Delicious Bunuelo recipe for a sweet international treat

In my humble opinion, there is no better dessert than a crispy, golden brown bunuelo covered in cinnamon sugar or honey. This simple yet delicious dessert made of fried dough is a staple in Mexican and Colombian cuisine, often served around Christmas and New Year’s Eve as a symbol of good luck. But why limit yourself to just the holiday season? I think this dessert should be enjoyed year-round.

My love for bunuelos started when I traveled to Mexico and tasted the authentic Mexican bunuelos recipe. Since then, I have experimented with several variations and substitutions to create my own perfect recipe. With just a few ingredients and some expert know-how, anyone can make this delectable dessert at home.

Whether you’re looking to serve up some authentic Mexican food or Colombian food or just craving a sweet treat that is both simple and satisfying, look no further than this bunuelos recipe. I assure you, this dessert will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fried Bread (Bunuelo)
Fried Bread (Bunuelo)

Deep-fried dough covered in sugar and cinnamon, who could resist the temptation of such a heavenly delight? That’s exactly what you get with this recipe for Fried Bread, also known as Bunuelo. A dessert made of fried dough that’s usually flattened into disks and served around Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Mexico and Colombia.

But why should you love this recipe? Well, there are plenty of reasons.

Firstly, it brings people together. Whether you’re making these with your family or friends, the process of making Bunuelos is a bonding experience. The step-by-step instructions make it even easier to involve everyone in the kitchen while creating a fun activity for all ages.

Secondly, it’s simple to make. An ingredient list consisting of flour, eggs, salt, active dry yeast, sugar, warm water, and vegetable oil is all you need to create these delicious treats. Unlike other desserts that require a complicated list of ingredients or techniques, Fried Bread is straightforward.

Thirdly, it can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer them coated with cinnamon sugar or served plain with honey or powdered sugar sprinkled on top, there are plenty of variations to choose from based on your personal preference. It’s the perfect dessert to make at home where everyone can prepare their own bunuelos according to their taste.

And last but not least comes the taste. Once you’ve made these authentic Mexican Buñuelos at home following this recipe article’s instructions, you won’t be able to resist their golden brown crispy exterior that’s coated with cinnamon sugar or syrup. The sweetness paired with hints of salt will take your tastebuds on a journey like no other.

So there you have it: reasons why you’ll love this recipe for Fried Bread (Buñuelo). Give it a try and take advantage of the opportunity to revel in one of Mexico’s and Colombia’s most loved desserts at home today.

Ingredient List

 Golden brown bunuelos fresh out of the fryer!
Golden brown bunuelos fresh out of the fryer!

Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this delicious Fried Bread (Buñuelo) Recipe:

  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2/3 cup of warm water
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the cinnamon sugar coating, you will need:

  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

(Optional) For serving, you can add:

  • Honey
  • Powdered sugar

Note: You can adjust the quantity of sugar and cinnamon according to your preference.

The Recipe How-To

 A sprinkle of powdered sugar is the perfect finishing touch for these fried delights.
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is the perfect finishing touch for these fried delights.

Let’s get into the fun stuff, the nitty-gritty of making these delicious Fried Bread (Bunuelo) treats. To begin with, you’ll need to heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C).

Step One: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of active dry yeast. In another bowl, whisk 1 egg with 1/4 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of sugar until well combined.

Step Two: Knead the Dough

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until it forms a shaggy dough. Knead until smooth for about 10 minutes. Cover it up with a plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to an hour or until doubled in size.

Step Three: Shape the Dough

Once your dough has risen, dust your working surface with flour and roll out your dough into a thin tortilla shape round. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into desired shapes, usually flattened disks.

Step Four: Fry the Bread

Gently drop each disk into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain excess oil off fried bread using paper towels.

Step Five: Cover with Cinnamon Sugar

Note: If you want to opt for more traditional Mexican buñuelos, skip this step and cover it with syrup only.

But if you want that sweet touch on your fried bread, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow dish or plate. Coat each bunuelo in cinnamon sugar mixture by flipping it over several times.

Step Six: Serve Warm

Enjoy this snack while it’s still warm and best served during Christmas or New Years season along with some hot chocolate or apple cider.

Now that you know how easy this recipe is, go ahead dust off your apron, grab your favorite Chefs hat and start cooking these authentic Mexican treats right now!

Substitutions and Variations

 One bite of these crispy, fluffy bunuelos and you'll be hooked!
One bite of these crispy, fluffy bunuelos and you’ll be hooked!

As much as we love traditional recipes, it’s always great to get a little creative in the kitchen. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try with this delicious bunuelo recipe:

– Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or rice flour. This will result in a slightly different texture, but still delicious nonetheless.

– Vegan Option: Instead of eggs, use applesauce or mashed banana to bind the dough together. You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

– Savory Twist: If you prefer your snacks on the salty side, skip the sugar and cinnamon coating and opt for sprinkling some sea salt or chili powder over the fried dough. You can also add herbs and spices to the dough itself to give it a unique flavor.

– Toppings Galore: While the classic cinnamon sugar combo is hard to beat, you can switch things up by topping your bunuelos with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, fruit compote or even some melted cheese.

– Colombian-style Bunuelos: This Colombian variation calls for adding grated cheese to the dough mixture before frying them. This gives them a cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa.

No matter which way you choose to customize this recipe, one thing is certain – these fried dough balls are sure to satisfy any cravings you may have for something sweet and indulgent.

Serving and Pairing

 The aroma of cinnamon and sugar fills the kitchen when I make these bunuelos.
The aroma of cinnamon and sugar fills the kitchen when I make these bunuelos.

Now that you made the perfect Mexican Buñuelos, it’s time to serve them and enjoy their deliciousness. Usually served around Christmas and New Year holidays, this dessert made fried dough is coated with cinnamon sugar, sprinkled cinnamon sugar, or covered in honey or powdered sugar.

Mexican Buñuelos are usually flattened disks served around markets, street vendors, and fairs. Authentic Mexican Buñuelos are made by shaping the dough into a tortilla shape; however, in some regions of Mexico, they take the form of “Buñuelos de Viento,” which means “wind fritters.” These deep-fried crispy treats have a bubbly texture topped with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

To provide yourself and your guests with a special treat for breakfast during brunch time, we recommend eating Buñuelos with hot chocolate. The sweet cinnamon flavors of bunuelos harmonize well with chocolate’s natural bitterness creating a pleasant balance of taste buds. For this pairing, prepare your favorite hot chocolate recipe following your desired sweetness level.

Moreover, since Mexican food is not the only one having it but Colombia too has its own version of these stellar dessert bites called ‘Colombian Bunuelos.’ Colombian buñuelos are larger and fluffier than the Mexican counterpart but share some similarities in flavoring. In Colombia is common practice to have Colombian Bunuelos as a snack paired with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

Alternatively, for additional indulgence on sugar cravings, one can top their Buñuelos with piloncillo syrup – a classic caramel-like syrup used in Colombian desserts and sweets. Finally, adding cream cheese frosting will give your bunuelo extra smoothness balancing perfectly that crunchiness from outside.

So don’t be shy while serving these delicacies because the fact that buñuelos were considered a sign of good luck in the past makes them even more special to enjoy for any occasion!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Don't let their simple appearance fool you – these bunuelos are a delicious treat.
Don’t let their simple appearance fool you – these bunuelos are a delicious treat.

There’s nothing quite like fresh, hot fried bread (bunuelo), but did you know that you can also make these delicious treats ahead of time? If you’re planning to serve bunuelos for a special occasion or event, it’s important to know how to store and reheat them properly to ensure they stay delicious and crispy.

To make bunuelos ahead of time, prepare the dough as directed in the recipe instructions. Once the dough is formed into flattened disks, let them rest at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This will allow the dough to rise slightly and develop more flavor.

After frying, let the bunuelos cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer in an airtight bag or container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve them, simply reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until they are crispy and heated through.

Pro tip: To keep your bunuelos fresh and crispy, avoid storing them with any toppings such as honey or powdered sugar. Instead, sprinkle toppings on just before serving.

Bunuelos are a beloved dessert made across Latin America and are usually served around Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Whether you’re making traditional Mexican buñuelos or Colombian buñuelos de viento, using these tips will ensure your bunuelos are always fried crispy and delicious!

Tips for Perfect Results

 These bunuelos are best served warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
These bunuelos are best served warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

As a seasoned baker, I’ve learned some tips and tricks over the years that will ensure that your fried bread turns out perfectly every time. Here are my top suggestions:

1. Don’t overwork the dough

When making the dough for buñuelos or bunuelos, be careful not to overmix it. Once all of the ingredients are combined, mix until just combined. Overworking the dough could lead to a tough and chewy final product.

2. Use warm water

Adding lukewarm water (around 100°F) will help activate the yeast in your dough recipe, leading to light, fluffy buns.

3. Let the dough rest for a bit

Once you’ve made the dough for your bunuelos or buñuelos, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes after kneading. This allows gluten strands to relax and makes it easier to roll out the dough without resistance.

4. Fry in small batches

To make sure that each buñuelo is cooked evenly, fry them in small batches so that they have plenty of room to move around in the oil.

5. Keep an eye on them as they cook

Fried bread can go from golden brown to burnt quickly so be sure to watch them closely as they cook. Buñuelos will usually only take about one minute per side so don’t wander away from your stove during this time.

6. Coat or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still hot

If you want your buns coated with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, you’ll need to do this while they’re still hot so that it sticks.

7. Serve fresh or store properly

Fried bread is best when enjoyed fresh but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

8. Get creative with toppings

While cinnamon sugar is a classic topping for fried bread, don’t be afraid to try other flavors like honey, powdered sugar or even piloncillo syrup!

FAQ

Before we wrap up this recipe article, let’s take a moment to address some common questions about this traditional dessert. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about bunuelos- from its origins and historical significance, to troubleshooting tips for making the perfect batch every time.

What are Mexican buñuelos made of?

Bunuelos are a popular treat among Mexican families and are typically enjoyed during the holiday season. The dessert is comprised of fried dough that is coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar. The flattened discs make for a sweet and crispy snack that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

What is the difference between Sopapillas and buñuelos?

Let’s talk about two delicious treats that are quite similar but have some notable differences: the sopapilla and the buñuelo. Both are made from sweet dough using flour, but the way they’re cooked and served sets them apart. While the sopapilla is flash-fried to create a soft, pillowy texture and topped with honey while it’s still hot, the buñuelo is deep-fried until crispy, coated in a sugar and cinnamon mixture, and typically served at a cooler temperature.

What are buñuelos in english?

A buñuelo is a delicious pastry that is typically eaten as a dessert. It is made using a mixture of flour, milk, and eggs that are fried in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, it is often dusted with a sweet topping such as sugar and cinnamon or drizzled with a flavorful syrup.

Why are buñuelos eaten at Christmas?

Eating certain foods can be seen as a way to bring good luck, especially during special seasons or holidays. For example, in the Southern United States, many people eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day to ensure good luck in the upcoming year. Some of those with Hispanic heritage also believe that consuming buñuelos during the holiday season will bring good luck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC2LrQVgbYc

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this fried bread recipe (buñuelos) will surely become one of your favorites. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion. From Mexican buñuelos to Colombian buñuelos, this dish transcends borders and cultures, making it a beloved dessert around the world.

If you are looking for an authentic Mexican treat, then this buñuelo recipe is the way to go. Its cinnamon sugar coating gives it a uniquely sweet flavor that is hard to resist. You can serve this dish as a standalone snack or pair it with a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon treat.

Furthermore, if you are feeling adventurous, you can experiment with variations of this recipe. For instance, you can try using different types of flour, adding other spices such as nutmeg or cloves, or even topping it with honey, powdered sugar, or piloncillo syrup.

In conclusion, this buñuelos recipe is an excellent addition to your recipe collection. Not only is it easy to prepare but also uses common ingredients that you can find at any store. Make sure to follow the steps carefully and use our tips for perfect results; you don’t want to miss out on the golden brown crispy texture and cinnamon sugar taste!

So why not give this tasty fried bread (buñuelos) recipe a try? Trust me; once you take a bite of these delectable treats, you’ll never forget why they’re so popular in Mexico and Colombia. They’re sweet, easy-to-make, and delicious!

Fried Bread (Bunuelo)

Fried Bread (Bunuelo) Recipe

This recipe is from Bolivia. It is from geocities.com.
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Course: Appetizer/Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican/Spanish
Keyword: < 4 Hours, Breads, South American, Yeast
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 1136.8kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 cups flour, about
  • 3 cups oil, to deep fry in
  • 1 cup honey or 1 cup powdered sugar, for a topping

Instructions

  • Put 1/4 of a cup of warm water and sugar in a bowl.
  • Mix until the sugar dissolves and add the yeast.
  • Let it soak for about 5 minutes after which you can add the rest of the water, salt, and eggs.
  • Stir the mixture until it is foamy.
  • Add the flour little by little, stirring by hand until you have a mixture that is more watery than dry.
  • Let the dough rise to twice the size.
  • When the dough looks like it is about to sink in the middle it is time to fry them.
  • Heat oil in skillet, about 1/2 inch deep.
  • Start getting the dough from the edges and move in towards the middle.
  • Don't get the dough from various parts of the bowl, move through the dough in an orderly fashion.
  • Use about 1 T dough for each bunuelo.
  • Wet your fingertips with warm salt water and pick up the dough with your fingertips.
  • Stretch the dough carefully to make a thin donut shape.
  • Put it in the boiling oil and let it brown.
  • Flip it over with a stick until it is spongy and brown.
  • Take out bunuelo and put it on a strainer. and then on a paper towel.
  • They are delicious hot and can be covered with honey or powdered sugar.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 277g | Calories: 1136.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 87.1g | Protein: 10.9g | Fat: 85g | Saturated Fat: 11.5g | Cholesterol: 105.8mg | Sodium: 331.3mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 38.3g

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