into the hot oil. Fry them until they turn a golden color.
  • Finally, pat the churros dry using paper towels and sprinkle some brown sugar on top. You can also use dark chocolate syrup to add additional, low-calorie flavor.

Gluten-free churros with buckwheat flour

gluten-free churros

This recipe incorporates buckwheat flour, which is a good source of fiber and protein. According to a study published in Foods magazine, this ingredient is one of the best sources of polyphenolic compounds.

You will need to combine it with a little cornstarch, however, to keep these gluten-free churros from being very hard. You’ll definitely enjoy trying them!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of buckwheat flour (120 g)
  • ½ cup of cornstarch (60 g)
  • 1 cup of water (250 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract (7.5 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon of salt (15 g)
  • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (30 g)
  • ½ cup of grated dark chocolate (75 g)
  • ½ cup of olive oil (125 ml)

Don’t miss: The Celiac Diet: What You Should Know

Preparation

  • First of all, mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, bring a cup of water to a boil. Remove it from heat and allow it to cool somewhat.
  • Pour the water into the bowl with the dry ingredients to make a thick dough.
  • Add the chocolate and vanilla extract and knead very well. This will be more firm consistency than the first recipe, but that will allow you to shape the churros yourself by hand.
  • Form each churro to the desired thickness and length. You can also use a pastry bag if you prefer.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the churros and allow them to brown on both sides.
  • To finish, blot them with paper towels and decorate with some sugar or dark chocolate syrup. Ready, enjoy some tasty churros without gluten but with lots of flavor.

Still haven’t tried these tasty gluten-free churros yet? Choose the version you like best and enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Nehra, V., Marietta, E. V., & Murray, J. A. (2012). Celiac Disease. In Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-375083-9.00046-5
  • Wijngaard, H. H., & Arendt, E. K. (2006). Buckwheat. Cereal Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1094/CC-83-0391
  • El Khoury D, Balfour-Ducharme S, Joye IJ. A Review on the Gluten-Free Diet: Technological and Nutritional Challenges. Nutrients. 2018;10(10):1410. Published 2018 Oct 2. doi:10.3390/nu10101410
  • Parzanese I, Qehajaj D, Patrinicola F, et al. Celiac disease: From pathophysiology to treatment. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2017;8(2):27–38. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v8.i2.27
  • Ballesteros López, A. C., Guimarães Pereira, A. J., & Junqueira, R. G. (2004). Flour mixture of rice flour, corn and cassava starch in the production of gluten-free white bread. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1516-89132004000100009

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.