If you’re looking for a decadent morning treat that tastes like it came straight from your favorite brunch spot, Churro French Toast is your answer. Imagine thick, pillowy slices of brioche soaked in a cinnamon-infused custard, cooked until golden and tossed in a shimmering layer of cinnamon sugar—basically, the best parts of Mexican churros and French toast all rolled into one! Each bite is rich, fluffy, and crackles with sugary flavor. This recipe brings together everything you love about a good French toast and amps it up with an irresistible cinnamon-dusted twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Churro French Toast are incredibly simple but each one plays a star role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. These are pantry staples that, when combined, become so much more than the sum of their parts! Let’s break down what you’ll need, and why each is essential.
- Brioche or Challah Bread (8 slices, thick-cut): Rich, fluffy loaves like these soak up the custard without falling apart and yield the dreamiest texture.
- Large Eggs (4): Eggs form the base of your custard, binding everything together and adding richness.
- Whole Milk (1 cup): Provides moisture and ensures a tender soak—whole milk adds extra creaminess.
- Heavy Cream (1/4 cup): For that unmistakable lush, velvety richness that sets this French toast apart.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the custard so every bite is balanced and flavorful.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash rounds out the flavors and gives your French toast that classic, homey aroma.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, batter): Infuses the toast with spicy warmth—what would Churro French Toast be without it?
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch is all you need to bring out all the sweet and buttery notes.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup, for coating): This is the magic dust that will make your toast taste just like a churro!
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for coating): Pairs with sugar for that classic churro finish—don’t skimp!
- Butter (4 tablespoons, plus more for greasing): Ensures golden, crispy edges and a buttery finish in every slice.
How to Make Churro French Toast
Step 1: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and slightly frothy—this is where all those flavors start mingling! Make sure the spices and sugar are dissolved well for an even custard soak.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Take those thick slices of brioche or challah, and let them soak up the custard, one at a time. Immerse each slice for a few seconds on each side—long enough to soak in the goodness, but not so long that the bread falls apart. If your bread is a little stale or day-old (which is actually perfect for this recipe), it’ll hold up beautifully and absorb even more flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until completely combined. Set this magical mixture aside; it’s waiting to turn your French toast into churro perfection.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter. Lay the soaked bread slices onto the hot, buttered surface. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until both sides are deeply golden and slightly crisp. Add more butter between batches if you need to keep the pan perfectly nonstick and flavorful.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While each slice is still hot from the pan, immediately toss it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Pat the sugar on gently to help it cling to the surface. This step is where the churro magic happens, giving every bite a crunchy, sweet crust that makes Churro French Toast utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Churro French Toast
Garnishes
Bring out the best in your Churro French Toast with finishing touches like a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. For a pop of color and freshness, scatter some fresh berries or even sliced bananas on top—the natural tartness balances all that sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Churro French Toast with some crispy bacon, a tangy fruit salad, or scrambled eggs to round out the meal. These savory and fresh sidekick options help transform your breakfast spread into a full-on brunch feast, making every bite more exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, stack slices into a decadent tower with whipped cream and berries between layers, or cut the toast into sticks for dunking in chocolate sauce. You can also try serving individual portions in small skillets or on vibrant plates for café-style presentation at home—get creative, your brunch table will thank you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Churro French Toast tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container once cooled. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—making it a fantastic treat to look forward to, even on busy mornings.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze any extras! Lay cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. The French toast will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 months. To prevent sticking, separate slices with parchment or wax paper before freezing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Churro French Toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes. This keeps the outside crisp and the inside tender. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave will work, but the coating may be softer.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread if I don’t have brioche or challah?
While thick-cut brioche or challah is ideal for Churro French Toast, you can use sturdy sandwich bread in a pinch. Just opt for the thickest slices you can find and toast them lightly first to help them stand up to the custard.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy substitutes, and use a plant-based butter. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor and indulgence will still shine through!
Can I make this ahead of time for a brunch party?
Absolutely! You can soak the bread slices a day ahead and refrigerate them overnight, then cook just before serving. Alternatively, bake the Churro French Toast in advance and reheat it in the oven for easy entertaining.
How do I keep Churro French Toast warm for a crowd?
Keep cooked slices warm on a baking sheet in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven while you finish the rest. Just wait to coat with cinnamon sugar until immediately before serving for the tastiest crunch.
Can I add extra flavors to the custard?
Absolutely—a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest goes a long way in adding depth to your Churro French Toast. Try different extracts like almond or a touch of rum for a fun twist!
Final Thoughts
Churro French Toast is one of those unforgettable breakfast recipes that feels fancy but is truly so easy and rewarding to make at home. I hope you’ll give it a try and turn any morning into a celebration, one cinnamon-sugar dusted bite at a time!
Print
Churro French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of churros and French toast with this delicious recipe. Thick-cut brioche or challah bread soaked in a sweet custard mixture, cooked until golden brown, and coated in cinnamon sugar – a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Bread Mixture:
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Additional:
- 4 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Soak Bread: Dip each bread slice into the mixture, ensuring it soaks on both sides.
- Prepare Coating: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl for coating.
- Cook French Toast: Heat butter in a skillet, cook soaked bread slices until golden brown on both sides.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Toss hot French toast slices in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or berries.
Notes
- For crispier edges, lightly toast bread before dipping.
- Day-old bread works best for soaking up the custard.
- Enhance the batter with a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
