Churro French Toast: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Breakfast Favorite

There’s something magical about a breakfast that feels like a treat, something indulgent yet comforting enough to kick off a lazy weekend morning. For me, French toast has always been a go-to breakfast when I want something sweet and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. But one morning, I was craving something more. I was in the mood for churros—the crispy, sugary cinnamon-filled treat—but I didn’t want to leave the house to get them. That’s when inspiration struck: Churro French Toast.

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This dish doesn’t just elevate your typical French toast; it transforms it into something truly special. The golden-brown, crispy crust coated in cinnamon sugar gives you that churro flavor, while the soft, custardy center remains as comforting as the best French toast. You get the warm, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor of churros in a deliciously easy-to-make French toast that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a weekend indulgence.

It’s no surprise that Churro French Toast has become a favorite in my household. The best part is that this recipe is perfect for beginners. You don’t need any special kitchen skills, and it’s done in less than an hour! Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, you’ll love the simplicity and delicious results of this dish. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up a breakfast that feels special without needing complicated ingredients or techniques. Let’s get started!

Ingredients and Preparation

To make this Churro French Toast, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The star of the show is the cinnamon-sugar coating, but the custard-based French toast gives you the perfect, soft center. It’s a mix of everyday ingredients that come together to create a breakfast everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread: You want thick, hearty slices of bread for this recipe. Brioche or challah are perfect because they soak up the custard mixture without falling apart. If you don’t have these on hand, you can also use Texas toast or another soft, thick bread. Day-old bread works best because it’s slightly dried out, making it absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
• 4 large eggs: Eggs create the rich custard base for the French toast. They help bind the custard together and give the toast a smooth, creamy texture.
• 1 cup whole milk: The milk adds creaminess to the custard. Whole milk works best because it gives the French toast a rich flavor, but you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the custard, making the French toast even more delicious.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This cinnamon is mixed directly into the custard, infusing the bread with a subtle spice that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A small pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the cinnamon and sugar coating.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This will be the base of your cinnamon-sugar coating. Granulated sugar provides the perfect sweetness and texture for the churro-inspired topping.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating): The cinnamon in the sugar mixture gives the French toast that signature churro flavor. You can adjust the cinnamon level depending on how much you like!
• Butter, for frying: Butter is essential for cooking the French toast to a golden brown. It helps create that crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Ingredient Alternatives:

• Bread: If you can’t find brioche or challah, you can substitute with thick-cut white bread, sourdough, or even cinnamon swirl bread for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Milk: For a dairy-free option, you can easily swap the whole milk for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just be sure to use an unsweetened version to avoid making the dish overly sweet.
• Eggs: If you need to make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacement or even use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe is simple and easy to follow, and it’s perfect for beginners. You’ll be making French toast with a cinnamon-sugar twist that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

1. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

First, you’ll want to prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture that will give your French toast that classic churro flavor. In a shallow dish or bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Stir them together until they’re evenly mixed. Set this aside for later, as you’ll coat your French toast in it after it’s cooked.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack 4 large eggs and whisk them together with 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and fully combined. The cinnamon in the custard will give the bread a warm, comforting flavor, while the eggs and milk create a creamy texture. If you’re using a hand whisk, make sure to beat the mixture well to prevent any lumps.

3. Soak the Bread

Now it’s time to soak the bread. Take each slice of your day-old bread and dip it into the custard mixture. Let the bread soak for about 30 seconds per side, making sure it’s fully coated with the custard but not too soggy. You don’t want to over-soak the bread, as it can become too wet to cook properly. The thick slices of brioche or challah will absorb just enough custard to become flavorful without falling apart.

4. Cook the French Toast

Next, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and allow it to melt and sizzle. Once the butter is melted and hot, carefully place your soaked bread slices onto the skillet. Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The French toast should be golden and slightly crispy on the edges, but still soft in the middle.

5. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar

As soon as each slice of French toast is cooked, coat it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the hot French toast immediately into the shallow dish with the cinnamon-sugar and gently press each side to coat it evenly. This will give your French toast that irresistible churro flavor and texture. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon-sugar—this is what makes the dish taste like churros!

6. Serve

Finally, serve the Churro French Toast warm. You can garnish it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra special touch, dust the top with a little extra powdered sugar or add a scoop of ice cream for a dessert-like treat.

Beginner Tips and Notes

As you’re cooking, here are a few helpful tips that can help ensure success and make your cooking experience even better:

• Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: You want to coat the bread in the custard, but don’t let it sit in the mixture too long. The bread should absorb the liquid, but if you leave it soaking too long, it will become too mushy to cook properly.
• Adjust the Heat: Make sure the heat is not too high. If your skillet is too hot, the bread will burn on the outside before it has a chance to cook through. Medium heat ensures a golden-brown, crispy texture without burning.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: While you can use day-old bread, fresh eggs and milk are key to making the custard mixture rich and flavorful. Don’t skimp on the quality of the ingredients!
• Monitor Cooking Time: Every stove and skillet heats differently, so be sure to check the French toast as it cooks. If it’s taking longer than expected to brown, reduce the heat slightly and give it more time. Similarly, if it’s cooking too fast, lower the heat to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Keep it Warm: If you’re making several slices, keep the finished French toast warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.

Serving Suggestions

While Churro French Toast is delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can elevate the dish and make it even more special. Here are some suggestions for toppings and side dishes that pair perfectly with this indulgent breakfast.

• Fresh Berries: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a tart contrast to the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream is always a good choice to balance out the richness of the French toast.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle a bit of pure maple syrup over the top for an added layer of sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar.
• Bacon or Sausage: If you’re craving something savory, serve the French toast with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the Churro French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to crisp it back up. You can also pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispy texture. It won’t be quite as fresh as when it was first made, but it’ll still be delicious!

Conclusion

There you have it! Churro French Toast is an indulgent, sweet twist on a classic breakfast favorite that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, hosting a brunch, or simply looking for a fun and delicious breakfast treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. The golden brown, crispy crust coated in cinnamon sugar and the soft, custardy inside makes for a breakfast that’s both comforting and exciting.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and serve this dish alongside your favorite breakfast sides. The possibilities are endless! Try it out, and let us know how it goes—what toppings did you use? Did you add a personal touch? We’d love to hear from you!