From the moment golden sugar crystals clink against the edges of soft brioche slices, you know you’re in for something special. This Churro French Toast is more than a dish—it’s a little festival for your taste buds, combining a crispy cinnamon-sugar coating with a pillowy, custardy interior. In just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll transform your breakfast with this irresistible twist on a classic favorite that feels straight out of your favorite café. With only a handful of pantry staples—thick-cut brioche or challah, eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and butter—you’re well on your way to creating an indulgent treat that feels special yet remains easy enough for beginners to master. Each slice carries around 450 calories of pure comfort, making it the perfect weekend brunch centerpiece, a sweet breakfast surprise for loved ones, or even a playful dessert after dinner. The balance of a golden crust and soft, custard-like inside delivers that nostalgic warmth, inviting smiles with every bite.
As a home cook, I love how this recipe reinvents classic French toast by borrowing inspiration from my favorite churro stands at summer fairs. My earliest memory of cinnamon-sugar-dusted churros evokes afternoons spent with sticky fingers and laughter, and marrying that carefree treat with slices of brioche feels like capturing sunshine on a plate. While most French toast recipes call for plain bread, opting for thick-cut brioche or challah gives you a richer, more tender bite that drowns beautifully in an egg and milk custard. Don’t worry if your loaf is a few days old—stale bread is actually perfect for absorbing flavor without turning mushy. Feeling adventurous? Substitute heavy cream for milk, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg into the egg wash, or swap brown sugar into your coating for a deeper caramel note. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy breakfast for a lazy Sunday morning or surprising friends at a brunch gathering, this sweet, fluffy, cinnamon-kissed creation is bound to spark joy and satisfy every sweet tooth in the house.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHURRO FRENCH TOAST
Every outstanding recipe begins with quality ingredients that work in harmony to deliver incredible flavor and texture. For our Churro French Toast, we’ve chosen staples that not only bring sweetness and warmth but also ensure that each slice reaches golden perfection. Here’s a closer look at the stars of the show and how they contribute to that dreamy, cinnamon-sugar-coated bite.
- Thick-cut bread (brioche or challah)
These rich, slightly sweet loaves create a sturdy base that soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart. Their tender crumb yields a custardy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy coating.
- Eggs
Providing structure and richness, eggs form the backbone of the custard bath. They help bind the milk and flavors together, creating that soft, tender texture we crave in French toast.
- Whole milk
The fat content in whole milk enriches the egg mixture, delivering a creamy, custard-like center. It melds perfectly with the eggs to create a smooth soak for each slice of bread.
- Vanilla extract
A splash of vanilla infuses every bite with sweet, aromatic warmth. It balances the spice of the cinnamon and elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon adds that signature warmth and fragrance, both in the custard mix and the coating. It’s the spice that bridges fruity sweetness and sugary crisp.
- Salt
Just a pinch of salt sharpens the flavors, cutting through sweetness and enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Granulated sugar
Blended into the egg wash, sugar sweetens the custard and helps the coating adhere, creating those tiny crunchy pockets of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter
Butter provides the fat needed to pan-fry each slice to a golden brown. Its creamy richness also contributes to a tender, flavorful crust.
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
This extra sugar forms the outward layer of candy-like crunch when mixed with cinnamon. It gives each slice that iconic churro finish.
- Ground cinnamon (for coating)
Paired with sugar, cinnamon becomes the heart of the coating, delivering that classic spicy-sweet kick reminiscent of true churros.
HOW TO MAKE CHURRO FRENCH TOAST
Let’s bring these ingredients together step by step. You’ll prepare a silky custard bath, fry each slice to a perfect golden hue, then coat them in cinnamon sugar for that classic churro flair. Follow these instructions closely, and don’t be afraid to adjust the heat or butter amount based on your skillet’s performance.
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a rich custard base.
2. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar (for coating) with the ground cinnamon (for coating). Set this sweet, spicy blend aside to create the signature churro crust.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
4. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds on each side. Ensure each slice absorbs enough custard without becoming too soggy.
5. Place the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet, cooking until each side turns golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Add more butter to the skillet as needed to maintain that rich, buttery crispness.
6. Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and immediately coat each side in the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently so the sugar sticks and forms a crunchy layer.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining slices of bread, ensuring each batch fries in a freshly buttered skillet for maximum flavor.
8. Serve the Churro French Toast warm, optionally with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHURRO FRENCH TOAST
When it comes to serving Churro French Toast, presentation and pairing can elevate this simple treat into a memorable feast. Whether you’ve just finished plating your golden, sugar-speckled slices or you’re setting up a buffet for friends, these suggestions will help you showcase every crunchy bite. Embrace bold contrasts, fresh textures, and vibrant colors to delight both the eyes and the palate as you share this sweet twist on a classic breakfast favorite.
- Caramel Drizzle & Fresh Berries
Warm a little caramel sauce until it’s pourable, then generously drizzle over the French toast. Top with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to balance the caramel’s richness with bright, fruity tartness.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Swirl
Slightly warm some chocolate-hazelnut spread and use a spoon to create artistic swirls across each slice. Garnish with crushed hazelnuts for a satisfying crunch that harmonizes with the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop
For an over-the-top indulgence, top the hot toast with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or gelato. As it melts, it creates a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the crisp exterior.
- Citrus Zest & Powdered Sugar Dusting
Grate fresh orange or lemon zest over the plated toast, then finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The citrus oils cut through the sweetness and add an aromatic twist.
HOW TO STORE CHURRO FRENCH TOAST
Storing Churro French Toast properly ensures that your next breakfast or snack tastes just as delightful as the first batch. Whether you’re saving leftovers for later in the week or planning ahead for a big brunch, a few simple tips will help maintain that balance between a soft interior and a still-crisp coating. Always allow the slices to cool slightly before storing to prevent trapped steam from making them soggy.
- Refrigerator Storage
Let the slices cool to room temperature, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. Store for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive that crunchy coating.
- Freezer Storage
Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen pieces into a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
- Short-Term Countertop Method
If you plan to eat within a few hours, cover the French toast with a light cloth or paper towel to protect from dust. Keep at room temperature, then warm briefly in a skillet or toaster oven before serving.
- Reheating Best Practices
Avoid the microwave if you’re after crispness—opt for an air fryer or toaster oven for 3–5 minutes at medium heat. This method quickly revives the crust without drying out the inner custard.
CONCLUSION
This Churro French Toast recipe takes a beloved breakfast classic and gives it a playful, crunchy twist that’s sure to become a new family favorite. We covered everything from selecting the perfect thick-cut brioche or challah, to whisking up a smooth custard bath, to frying each slice until golden and coating it in that signature cinnamon sugar blend. Along the way, you discovered tips for customizing with heavy cream, nutmeg, or brown sugar, and explored serving ideas ranging from fresh berries and caramel drizzles to cool scoops of vanilla ice cream. Plus, you have the full scoop on making-ahead strategies, whether you’re refrigerating chilled slices for tomorrow’s brunch or freezing extras for a quick indulgence weeks down the road. Feel free to print this article and save it for your recipe binder or kitchen clipboard, and know that a FAQ section follows where you can find answers to common questions about technique, ingredient swaps, and timing adjustments.
As you embark on your own Churro French Toast adventure, I encourage you to share your experiences below. Did a particular garnish steal the show? Have you discovered a dreamy sauce pairing or a twist of citrus that took the flavors to the next level? Whether you’re a seasoned home cook experimenting with new brunch ideas or someone trying French toast for the very first time, your feedback, stories, and questions enrich our cooking community. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you need help troubleshooting, want to swap flavor ideas, or simply want to celebrate your delicious results. I can’t wait to hear how this cinnamon-sugar-coated delight becomes a cherished part of your mornings and gatherings!
Churro French Toast
Description
Experience a delightful combination of crispy cinnamon-sugar coating and soft, custardy French toast. Perfect for brunch or a sweet breakfast treat that will tickle your taste buds.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until well combined.
-
In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the churro coating. Set aside.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
-
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds on each side.
-
Place the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet, cooking until golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for each batch.
-
Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and immediately coat each side in the cinnamon sugar mixture prepared earlier.
-
Repeat the process with the remaining slices of bread.
-
Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Note
- For a richer flavor, try using heavy cream instead of milk in the egg mixture.
- Stale bread works best for French toast as it absorbs more of the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.
- Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for added warmth and aroma.
- If preferred, the churro coating can be made with brown sugar for an extra caramelized flavor.
