If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug and transports you straight to a vibrant street fair, this Churro French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine thick, custardy slices of brioche dipped in a cinnamon-infused batter, fried to golden perfection, and then coated in a crispy cinnamon sugar that’s just like crunchy churros. It’s sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible—a breakfast that doubles as a decadent treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and select ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from the creamy custard that softens the bread to the cinnamon sugar that adds that signature churro crunch and sweetness. It’s easy to gather everything, and you might already have most of the essentials sitting in your pantry.
- 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread: Using slightly stale bread ensures the custard soaks in perfectly without falling apart.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs add richness and help set the custard base for the toast.
- 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk provides a creamy texture that keeps the custard luscious.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla lends a sweet floral aroma, balancing the cinnamon’s warmth.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Incorporated in the custard for subtle, cozy spice throughout.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon, this creates the golden coat reminiscent of classic churros.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating): Sprinkled with sugar, this blend provides that iconic churro crunch.
- Butter (for frying): Butter gives a rich, crispy finish and prevents sticking while frying.
How to Make Churro French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Start by combining the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This will be your signature coating that gives the French toast its irresistible crunch and that classic churro flavor. Having this ready before cooking ensures you can coat the slices immediately while they’re still warm.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. The custard should be smooth and fragrant—the secret magic that softens your bread from the inside out, infusing it with rich, warming flavors.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Butter
Warm a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat and add just enough butter to coat the surface. The butter not only prevents the bread from sticking but also adds a golden, flavorful crust as you fry.
Step 4: Dip the Bread
One slice at a time, dip each piece of your day-old brioche or challah into the custard mixture. Be sure to coat both sides evenly, but don’t let it soak for too long or it will become soggy. The goal is a perfect balance of custard penetration and structural integrity.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Place the soaked bread into the hot pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, flipping when the first side turns a beautiful golden brown. Add more butter as needed to keep that delicious crust forming and to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Right after frying, immediately press each slice into the cinnamon sugar mixture on both sides. This step is crucial: the warm toast melts the sugar just enough to create that crispy, flavorful rasa reminiscent of your favorite fried churros.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Churro French Toast Recipe is ready to be devoured! Serve it piping hot with whatever toppings your heart desires—think warm maple syrup, dollops of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries for a burst of bright flavor.
How to Serve Churro French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Churro French Toast from fantastic to showstopping. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness, while a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce can amp up the indulgence. Fresh fruit, especially raspberries or sliced bananas, gives a refreshing contrast to the sweet, spiced toast.
Side Dishes
Pairing this cinnamon-sugar coated French toast with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage creates an amazing balance of sweet and salty that keeps every bite exciting. For a lighter side, a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt with honey complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the plate by stacking the French toast slices with layers of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese frosting between them, then topping with the cinnamon sugar. You can also cut the slices into sticks and serve them with a little ramekin of melted chocolate or dulce de leche for dipping—a playful twist on the classic Churro French Toast Recipe that’s perfect for brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separate from any syrups or toppings to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
To enjoy this Churro French Toast later, freeze individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. These will keep well for up to 1 month and allow you to have churro-inspired goodness on demand.
Reheating
The best way to enjoy leftovers is to reheat gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the exterior nice and crisp, preserving that signature churro crunch you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While day-old brioche or challah is ideal for its texture and sweetness, you can also use thick slices of French bread or Texas toast. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh or it may become too soggy during soaking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat, and replace butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The custard may be slightly different in texture but still delicious.
How do I keep the cinnamon sugar coating from melting too quickly?
The trick is to coat the French toast slices immediately after frying while they’re hot but not greasy. Make sure your butter isn’t pooling in the pan, and gently shake off any excess before dipping into the cinnamon sugar.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk the custard ingredients together the night before and store it covered in the fridge. This actually allows the cinnamon and vanilla to meld nicely. Just give it a quick stir before dipping the bread.
What are some fun toppings beyond syrup and whipped cream?
Try dollops of dulce de leche, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a scattering of toasted coconut flakes. For a fresh twist, a spoonful of mascarpone sweetened lightly with honey pairs wonderfully with the churro flavors.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Churro French Toast Recipe enough if you want to treat yourself or impress your brunch guests. It combines the comforting familiarity of French toast with the nostalgic crunch and spice of churros in a way that makes mornings feel exciting. So grab your favorite bread, gather the ingredients, and dive into a breakfast that tastes like a celebration on a plate!
Print
Churro French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Churro French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, combining the rich, custardy texture of French toast with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating reminiscent of traditional churros. Using thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, this recipe creates a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior that’s perfect for a special brunch or weekend treat. Serve it warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries for an irresistible start to your day.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter (for frying)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside; it will be used to coat the French toast after frying.
- Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan to coat the surface evenly, which will help prevent sticking and provide flavor.
- Dip the Bread: Take each slice of day-old brioche or challah and dip it into the custard mixture, coating both sides evenly but avoiding soaking the bread through to maintain structural integrity.
- Fry the French Toast: Place the custard-coated bread slices onto the heated pan. Fry each slice for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter as needed to keep the pan greased and prevent the toast from sticking.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Once fried, immediately transfer the French toast slices to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Coat each side generously, ensuring a sweet and spiced exterior that mimics churro flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Churro French Toast hot with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries for a deliciously indulgent breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps the custard mixture soak in better without the slices falling apart.
- Adjust the cinnamon sugar ratio to your taste preference for more or less spice.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; the coating can become less crisp upon cooling.
