Quick and Easy Buñuelos Stacks

These Quick and Easy Buñuelos Stacks are a crispy, cinnamon-sugar delight inspired by a beloved family recipe. Traditionally made with fried flour tortillas, coated in a warm piloncillo syrup, and tossed in cinnamon sugar, they’re crunchy, sweet, and perfect for festive occasions—or just whenever you’re craving a nostalgic treat. Stack them high, serve with powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients (Makes 24)

  • 3 cups sugar

  • 6 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 piloncillo sugar cones (or substitute: 1 cup molasses + 1 cup brown sugar + 2 cups water)

  • 2 packs of 6-inch soft flour tortillas

  • ¾ cup vegetable oil

  • Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

  2. Make Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, piloncillo, and a cinnamon stick. Stir occasionally until sugar fully dissolves. Turn off heat once done.

  3. Fry Tortillas: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Using tongs, fry one tortilla at a time—about 30 seconds per side—until golden and puffed. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining tortillas.

  4. Dip and Coat: Dip each fried tortilla in the syrup, then coat in cinnamon sugar.

  5. Assemble: Stack the coated tortillas into a tower. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with ice cream.

  6. Optional Shapes: Use cookie cutters to shape tortillas before frying for a fun twist (e.g., hearts for Valentine’s Day).

Nutrients (estimated per serving, based on 1 buñuelo)

  • Calories: ~170

  • Fat: ~7g

  • Saturated Fat: ~1g

  • Carbohydrates: ~26g

  • Sugar: ~16g

  • Protein: ~1g

  • Sodium: ~70mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These buñuelos stacks are the ultimate shortcut to flavor-packed joy. Here’s why they’re destined to be a favorite:

  • Quick and easy preparation with store-bought tortillas

  • Crispy, caramelized layers coated in homemade syrup and cinnamon sugar

  • Customizable and festive—shape them with cookie cutters for holidays

  • Perfect for sharing or serving individually at parties

  • Kid-friendly and adult-approved, especially when paired with ice cream or coffee

They’re also incredibly versatile: shape them, stack them, drizzle them, or simply serve flat for a snack everyone will love.

Flavor and Texture Breakdown

Each buñuelo offers a trio of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist:

  • The fried tortilla base becomes golden and crackly with a slight chew inside

  • The piloncillo syrup adds deep molasses-like notes, subtly spiced with cinnamon

  • The cinnamon sugar coating brings sweetness and warmth

  • Optional toppings like powdered sugar or ice cream introduce cool, creamy contrast or extra visual flair

The result is a dish that’s crunchy, sweet, sticky, and beautifully spiced, evoking cozy memories and bold flavor in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Buñuelos

To achieve that ideal crispiness and syrupy coating, keep the following in mind:

  • Use fresh oil and monitor the temperature—around 350°F is perfect for a quick, even fry

  • Fry one tortilla at a time to maintain oil temperature and avoid overcrowding

  • Let excess syrup drip off briefly before rolling in cinnamon sugar to prevent sogginess

  • Stack immediately after coating while they’re still warm and pliable for best texture

  • Cool slightly before stacking too high to avoid collapse or sticking

For added crispness, you can place the coated buñuelos on a wire rack instead of a plate to avoid steaming.

Serving Suggestions

Buñuelos are indulgent on their own, but can be elevated even further with thoughtful accompaniments:

  • Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish

  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a decadent dessert

  • Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a modern twist

  • Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans or toasted coconut for texture

  • Pair with Mexican hot chocolate, café de olla, or spiced tea for a warm finish

Serve them on a large platter for sharing, or stack smaller, cookie-cutter-sized rounds for individual mini desserts.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While these are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can prep components ahead:

  • Make the syrup in advance and store in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before dipping.

  • Fry the tortillas and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day—crisp in the oven before assembling.

  • Assemble just before serving to maintain crunch and avoid sogginess.

If you need to store leftovers:

  • Keep at room temperature for 1–2 days, loosely covered (stacked ones may soften slightly)

  • Recrisp briefly in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes, but note that syrupy layers may caramelize further

Freezing is not recommended, as the syrup and sugar can create sticky or mushy textures once thawed.

Creative Variations

Want to change things up or match the season? Try these variations:

Mini Buñuelo Bites
– Cut tortillas into 2″ rounds before frying
– Serve in cupcake liners for party-friendly single servings

Chocolate-Spiced Buñuelos
– Add cocoa powder and cayenne to the cinnamon sugar for a Mexican hot chocolate vibe

Fruit-Filled Stacks
– Add thin banana or apple slices between layers
– Drizzle with dulce de leche or fruit preserves

Holiday Shapes
– Use cookie cutters for hearts, stars, pumpkins, or snowflakes
– Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for festive flair

Savory-Sweet Twist
– Add a touch of salt to the sugar coating or use salted caramel for contrast

These creative takes keep things fresh, allowing you to tailor the recipe to seasons, themes, or personal cravings.

Conclusion

These Quick and Easy Buñuelos Stacks are more than just a shortcut dessert—they’re a celebration of tradition reimagined for the modern kitchen. Crisp, sweet, aromatic, and fun to assemble, they honor the spirit of classic buñuelos while offering all the ease and versatility of a simple tortilla-based treat.

Whether you’re cooking for a holiday table, a cozy gathering, or just because you’re in the mood for something nostalgic and delightful, these stacks promise to deliver flavor and joy in every crunchy, sugary layer. They’re proof that with a little syrup and spice, you can turn everyday ingredients into something truly memorable.

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