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 and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make this Churro French Toast your own; the possibilities are delightful!

Brioche Bread: Swap out Challah for brioche for a richer, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to make this indulgent treat accessible for everyone without sacrificing taste.
Egg-Free Custard: Replace eggs with a combination of mashed bananas and almond milk for a tasty vegan twist.
Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle chocolate sauce instead of cream cheese icing for a dessert-like experience that’s pure indulgence.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar coating for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cinnamon sugar for a surprising heat that enhances the sweet notes.
Citrus Zest Boost: Experiment with lemon or lime zest instead of orange for a vibrant and refreshing citrus profile.
Fruit Toppings: Top with fresh berries or sliced bananas to create a pop of color and a natural sweetness that complements the dish.

Remember, if you’re itching for more churro-inspired treats, don’t miss out on our delectable Churro Cheesecake Wow and scrumptious Churro Saltine Toffee. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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.

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!

Make Ahead Options

These Churro French Toast are perfect for busy mornings and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the Challah bread slices up to 24 hours in advance. Just whisk together the eggs, milk, sugars, cinnamon, and salt, then pour over the bread, ensuring the slices are well-coated. To maintain quality, refrigerate the soaked bread in an airtight container until ready to fry. When it’s time to enjoy your delicious breakfast, simply heat the skillet, fry the soaked bread, and roll in cinnamon sugar right after cooking for that fresh, warm tortilla crunch. With this prep, you’ll have a delightful breakfast in no time!

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.

Churro French Toast Recipe FAQs

What type of bread should I use?
For the best results, I recommend using Challah bread as it provides a rich, eggy texture. Stale bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard mixture better without falling apart. If you can’t find Challah, brioche or Texas toast makes for a delightful alternative!

How should I store leftover Churro French Toast?
Absolutely! Leftover Churro French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it nice and fresh, and to retain its irresistible flavor, make sure the container is sealed well.

Can I freeze Churro French Toast?
Yes, you can! To freeze Churro French Toast, first let the cooked slices cool completely. Then, place parchment paper between the slices to prevent sticking and store them in an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This way, you can enjoy them later, as they are good for up to 2 months in the freezer.

What if my French toast turns out soggy?
If your French toast comes out soggy, it may be due to over-soaking. Make sure to soak each slice in the custard mixture for only about 5 minutes. Additionally, ensure that your frying pan is hot enough before you add the soaked bread, as this will help achieve a crispy, golden exterior.

Is there any dietary consideration I should keep in mind?
For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free. If you have an egg allergy, I find that a mixture of 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) works as a great alternative in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly!

How long does Churro French Toast last in the fridge?
Churro French Toast will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Just reheat it on a skillet for a few minutes before serving again to regain its crispy edges!