Costco Caramel Churro Sundae Copycat Recipe (New Food Court Drop Taste Test)
Costco replaced the mint chocolate sundae with a caramel churro version and the internet is divided — but your kitchen doesn't have to be. Creamy vanilla soft serve drowned in salted caramel sauce with crispy mini churro bites on top. Every spoonful is crunchy, gooey, salty-sweet perfection.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt 4 cups
- all-purpose flour 1 cup
- water 1 cup
- unsalted butter 1 stick
- large eggs 2 pieces
- canola oil 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
- granulated sugar 0.5 cup
- ground cinnamon 2 tsp
- salt 0.5 tsp
- caramel sauce 1 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
74 g
60%
Protein
9 g
7%
Fat
18 g
33%
Cooking steps
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1
Make the churro dough: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring 1 cup water, 1 stick unsalted butter, and 1/2 tsp salt to a light simmer. Stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour quickly until a smooth dough forms, pulling away from the sides.
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2
Cool the dough for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until glossy and pipeable. (Copycat tip: This classic choux-like technique gives the churros their soft, airy interior like Costco's.)
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3
Heat 3 cups canola oil in a heavy pan to 375°F. Pipe 2-inch strips of dough into the oil, fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, and turn until golden brown and crisp. Drain well.
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4
While the churros are still hot, toss them in a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon until all sides are coated generously. (Copycat tip: Coating warm provides that signature Costco sweet crust.)
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5
Assemble each sundae: Scoop 1 cup nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt into a large bowl or cup. Pile on 3–4 warm churro bites, drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar if desired. Serve immediately for maximum crunch against creamy soft serve!
Personalized Q&A
Q. How close is this copycat sundae to the real Costco Caramel Churro Sundae?
This recipe uses nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt for the signature soft serve base and fries mini churros, then coats them warm in cinnamon-sugar just like Costco. Drizzling with plenty of caramel sauce replicates the true food court flavor and generous portions.
Q. What are common mistakes to avoid when making homemade churro bites for this sundae?
Key errors include frying at too low a temperature (churros become greasy), not cooling dough before adding eggs (the eggs may scramble), or skipping the warm cinnamon-sugar toss. Each step ensures the right crispness and flavor just like Costco's.
Q. Can I substitute the nonfat frozen yogurt with another ice cream?
You can use light vanilla ice cream in place of the nonfat frozen yogurt, but the original's signature lighter, icier texture may be lost. For best results, stick with nonfat frozen yogurt for copycat accuracy.
Q. What is the nutrition profile of each Costco Caramel Churro Sundae serving?
Each serving delivers about 490 kcal, with 74g carbs (60% of calories), 9g protein (7%), and 18g fat (33%), closely matching the indulgent balance of this food court treat.
Q. Is making this sundae at home more cost effective than buying it at Costco?
Homemade versions can be cost effective if making multiple servings, especially since core ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs are used in bulk—as is Costco's style. Ingredient costs for 4 sundaes are competitive with buying individual servings at the food court.
