Imagine the irresistible crunch of a freshly made churro combined with the comforting warmth of classic French toast. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Churro French Toast recipe! Sweetened to perfection with brown sugar and cinnamon, each bite delivers a delightful crispiness and a burst of flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to a Spanish bakery, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience, making it the ultimate sweet treat for any morning, especially for festive occasions like Cinco de Mayo!
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Churro French Toast: Your New Favorite Sweet Brunch Sensation
If the thought of biting into a warm, sugary churro for breakfast makes your mouth water, then you’re in for an absolute treat. My Churro French Toast recipe expertly marries the best qualities of classic French toast with the beloved flavors and textures of churros. Forget the deep fryer; this recipe delivers all the magic of churros – that distinctive cinnamon-sugar crunch and warm, soft interior – in a breakfast staple. It’s truly the best of both worlds, offering an easy yet incredibly decadent way to start your day.
What makes this recipe stand out? It begins with slices of soft, pillowy brioche bread, which is the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture reminiscent of freshly fried choux pastry. Each slice is lovingly soaked in a rich custard, infused with just the right amount of cinnamon and vanilla for a hint of warmth and sweetness. But the real star is the glorious cinnamon and brown sugar coating. Applied immediately after cooking, this coating caramelizes slightly on the warm toast, providing an irresistible crunchy exterior that perfectly mimics the signature texture of a churro. This extra step is simple, but it truly elevates humble French toast into an extraordinary breakfast sensation.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Churro French Toast Recipe
Beyond its incredible taste, there are so many reasons this Churro French Toast will become a regular on your breakfast or brunch menu:
- Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: This recipe perfectly balances the comforting familiarity of French toast with the exciting, spicy-sweet notes of churros. It’s a unique twist on a classic that will impress everyone.
- Crispy, Sweet Coating: The star of the show is undoubtedly the cinnamon and brown sugar coating. It creates an outer layer that’s wonderfully crunchy and sweet, providing a textural contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
- No Deep Frying Required: Enjoy all the churro deliciousness without the hassle and mess of a deep fryer. This recipe is pan-fried to perfection, making it safer and easier for home cooks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s an amazing choice for Cinco de Mayo, this French toast is also ideal for weekend brunch, holiday breakfasts, or any day you want to make a morning meal feel special.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a rich chocolate sauce, this French toast serves as the perfect base for your favorite toppings.
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this simple yet sophisticated recipe. It’s quick enough for a leisurely weekend morning and impressive enough to serve guests.
Churro French Toast Recipe
Sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon, this churro French toast recipe is the perfect sweet and crunchy breakfast treat that brings the fun of churros to your breakfast table without a deep fryer. It’s an easy, impressive dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
15 minutes
25 minutes
40 minutes
8 slices
Ingredients
For the Churro Cinnamon Sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the French Toast
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided, for cooking
- 8 slices brioche bread (about ⅔ loaf, preferably day-old for best absorption)*
Equipment You’ll Need
- Kitchen Scale (optional, for precise measurements)
- Shallow Bowl (for cinnamon sugar)
- Medium Mixing Bowl (for custard)
- Whisk
- Large Frying Pan or Cast Iron Skillet
- Wire Rack (for cooling and keeping warm)
- Rimmed Baking Sheet (if keeping warm in oven)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Churro French Toast
- 1. Prepare the Churro Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl (wide enough to dip bread), combine ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly until everything is evenly mixed. Set this fragrant mixture aside; it’s where the churro magic happens!
- 2. Mix the French Toast Custard: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Continue whisking until all ingredients are perfectly combined and the mixture is smooth, without any streaks of egg yolk or undissolved sugar. This is your flavorful custard base.
- 3. Prepare Your Pan: Place a large frying pan or a sturdy cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan. Allow the butter to melt completely and become lightly bubbling, indicating it’s ready for cooking. Ensure the butter coats the bottom of the pan evenly.
- 4. Cook the French Toast: Take 2 slices of brioche bread at a time and gently dredge them through the egg mixture. It’s crucial not to let them soak for too long (just a few seconds per side is often enough for brioche) to prevent them from becoming soggy. Lift the bread and allow any excess custard to drip back into the bowl. Carefully place the coated bread slices into the hot, buttered pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should be soft and custardy, not raw.
- 5. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: As soon as the French toast slices are cooked and still hot, immediately transfer them to the shallow bowl with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Gently press and flip each slice to ensure it is thoroughly and generously coated on all sides. The heat from the toast will help the sugar adhere and create that iconic churro crunch. Once coated, place the slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- 6. Repeat and Serve: Continue this process with the remaining slices of bread, adding another tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan before each new batch. This ensures consistent browning and prevents sticking. Serve your Churro French Toast immediately while it’s warm and the cinnamon-sugar coating is at its crispiest.
- 7. Keeping Warm (Optional): If you’re preparing a large batch for guests, you can keep the cooked French toast slices warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven. Simply place them on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet until you are ready to serve. This will maintain their warmth and some crispness.
Notes & Expert Tips for Perfection
*For the ultimate texture and flavor, I highly recommend using rich, fluffy breads like King’s Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread, classic brioche, or challah bread. These varieties absorb the custard beautifully without falling apart and provide a luxurious base for the churro coating. Using slightly stale (day-old) bread can also enhance absorption and prevent sogginess.
Tips for Flawless French Toast Every Time:
- Master the Dip: The key to non-soggy French toast is a quick but thorough dip. Especially with soft breads like brioche, a few seconds per side is ample time for the bread to soak up the custard without becoming saturated. Always lift the bread and allow any excess mixture to drip off before transferring to the pan.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sugar Coating: For that authentic churro experience, ensure you coat the hot toast generously and evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Gently press the toast into the sugar to help it adhere. This is where the magic crunch comes from!
- Perfectly Cooked Indicators: Your French toast is perfectly cooked when it’s golden brown on both sides and feels slightly firm yet springy to the touch. It should not squish or have any visible uncooked egg in the center. Adjust your heat as needed; if it’s browning too quickly, lower the heat to allow the inside to cook.
- Keep It Warm for a Crowd: If you’re cooking for several people, keep the finished slices warm in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) on a wire rack until all slices are ready. This ensures everyone enjoys warm, delicious French toast.
Storage & Reheating for Future Enjoyment:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftover churro French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer Storage (Cooked): For longer preservation, cooked churro French toast freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. You can also toast them in a toaster oven for a quicker crisp-up.
- Make-Ahead & Freeze (Uncooked): Prepare your French toast slices by dredging them in the egg mixture. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat, increasing the cooking time slightly until thoroughly heated and golden.
Calories from Fat 153
Becky Hardin
@easydessertrecipes
for a chance to be featured.
Serving Suggestions for Your Churro French Toast
While this Churro French Toast is incredibly delicious on its own, a little extra something can make it even more special. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Classic Vanilla Glaze: My personal favorite! It adds a beautiful sweetness and a creamy texture. Simply whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 3-4 tablespoons of milk and a splash of pure vanilla extract. Adjust the milk amount to achieve your desired consistency – whether you prefer a thick, frosting-like smear or a delicate drizzle.
- Maple Syrup or Pancake Syrup: You can never go wrong with the traditional choice! A generous pour of warm maple syrup complements the cinnamon-sugar perfectly.
- Fresh Fruit: Brighten up your plate with a side of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or sliced bananas. The fruit adds a lovely freshness and cuts through the sweetness.
- Chocolate Sauce: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your French toast. It pairs wonderfully with the churro flavors.
- Whipped Cream & Caramel: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a swirl of caramel sauce for a dessert-like breakfast that’s truly indulgent.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a touch more sweetness.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! This Churro French Toast is versatile enough to handle a variety of sweet additions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Churro French Toast
What kind of bread is best for Churro French Toast?
For the ultimate Churro French Toast, I highly recommend using a rich, fluffy bread like brioche, challah, or King’s Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread. These types of bread have a dense yet tender crumb that absorbs the custard beautifully without becoming overly soggy, providing a luxurious base for the cinnamon-sugar coating. Day-old bread works even better as it’s slightly drier and soaks up the egg mixture more effectively.
Can I make Churro French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Cooked Churro French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual cooked slices for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen), then warm in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or pop them into a toaster oven until heated through and crispy. You can also freeze uncooked, egg-dipped slices for an even easier morning! See the ‘Notes & Expert Tips’ section for full freezing instructions.
How do I prevent my French toast from becoming soggy?
The secret to avoiding soggy French toast is twofold: don’t oversoak your bread, and ensure your pan is hot enough. With soft breads like brioche, a quick dip (just a few seconds per side) is often sufficient to absorb the custard without becoming saturated. Always let any excess liquid drip off before placing the bread in the pan. Additionally, cooking in a hot, buttered pan ensures a quick sear, creating a golden exterior while keeping the interior moist, not wet.
Is this recipe suitable for Cinco de Mayo celebrations?
Absolutely! Churros are a beloved Spanish and Mexican-inspired treat, making Churro French Toast a fantastic and festive option for Cinco de Mayo brunch or breakfast. It’s a fun and delicious way to celebrate with a sweet, unique twist that everyone will love.
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This Churro French Toast recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary adventure that brings joy to any morning. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to deliver a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a sweet masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!