Churro French Toast: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Breakfast Favorite
Craving something sweet for breakfast? Churro French Toast is the perfect blend of crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated toast with a soft, custardy center. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for beginners—ready in just 35 minutes! Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special treat, this indulgent dish will become a family favorite in no time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (Prep + Cook)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
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.
Instructions
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.
Notes
- 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.