Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Mascarpone Frosting

Medically reviewed by Christiana George Updated Date: December 17, 2022

I ran across a recipe for churro cupcakes online and immediately thought of the yummy fried pastry, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and filled with warm gooey dulce de leche that one of our Argentinian friends made for us.  For Argentinians, they just aren’t churros unless they are filled with dulce de leche.  I can agree to that one.  I had my fair share of dulce de leche when I visited Buenos Aires two years ago with my husband to visit his family.  I think they put it in or on just about anything.  It’s good stuff.  One day I will try to make some myself, but for now I will continue to buy it at the store.  As a busy mom, recipes need to be kept easy.

So anyway, I knew that if I made churro cupcakes, they had to be filled with dulce de leche.  I had some left over from my recent recipes, so it worked out good.  First I picked out a recipe for the cupcakes.  I chose one from Bakingdom-But I didn’t want a cream cheese frosting, so I chose a mascarpone frosting from Martha Stewart You can’t go wrong with Martha.

Churro Cupcakes with Cinnamon Mascarpone Frosting



by The Sweet Chick

Prep Time: 20-30 min.

Cook Time: 14-16 min.

Keywords: bake dessert cinnamon dulce de leche mascarpone cheese cupcake

Ingredients (18 cupcakes)

FOR THE CUPCAKES

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 (1 stick) cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk, at room temperature

FOR THE CINNAMON SUGAR



  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

FOR THE FILLING

  • 3/4 cup dulce de leche
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

FOR THE FROSTING

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

To make the cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, or the bowl of a standing mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until just combined then stir in the vanilla. Sprinkle 1/3 of the flour mixture over the butter mixture and gently stir in until barely combined. Add half of the milk, mixing until just combined. Repeat these steps with the remaining flour mixture and milk, ending with the flour. Do not over mix.

Fill each muffin cup with 2 tablespoons of batter. I used a measuring spoon. Bake the cupcakes for 14 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then dip the top of each cupcake into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat it. You really have to smush them in there to get it to stick. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before filling.



To fill the cupcakes

Combine the dulce de leche with the sour cream and mix well. The sour cream makes the dulce de leche less sticky and easier to pipe. Put the mixture into a piping bag or a thick plastic bag with the edge snipped off. Make a hole in each of the cupcakes, making sure you do not go all the way to the bottom. I used an apple corer. It worked quite well. Then pipe the mixture into each cupcake and fill to the top.

To make the frosting

With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk heavy cream until stiff peaks form (be careful not to overbeat, or cream will be grainy). In another bowl, whisk together mascarpone, cinnamon and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until completely incorporated. Use immediately. After frosting the cupcakes, sprinkle a little bit of the left over cinnamon-sugar onto the frosting.

I made a good match with these recipes.  The cupcakes were a perfect blend of cinnamon and dulce de leche.  And the frosting was like eating a cloud from heaven.  It was well worth the extra money for the mascarpone cheese.  Just looking at this picture makes me want to lick the screen.  I will go compose myself now.

Cupcake recipe by Bakingdom

Filling recipe by The Sweet Chick

Frosting recipe adapted from Martha Stewart



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Are Black Olives Acidic? Black Olives and Acid Reflux

Aneeza Pervez
Are Black Olives Acidic?

When dealing with acid reflux, choosing the right foods can be critical. Black olives, commonly used in Mediterranean dishes and salads, often raise questions about their compatibility with an acid reflux-friendly diet. Are black olives acidic? Let’s dive into the facts and explore whether they are suitable for individuals managing acid reflux.

Are Black Olives Acidic or Alkaline?

Black olives are mildly acidic, with a pH ranging from 3.6 to 4.6, depending on how they are processed and preserved. Despite their acidity, they are generally considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts for most individuals, including those with acid reflux.

The preservation process, which often involves soaking olives in brine or vinegar, contributes to their acidity. However, once digested, black olives are thought to have a neutral to slightly alkaline effect on the body due to their rich mineral content, including magnesium and potassium.



Related to Read: Are Green Olives Acidic?

Acidic vs. Alkaline Foods and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and irritation. Choosing foods with alkaline properties can help neutralize excess stomach acid and soothe reflux symptoms. While black olives are not strongly alkaline, their nutritional profile provides several benefits for digestive health.

Author Tip: 7 Kinds of Foods to Avoid with GERD

Black Olives and Acid Reflux: Benefits

1. Rich in Healthy Fats

Black olives are a source of monounsaturated fats, which promote overall gut health. Unlike high-fat processed foods, these healthy fats do not typically trigger acid reflux when consumed in moderation.

2. High in Antioxidants

Black olives contain antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can protect the esophagus from irritation caused by acid reflux.

3. Good Source of Minerals

Minerals like magnesium and potassium in black olives help regulate stomach acid production, reducing the risk of reflux episodes.

4. Low in Calories

With approximately 35 calories per 10 olives, black olives are a low-calorie snack that won’t overload the stomach—a common trigger for acid reflux.



Potential Concerns with Black Olives

1. Sodium Content

Many black olives are cured or preserved in brine, which significantly increases their sodium content. High sodium intake can lead to water retention, bloating, and an increased risk of acid reflux. Opt for low-sodium or rinsed olives to reduce this risk.

2. Portion Control

Overeating black olives, like any food, can overload the stomach and increase the chances of acid reflux. Stick to moderate portions.

3. Processing Ingredients

Check for added ingredients like vinegar or spices, which can heighten acidity and potentially aggravate reflux symptoms.

How to Include Black Olives in an Acid Reflux-Friendly Diet?

  1. Choose Low-Sodium Options
    Look for black olives labeled “low-sodium” or rinse regular olives to remove excess salt.
  2. Pair with Alkaline Foods
    Combine black olives with alkaline foods like leafy greens, cucumbers, or quinoa for a balanced meal.
  3. Limit Processed Dishes
    Avoid black olives in heavily processed dishes like pizza or nachos, as these may include high-fat and acidic ingredients that trigger reflux.
  4. Monitor Your Reaction
    Everyone’s body reacts differently. Start with small portions and observe how your body responds before making olives a regular part of your diet.

Author Tip: 7-Day Meal Plan For Gastritis

Black Olive Recipes for Acid Reflux

1. Mediterranean Black Olive Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
  • 10 sliced black olives (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • A pinch of salt and oregano

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss with olive oil for a refreshing, reflux-friendly salad.

2. Black Olive Hummus

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup black olives (rinsed)
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove (optional, depending on tolerance)

Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Serve with cucumber slices or whole-grain crackers



Scientific Evidence Supporting Black Olives and Acid Reflux

  1. Monounsaturated Fats and Digestion: Studies in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Health highlight that monounsaturated fats, such as those in black olives, improve digestion without exacerbating reflux.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Research in Nutrients (2021) emphasizes the role of polyphenols in reducing esophageal inflammation caused by reflux.
  3. Mineral Support: A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2019) links magnesium and potassium intake to improved stomach acid regulation.

Final Thoughts

So, are black olives acidic? Yes, but only mildly. Their nutritional benefits, including healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential minerals, make them a potentially reflux-friendly food when consumed in moderation. By choosing low-sodium options and pairing them with alkaline foods, you can enjoy the rich flavor of black olives without aggravating acid reflux symptoms.

If you have specific dietary concerns, consult a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalized guidance. With mindful eating, black olives can be a flavorful and healthy addition to your diet.



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