There’s an undeniable charm in the air when the holidays roll around, and nothing captures that festive spirit quite like a plate of warm bunuelos. I first encountered these delightful Mexican fritters during a family gathering, where their sweet aroma beckoned guests from the living room to the kitchen. Light, airy, and crispy, they are generously dusted with a cinnamon-sugar coating that adds just the right touch of sweetness.
What I love most about this bunuelos recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. With simple, plant-based ingredients, these treats are not only vegan but also quick to prepare—making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings. Picture this: a cozy evening spent savoring fried dough while sipping a warm cup of vegan champurrado. Whether you serve them as a festive snack or dessert, these bunuelos are sure to delight everyone at the table, keeping tired fast-food cravings at bay. Join me in creating this deliciously crispy indulgence that’s bound to become a new holiday tradition!
Why will you love this bunuelos recipe?
Crispy Texture: The perfect frying technique yields incredibly light and airy fritters.
Irresistible Aroma: Your kitchen will smell heavenly with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Quick Prep: Just a handful of simple ingredients makes this a speedy option for festive gatherings.
Vegan Delight: Enjoy guilt-free indulgence that caters to plant-based diets.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves bunuelos, making them a hit at any occasion—no more boring fast food!
Get ready to impress your family with this delightful treat that’s both easy and delicious!
Bunuelos Recipe Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and tenderness; you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend such as King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a light texture; no substitutions necessary.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; it’s essential for balancing the sweetness.
- Coconut Oil – Adds richness and mimics the texture of traditional lard or butter; for a different taste, consider using regular coconut oil or alternatives like avocado or sunflower oil.
- Warm Water – Hydrates the dough; make sure it’s warm to effectively activate the baking powder.
For Frying
- Neutral Vegetable Oil – Used for frying the bunuelos, ensuring a crispy exterior; can be substituted with canola or peanut oil.
For Coating
- Cane Sugar – Sweetens the cinnamon-sugar mixture; consider unrefined cane sugar for a healthier option.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and flavor to the coating; using Ceylon cinnamon enhances the overall taste, though it can be omitted if desired.
These simple ingredients come together beautifully in this bunuelos recipe, inviting you to create a festive treat that delights the senses!
How to Make Bunuelos
Prepare Dough: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then, add melted coconut oil and warm water, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring a delightful texture in every buñuelo.
Rest Dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. Flatten them slightly, cover with a cloth, and let them rest for 30 minutes to achieve optimal elasticity.
Roll Out: Using a tortilla press or rolling pin, roll each piece into a thin disc, almost translucent in texture, allowing for that perfect fry later on.
Fry: Heat the oil to 350-375°F. Carefully fry each disc for 30-45 seconds on each side until they are golden brown. Gently press down with a spatula for even frying.
Finish: Once cooked, drain the bunuelos on paper towels and sprinkle them generously with cinnamon-sugar while they are still warm. Serve them immediately for the best flavor!
Optional: Serve with a warm cup of vegan champurrado for a delightful pairing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Bunuelos
Sift Ingredients: Ensure your flour and baking powder are sifted to eliminate lumps, which helps create a smooth dough for your bunuelos recipe.
Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain a consistent oil temperature around 350-375°F. Too hot will burn your bunuelos, while too cool makes them greasy and oily.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry one bunuelo at a time to prevent overcrowding in the pan. This ensures they cook evenly and maintain that beautiful, crispy texture.
Adjust Dough Consistency: If it’s humid, you may need to adjust the water in your dough. A slightly softer dough will yield fluffier bunuelos.
Serve Fresh: For the best flavor and warmth, serve bunuelos immediately after frying. They taste heavenly when enjoyed fresh from the skillet!
What to Serve with Bunuelos?
Indulging in warm bunuelos creates an irresistible atmosphere, and pairing them with delightful accompaniments transforms your holiday gathering into a full-flavored feast.
Vegan Champurrado: This rich, chocolate-based drink enhances the sweetness of bunuelos while creating a comforting blend of flavors. It’s warm, thick, and perfect for dipping!
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: A cozy drink with its aromatic spiced twist complements the lightly sugary finish of the fritters, making every bite more delightful.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy bunuelos, balancing sweetness and providing a pop of color to your table.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Lightly toasted coconut brings a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-sugar coating, adding a lovely crunch.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of maple syrup offers an additional layer of sweetness and complexity, perfect for an indulgent treat.
Homemade Fruit Jam: Whether berry, mango, or orange, a tangy fruit jam adds a delightful zesty zing that enhances the flavors of the fritters beautifully.
Chai Spiced Tea: The fragrant spices of chai tea accentuate the warm flavors in bunuelos, offering a soothing contrast to the sweetness.
Coconut Cream Dip: This creamy, tropical dip adds lush richness, making each bite of bunuelos feel even more indulgent and satisfying.
Serve these alongside your bunuelos for a heartwarming experience that transforms your holiday celebrations into cherished memories!
Make Ahead Options
These bunuelos are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrapping it tightly and refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry, simply let the dough come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before rolling it out into discs. For even quicker prep, you can roll and cut the discs, then layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container, storing in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll maintain their freshness and quality, ensuring they’re just as delicious when you fry them. Finish by frying according to the recipe instructions, and enjoy warm bunuelos with minimal effort!
Bunuelos Variations & Substitutions
Customizing your bunuelos recipe is a wonderful way to explore delicious twists and healthier options!
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these fritters suitable for gluten-sensitive friends or family.
- Oil-Free: For an even lighter alternative, try baking the flattened dough at 375°F until golden—it won’t have the same fry texture, but it will be delightful nonetheless!
- Sweetener Swap: Replace cane sugar with maple sugar or coconut sugar for a unique flavor and lower glycemic index.
- Flavor Infusion: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for an aromatic boost that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Spiced Sugar Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for an unexpected warmth in every bite.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate some nutritional yeast into the dough for a cheesy flavor that will tantalize taste buds, making them savory rather than sweet.
- Fruit Fillings: Before frying, add a dollop of fruit preserves or your favorite jam inside the dough for a sweet surprise.
- Decadent Dipping: Serve with a luscious vegan chocolate sauce for dipping, turning these festive bunuelos into an indulgent dessert experience!
Embrace creativity and joy in the kitchen as you prepare your delightful bunuelos!
How to Store and Freeze Bunuelos
Room Temperature: Keep fried bunuelos at room temperature for up to 2 hours, covered with a clean kitchen towel to maintain warmth and prevent drying.
Fridge: To store leftover bunuelos, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze fried bunuelos in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture. Enjoy these delightful bunuelos warmed for the best experience!
Bunuelos Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for bunuelos?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best texture, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend such as King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill works perfectly!
How should I store leftover bunuelos?
To store leftover bunuelos, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel if you want to maintain some warmth and prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze bunuelos?
Absolutely! To freeze bunuelos, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, don’t worry! You can simply sprinkle in a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. This is especially helpful in humid conditions, where extra moisture may impact the dough’s texture.
Are bunuelos safe for my pets?
It’s best to keep bunuelos away from pets. While the ingredients are not toxic for them, the frying oil can be harmful, and the sugar and cinnamon may upset their digestive systems. Stick to pet-safe treats for your furry friends!
What if my bunuelos turn out greasy?
If your bunuelos come out greasy, it might be due to the oil temperature being too low. Make sure to heat your oil to 350-375°F before frying each disc. Frying at the correct temperature helps achieve that delicious crispy exterior without excess oil.
Crispy Vegan Bunuelos Recipe: A Festive Delight at Home
Equipment
- - Large bowl
- Tortilla press or rolling pin
- - Frying pan
- Spatula
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil or avocado/sunflower oil
- 1 cup Warm Water
For Frying
- 2 cups Neutral Vegetable Oil or canola/peanut oil
For Coating
- 1 cup Cane Sugar or unrefined cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon Ceylon recommended
Instructions
Making the Bunuelos
- Prepare Dough: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add melted coconut oil and warm water, mixing to form a smooth dough.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest Dough: Divide into 8 pieces, roll into balls, flatten, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll Out: Roll each piece into a thin disc using a tortilla press or rolling pin.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350-375°F. Fry discs for 30-45 seconds on each side until golden brown.
- Finish: Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar while warm. Serve immediately.