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 This Churro French Toast Special?
Irresistible flavor fusion: This recipe blends classic French toast with churros, creating a breakfast indulgence like no other.
Effortless prep: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious treat ready in no time.
Crispy & gooey: Enjoy the delightful contrast between the crunchy cinnamon sugar coating and the soft, custardy center.
Versatility: Customize with chocolate drizzle or fresh fruit for a personal touch. And if you love this recipe, don’t forget to check out our delicious Churro Cheesecake Wow or Churro Saltine Toffee for more tasty inspiration!
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or a cozy family breakfast—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Churro French Toast Ingredients
For the French Toast
• Challah Bread – Its rich, eggy texture gives this Churro French Toast a decadent base.
• Large Eggs – They ensure a creamy custard blend that’s rich in flavor.
• Milk – Adds an extra layer of creaminess; substitute with 2% milk for a lighter touch.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetness in the custard to balance flavors.
• Light Brown Sugar – Enhances caramel notes for a deeper taste.
• Ground Cinnamon – Provides the signature churro flavor that makes this dish so special.
• Orange Zest (optional) – Brightens the flavor with a fresh, citrusy aroma.
• Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For Frying
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps achieve golden perfection while frying.
• Vegetable Oil – Aids in achieving a crispy exterior; the blend with butter is key!
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
• Granulated Sugar – A base for making the irresistible cinnamon sugar mix.
• Ground Cinnamon – Essential for that classic churro taste that coats this delightful breakfast.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
• Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess and tang that perfectly complements the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create the smooth icing texture.
• Milk – Thins out the icing; adjust to desired consistency.
• Vanilla Extract – For a warm, aromatic flavor to enhance the icing.
Get ready to create a mouthwatering breakfast experience with these ingredients, making your Churro French Toast a family favorite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Churro French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. For an extra aromatic kick, add the zest of half an orange if desired. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a luscious custard for your Churro French Toast.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Take your thickly sliced Challah bread and carefully dip each slice into the custard mixture, fully immersing it. Allow the bread to soak for about 5 minutes per side, ensuring it absorbs the creamy mixture for maximum flavor. You want the bread to be saturated but not falling apart. A well-soaked slice will give you that delightfully custardy center.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and begin to bubble, ensuring a hot surface for frying. This combination not only adds rich flavor but also helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on your Churro French Toast.
Step 4: Fry the Toast
Carefully place the soaked Challah slices into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the bread for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for that beautiful golden color to develop. You want a crispy exterior, so adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning. The fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen as these slices turn into golden delights!
Step 5: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the French toast is still warm, prepare the coating by mixing 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Once fried, immediately roll each slice of Churro French Toast in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it generously. This sweet layer creates a heavenly crunch that mimics the beloved churro texture.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the Churro French Toast cools slightly, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk for your desired consistency. Drizzle this decadent icing over the warm French toast for an irresistible finish!
Churro French Toast Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Churro French Toast for a unique twist that tickles your taste buds!
-
Brioche Bliss: Use brioche bread for an extra rich and buttery flavor that elevates the classic dish.
Brioche brings a delightful tenderness, working hand-in-hand with the custard to create something truly decadent. -
Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the cream cheese icing for a warm chocolate sauce for a dessert-style treat anyone will love.
This variation introduces a rich, indulgent element, perfect for those chocolate lovers in your life! -
Light & Fluffy: Substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
Your Churro French Toast will still be delectably creamy, offering a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. -
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar for an unexpected but delightful heat.
The warm spice will jazz up your breakfast, creating a flavor profile that surprises and delights your palate! -
Fruit-Filled: Top your Churro French Toast with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for a burst of freshness.
The fruit adds a vibrant color and natural sweetness, making each bite even more irresistible! -
Nutty Twist: Incorporate crushed nuts, like pecans or almonds, into the cinnamon sugar for an added crunch.
This variation not only enhances texture but adds a satisfying depth of flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. -
Cheesecake Inspired: Mix in a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone in the custard for a creamy, cheesecake-like filling.
Experience a new level of decadence that beautifully marries the flavors of beloved desserts with breakfast.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making some Churro Cheesecake Wow or a batch of Churro Saltine Toffee on the side? These sweet treats add a playful touch to your brunch!
What to Serve with Churro French Toast
There’s nothing like waking up to the aroma of sweet, cinnamon-spiced delights filling your kitchen.
- Fresh Berries: Their natural tartness complements the sweetness of the Churro French Toast beautifully, adding a refreshing touch.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it offers a luscious contrast that balances the rich flavors of icing and cinnamon sugar.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle on top for added sweetness and a touch of warmth; its depth enhances the flavors wonderfully.
- Bacon or Sausage: The salty, savory elements provide a hearty contrast to the sweet dish, making for a well-rounded breakfast.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm, comforting beverage that pairs perfectly with the indulgent flavors and heightens the breakfast experience.
- Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: Keep the churro theme going with these delightful doughnuts that add extra crunch and sweetness to your morning.
- Yogurt Parfait: Add layers of yogurt and granola for a creamy, crunchy contrast that boosts both flavors and nutrition in your meal.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle for an extra luxurious touch; the rich, buttery flavor melds beautifully with the dish’s spices.
- Orange Juice: The zesty freshness of citrus brightens up the rich flavors, creating a refreshing sip to wash it all down!
- Chocolate Milk: A fun twist that resonates with the sweet indulgence, appealing especially to kids and the young at heart!
Storage Tips for Churro French Toast
Fridge: Store leftover Churro French Toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and maintains its deliciousness.
Freezer: If you need to store it longer, freeze the slices separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. This prevents them from sticking together.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the thawed Churro French Toast in a skillet for a few minutes on each side to crisp it up before serving.
Cinnamon Sugar: If you have leftover cinnamon sugar, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to keep it flavorful.
Make Ahead Options
These Churro French Toast delights are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious breakfast with minimal morning fuss! You can prepare the custard (whisked eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and optional orange zest) up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Additionally, soak the Challah slices in the custard mixture overnight for unbeatable flavor. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat your skillet and fry the soaked bread for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. For the best quality, coat them in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking, ensuring that each bite is just as delightful as if made fresh. Enjoy the convenience without sacrificing taste!
Expert Tips for Churro French Toast
- Stale Bread Advantage: Use slightly stale Challah for optimal soaking. Fresh bread may become too mushy and lose its structure during frying.
- Soaking Time: Allow at least 5 minutes for the custard to fully soak into the bread. This ensures a creamy interior that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior.
- Frying Balance: A mixture of butter and vegetable oil is key. Butter adds flavor while oil prevents burning, achieving the best of both worlds in your Churro French Toast.
- Immediate Sugaring: Coat your French toast in cinnamon sugar right after frying while it’s still warm. This enhances adherence and creates that signature churro texture.
- Adjusting Crispiness: Keep an eye on the frying time; if you prefer extra crispy toast, increase the frying time slightly, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Churro French Toast Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for Churro French Toast?
Using Challah bread is ideal for Churro French Toast due to its rich, eggy texture, which absorbs the custard beautifully. If you can’t find Challah, brioche or Texas toast are great alternatives that will still provide the custardy goodness you crave.
How do I store leftover Churro French Toast?
Leftover Churro French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it as delicious as possible, reheat the slices in a skillet over low heat. This method allows the crust to crisp up again while warming the center, keeping it enjoyable.
Can I freeze Churro French Toast?
Absolutely! To freeze, place individual slices of Churro French Toast in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply toast them directly from frozen in a skillet or oven to regain that lovely texture.
What should I do if my Churro French Toast is soggy?
If you find your Churro French Toast is soggy, it may be due to over-soaking the bread. For the perfect texture, try soaking each slice for no more than 5 minutes. Additionally, ensuring your pan is hot enough will help achieve a crispy exterior while cooking to avoid sogginess.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
If you’re worried about allergies, you can easily modify the recipe. Use dairy-free milk and cream cheese for lactose intolerance, or substitute the egg with a flaxseed substitute for a vegan alternative. Always double-check your ingredient labels to ensure they’re allergy-friendly!
How long can I keep Churro French Toast at room temperature?
Churro French Toast should ideally be enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, it can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Beyond that time frame, it’s best to refrigerate it for safety and to maintain quality.
Irresistible Churro French Toast with Creamy Icing Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- Take your sliced Challah bread and dip each slice into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Allow to soak for about 5 minutes.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add equal parts unsalted butter and vegetable oil—about 1 tablespoon each. Heat until bubbly.
- Carefully add the soaked Challah slices to the skillet. Cook each slice for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Prepare a shallow dish with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Immediately coat each warm slice.
- 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.
- Serve warm on plates, adding fresh fruit or cinnamon sugar if desired.
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