There’s nothing quite like the aroma of French toast sizzling away in the morning, but what if I told you this isn’t just any French toast? Enter Churro French Toast—an indulgent breakfast that combines the comforting flavors of classic French toast with the crispy sweetness of churros. Picture thick slices of rich Challah bread, soaked in a creamy custard and fried to golden perfection, then rolled in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a heavenly cream cheese icing. This dish is not only a showstopper, but it also offers the thrill of a quick prep and the joy of a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds! Ready to dive into this delightful fusion of sweetness? Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen!
Why is Churro French Toast So Special?
Irresistible flavors collide: Churro French Toast brings the unique sweetness and spice of churros to a beloved breakfast classic.
Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have this mouthwatering dish on your table in no time.
A crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s for a cozy family brunch or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone!
Customizable fun: Feel free to swap ingredients, add fruits, or even drizzle chocolate sauce for a delightful twist. If you’re craving something different, don’t miss out on Churro Cheesecake Wow or Churro Saltine Toffee for more delicious options!
Perfectly paired: Serve warm with additional icing or fresh fruit for that extra touch of indulgence.
Churro French Toast Ingredients
For the Custard
• Challah Bread – A rich base that absorbs the custard beautifully; stale bread works best for flavor.
• Large Eggs – The backbone of the custard, providing richness and binding.
• Milk – Adds creaminess; swap for 2% milk for a lighter touch.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the egg mixture for that indulgent flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar – Brings out a caramel undertone, enhancing the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon – Infuses that delightful churro flavor into the custard.
• Orange Zest (optional) – Adds a refreshing twist with a hint of citrus aroma.
• Good Honey – Deepens the sweetness; can be replaced with agave syrup if desired.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
For Frying
• Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich, buttery flavor to the French toast.
• Vegetable Oil – Ensures a crisp exterior while frying.
For the Topping
• Cinnamon Sugar – A combination of granulated sugar and cinnamon to coat the warm toast wonderfully.
• Cream Cheese Icing – Drizzle this luscious mixture for added sweetness and creaminess.
This Churro French Toast is a sweet indulgence that combines all the goodness of breakfast! It’s the perfect way to start your day in a delightful manner.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Churro French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and optional zest from one orange until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, indicating it’s ready for your rich Challah bread. This custard will infuse the Churro French Toast with delightful flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Take your sliced Challah bread and dip each slice into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Allow the bread to soak for approximately 5 minutes, giving it enough time to absorb the custard. The bread should feel moist but not overly soggy to create the perfect custard-filled texture when cooked.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add equal parts unsalted butter and vegetable oil—about 1 tablespoon each. Let the mixture heat until it starts to bubble gently, creating that inviting aroma. This combination will help ensure your Churro French Toast achieves a beautifully golden-brown crust while frying.
Step 4: Fry the Toast
Carefully add the soaked Challah slices to the heated skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each slice for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a deep golden brown and feel crispy to the touch. Keep an eye on the color, as the perfect fry is key to a delicious Churro French Toast.
Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the Churro French Toast is still warm, prepare a shallow dish with a mixture of 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Immediately coat each slice of warm toast in this sugary mixture, ensuring both sides are generously covered. This will give your French toast that characteristic churro flavor and delightful sweetness.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
In a separate bowl, blend together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious icing will drizzle beautifully over your Churro French Toast, adding an irresistible contrast to the sweet, crispy exterior.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Now that your Churro French Toast is beautifully coated and topped with creamy icing, serve it warm on plates. Consider adding fresh fruit or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon sugar for a delightful finishing touch. This dish is sure to become a favorite at your breakfast table!
Make Ahead Options
Churro French Toast is perfect for meal prep, and you can save valuable time by preparing components in advance! To streamline your morning, consider making the custard mixture and soaking the bread up to 24 hours ahead. Simply whisk together the eggs, milk, sugars, cinnamon, and salt, then soak the Challah slices in this delicious custard. Store them covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, just heat your skillet and fry the soaked bread for 2-3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden. This method ensures you’ll enjoy a delightful breakfast with minimal effort—just as delicious as if you made it fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Churro French Toast
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Room Temperature: Churro French Toast is best enjoyed fresh, but if left out, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it should be refrigerated.
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Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet on low heat for the best results, allowing them to regain some crispness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. It can last up to 2 months. To reheat, toast directly from frozen in a skillet or oven.
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Reheating: To bring your Churro French Toast back to life, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy—this helps retain that delicious texture and flavor!
What to Serve with Churro French Toast
Imagine a warm, comforting meal that transports you to a delightful brunch with loved ones, filled with laughter and delicious flavors.
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Fresh Berries: A burst of juicy berries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the Churro French Toast, balancing the flavors perfectly.
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Maple Syrup: Drizzling on rich maple syrup deepens the sweetness, enhancing the overall indulgence of this delicious breakfast treat.
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Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt offers a tangy complement to the sweetness, while also adding a touch of creaminess to your plate.
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Whipped Cream: Fluffy whipped cream provides a light, airy contrast, making every bite feel even more indulgent. Consider flavoring it with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon for added delight.
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Scrambled Eggs: Savory scrambled eggs introduce a protein-rich element, creating a well-rounded meal. Pairing with eggs also provides a satisfying warmth that contrasts beautifully with the sweet toast.
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Cinnamon Coffee: Enjoying a cup of cinnamon-infused coffee adds an aromatic element that ties in perfectly with the flavors of the French toast while keeping you warm and cozy.
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Mimosa: A refreshing mimosa brings a burst of citrusy brightness, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for any brunch gathering.
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Chocolate Sauce: For those with a sweet tooth, drizzling chocolate sauce over the toast adds an unforgettable twist. It turns breakfast into a sweet dessert-like experience that everyone will adore!
Expert Tips for Churro French Toast
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Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale Challah bread absorbs more custard, resulting in a perfectly moist texture while avoiding sogginess.
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Prevent Overcrowding: Frying too many slices at once leads to uneven cooking. Work in batches to maintain that golden-brown perfection.
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Crisp It Right: Adjust your frying time based on preferred crispness. Monitor closely to avoid undercooked or overly crisp edges.
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Perfect Coating: Coat the warm French toast in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying. This enhances adherence and maximizes flavor impact.
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Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare your custard and soak the bread slices the night before. This saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully for your Churro French Toast.
Churro French Toast Variations & Substitutions
Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Discover how to put your own stamp on this delightful dish!
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Brioche Substitute: Swap Challah for brioche for an even richer flavor and buttery texture. It’s like indulging in a soft cloud!
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Texas Toast Twist: Use Texas toast for a heartier slice, creating a satisfying base that still captures that churro essence. Perfect for those who love thick French toast.
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Vegan Option: Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based milk for a delicious vegan-friendly version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar for a surprising kick! The heat creates a delightful contrast to the sweet icing.
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Chocolate Lovers Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate sauce instead of the cream cheese icing for a dessert-like breakfast that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Fruit Fusion: Top with fresh berries or banana slices for a burst of freshness that complements the cinnamon sugar beautifully. The combination adds both color and flavor, making each bite feel special.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the icing for an extra crunch that will elevate the texture and flavor profile of the dish.
For more delicious treats, don’t miss my Churro Cheesecake Wow or the sweet and crispy Churro Saltine Toffee recipes!
Churro French Toast Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for Churro French Toast?
Using Challah bread is ideal due to its rich, eggy texture which absorbs the custard beautifully. I often recommend using slightly stale Challah, as it allows for better soaking without falling apart. If you don’t have Challah, brioche or Texas toast can also be wonderful substitutes, adding their unique flavors to the dish.
How long can I store leftovers of Churro French Toast?
Leftover Churro French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat each slice in a skillet over medium heat for the best results. This method revives the crunchy exterior while warming the inside.
Can I freeze Churro French Toast?
Absolutely! For freezing, wrap individual slices of Churro French Toast tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat directly from frozen to a dry skillet or toaster. This way, you’ll enjoy that delightful crunch all over again!
What should I do if my French toast turns out soggy?
If you find that your Churro French Toast is soggy, it may be due to over-soaking the bread. Aim for about 5 minutes per side when soaking, ensuring the bread absorbs enough custard without becoming overly saturated. Additionally, make sure to fry on medium heat, as frying on too high a heat can also lead to parts of the toast not cooking through while creating a burnt exterior.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for this recipe?
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, consider these substitutions: use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option, and substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan alternative. For gluten-free needs, gluten-free bread can be used to create a similar indulgent experience. Just ensure any toppings or extras are also gluten-free.
How should I serve Churro French Toast?
Serving Churro French Toast warm is essential for the best experience! Drizzle it with cream cheese icing and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top. I love adding fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas for a refreshing touch, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Bon appétit!
Irresistible Churro French Toast: Sweet Morning Bliss Await!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, optional orange zest, honey, and a pinch of kosher salt until fully combined.
- Take thick slices of stale Challah bread and dip them into the custard mixture, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 5 minutes on each side.
- In a skillet, heat a combination of unsalted butter and vegetable oil over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.
- Fry the soaked Challah slices in the hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Immediately toss the warm French toast in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for coating.
- In a separate bowl, blend together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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