If you are craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, this Churro French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the classic French toast and transforms it into something extraordinary with a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating reminiscent of everyone’s favorite churros. Imagine biting into soft, custardy bread with a sweet, crunchy exterior bursting with cinnamon and sugar—pure comfort and joy in every forkful. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Churro French Toast Recipe lies in its use of simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create a spectacular flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role from delivering that rich custardy center to the crisp, cinnamon-sugary crust that mimics traditional churros.
- 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread: Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard without falling apart, while brioche or challah adds extra richness and tenderness.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs form the base of the custard, providing structure and a silky texture to the French toast.
- 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk ensures creaminess and balances the eggs perfectly in the custard mix.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a warm aromatic sweetness that complements the cinnamon flavor brilliantly.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This subtle cinnamon in the custard deepens the overall spice profile in every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors, making sure your sweet coating doesn’t overpower the rich custard.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sugar acts as the base for the churro-style coating, creating that addictive crunchy sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating): The extra cinnamon mixed with sugar is what gives this French toast its signature churro-like finish.
- Butter (for frying): Butter adds richness and crispness, ensuring a golden crust and preventing sticking in the pan.
How to Make Churro French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Start by mixing the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This dazzling cinnamon sugar coating is what creates the crunchy churro effect once the French toast is cooked. Setting this aside early lets you focus on the custard without any hurry.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard is the heart of your Churro French Toast Recipe, delivering richness and flavor inside every bite.
Step 3: Dip the Bread
Heat a griddle or a large frying pan over medium heat, then melt a little butter to coat the surface. Dip each slice of your day-old bread into the custard, turning to coat both sides evenly but being careful not to soak the bread too much, so it holds its shape perfectly during cooking.
Step 4: Fry the French Toast
Place the dipped bread slices onto your heated frying surface. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it’s a beautiful golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can add more butter as needed to keep things from sticking and to build that gorgeous crust that will be coated in cinnamon sugar.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once the French toast slices are cooked, immediately transfer them to the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides well. This step is the magic moment where your French toast transforms into churro-style perfection!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Churro French Toast hot, straight from the pan, so you get the full crunch and warmth with each bite. Get ready for compliments and happy smiles all around!
How to Serve Churro French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings you choose can take this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Classic maple syrup is always a winner, but why not try a dollop of whipped cream or a scattering of fresh berries? The creamy sweetness and bright flavors add wonderful contrast to the cinnamon sugar coating.
Side Dishes
A simple side of crispy bacon or sausage pairs beautifully with this Churro French Toast Recipe, balancing the sweetness with savory notes. Fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait can brighten up your plate for a well-rounded breakfast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking your Churro French Toast slices with layers of cream cheese or drizzling chocolate or caramel sauce over the top. Sprinkling some chopped nuts adds texture, while using mini French toast sticks makes for a playful and shareable brunch spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they probably won’t last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick breakfast the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Churro French Toast slices by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month and are perfect for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep that signature crunchy coating intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Churro French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah is ideal for their texture and flavor, sturdy breads like Texas toast or even thick-cut white bread work well, especially if they’re day-old to avoid sogginess.
Is it necessary to use day-old bread?
Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard evenly without becoming too soggy or falling apart, making your Churro French Toast Recipe easier to handle and perfectly textured.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use dairy-free butter alternatives for frying to keep it completely dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
What can I use instead of granulated sugar for the cinnamon sugar coating?
You can use coconut sugar or superfine sugar for a slightly different texture and taste, but granulated sugar gives you that perfect crunch that makes this recipe feel like authentic churros.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
It’s best to make the custard fresh right before cooking to ensure the eggs and milk are well combined and fresh. However, you can whisk it a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Churro French Toast Recipe is one of those magical breakfasts that effortlessly turns an ordinary morning into something special. Its delightful blend of gooey custard goodness with the crunchy cinnamon sugar coating brings out the best of both worlds. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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, featuring thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread dipped in a cinnamon-spiced custard, fried to golden perfection, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. This recipe combines the rich, custardy texture of French toast with the warm, sweet flavors reminiscent of churros, making it an indulgent and comforting morning treat.
Ingredients
For the 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)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, mix together the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside to coat the French toast after frying.
- Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined and smooth.
- Dip the Bread: Heat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface. Dip each slice of day-old bread into the custard mixture, coating both sides evenly without soaking the bread through.
- Fry the French Toast: Place the dipped bread slices onto the heated griddle or pan. Fry each slice for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown and crispy exterior.
- Manage Butter During Frying: Add more butter to the pan as needed during cooking to prevent the French toast from sticking and to enhance the flavor.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after frying, place each French toast slice into the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating both sides generously with the sweet and spiced blend for that signature churro flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Churro French Toast hot with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries to complement the warm cinnamon flavors.
Notes
- Using day-old brioche or challah bread ensures the bread absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon in the custard and coating to taste.
- Butter can be substituted with a neutral oil for frying if preferred.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a suitable egg replacement.
