If you’re searching for the ultimate decadent breakfast or brunch treat, look no further than this swoon-worthy Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing. This recipe takes all the best parts of classic French toast and cranks the delight to eleven, coating every soft, custardy slice in a sparkling blanket of cinnamon sugar and finishing things off with a luscious drizzle of cream cheese icing. It’s playful, a bit nostalgic, and just the kind of breakfast that makes morning feel magical. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or spoiling yourself, this is one morning meal everyone will beg for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing is how each humble ingredient brings something special to the party. From plush bread to the silky icing, every component plays a role in creating unforgettable flavor and texture.
- Brioche or challah bread (1 loaf, sliced 1-inch thick): Soft, eggy bread gives French toast its signature custardy interior — day-old is ideal for soaking up the batter.
- Eggs (4 large): They provide richness and structure to make every slice pillowy and golden.
- Whole milk (1 cup): The creamy backbone ensures your soak isn’t too thin for dreamy results.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for icing): Adds that bakery-sweet aroma in both the batter and the icing.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon for batter, 1 cup for coating): Sweetens both the French toast and creates the iconic churro coating.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch makes all the flavors pop.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, for frying): Infuses richness and ensures the toast crisps up perfectly in the pan.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Essential for that churro sparkle and spicy warmth in the sugar coating.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Forms the base of the thick, tangy icing that makes this dish totally irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and smooths the icing for that proper drizzle.
- Milk (2 tablespoons, for icing): Thins the icing to the perfect pourable consistency.
How to Make Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, one tablespoon granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. This silky mix gives your bread that signature creamy French toast texture with a subtle vanilla note that tastes like a morning hug.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Take each generous slice of brioche or challah and dip it into your custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds per side. Don’t rush: you want the bread to absorb just enough liquid for a soft, pudding-like center without falling apart.
Step 3: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a knob of butter (about one tablespoon) in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, place the soaked bread slices into the skillet and cook until each side is deeply golden and slightly crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. The butter will help form a perfectly bronzed crust.
Step 4: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
While the slices are still warm from the pan, immediately toss each one in a bowl filled with one cup granulated sugar and a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. The warmth helps the cinnamon sugar grip every inch, creating that unmistakable churro experience.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract until irresistibly smooth. The result: a thick but pourable icing that’s as lovely to eat as it is to look at.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Arrange those cinnamon sugar-encrusted French toast slices on a platter or plate, then let your inner artist shine: generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. Serve immediately while everything’s warm and melty.
How to Serve Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar over the assembled toast, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Fresh berries add a juicy contrast, or go all out with a handful of toasted nuts for crunch.
Side Dishes
This Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing is quite the star, but it shines even brighter alongside fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or even a simple vanilla yogurt parfait. The mix of flavors and textures makes breakfast feel truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your French toast slices into sticks and serve with the icing as a dip for a playful spin. Stack slices high and serve family-style, or arrange them on a board with fruit and extra toppings for an impressive brunch centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve managed to resist eating every last piece, let the toast cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, with parchment between layers to keep the slices from sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing (minus the icing) for up to two months. Place cooled slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Keep icing separate and make fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or skillet until hot and crisp again (the microwave works in a pinch, but the edges won’t be as crunchy). Add fresh icing after reheating for the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While brioche and challah make for especially rich and fluffy results, you can use any thick-cut sandwich bread or even Texas toast. Just make sure the slices are sturdy enough to hold up to the custard soak.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap in your favorite plant-based milk and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. The result will still be delicious and full of that classic Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing magic.
Can I prepare anything in advance for busy mornings?
Yes! You can mix up the cinnamon sugar and the cream cheese icing the night before. You can also slice your bread ahead of time, so it’s ready to go when you wake up hungry.
What’s the best way to get the cinnamon sugar to stick?
Be sure to toss the French toast slices in the cinnamon sugar immediately after frying while they’re still hot. The residual warmth helps the sugar coat every bite like a real churro.
Should I serve Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing warm or cold?
This dish is best enjoyed while still warm and just a little oozy from the icing, but honestly, any way is delicious! If you have leftovers, feel free to warm them up again before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the combination of crispy cinnamon sugar and dreamy cream cheese icing, and this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing brings all those elements together in every mouthwatering bite. Treat yourself and your favorite people to this unforgettable breakfast — one taste, and it’s sure to become a new classic in your kitchen too.
Print
Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Icing. A delightful twist on classic French toast that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frying)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the French Toast: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat a skillet and fry bread slices until golden brown.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss cooked French toast in the mixture.
- Make Cream Cheese Icing: Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm French toast.
Notes
- You can substitute brioche or challah with thick sandwich bread.
- Adjust icing sweetness to taste with more or less powdered sugar.
- Cinnamon sugar coating is best applied while the toast is warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
