If you are looking for a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Churro French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine thick slices of brioche soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, then rolled in a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that perfectly mimics those beloved churros. It’s crispy, soft, and utterly addictive, bringing together the best of two classic delights in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: rich eggs and creamy milk create a luscious custard soak, vanilla and cinnamon bring that signature warm flavor, while the sugar and butter help you get that perfect sweet crunch and golden color on the outside.
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah recommended): Their fluffy, buttery texture soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- 2 large eggs: The backbone of your custard, providing richness and binding everything together.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, ensuring each slice is tender and moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor that makes every bite taste like a treat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The spice that brings warmth and echoes the classic churro flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right for that perfect touch.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For frying, giving you that irresistible golden crust and just the right buttery richness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Mixed with cinnamon to make the famous churro sugar coating, crunchy and sweet.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Combined with sugar to create that classic cinnamon sugar that hugs the French toast
How to Make Churro French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and sugar in a shallow dish. This custard base is what makes the bread soak in all those incredible flavors and become soft inside while cooking to golden perfection outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This magical mixture will give your French toast that signature churro crunch and sweetness as soon as it hits the hot skillet.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Melt the Butter
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. This ensures your French toast crisps beautifully without sticking and is imbued with that buttery flavor we all love.
Step 4: Soak the Bread Slices
Dip each slice of bread into the custard for about 10 seconds on each side, letting it soak up all that flavor but not get oversaturated. The thickness of brioche or challah works wonderfully here because it holds the custard without falling apart.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown
Transfer the soaked bread to the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until each slice turns a beautiful golden brown. Add more butter as needed to keep the toasts crispy and luscious.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Right after cooking, immediately roll each slice in the cinnamon sugar mixture you prepared earlier. This step is essential—it’s where the magic happens, creating that sweet, crunchy churro texture on the outside.
Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Slices
Keep repeating the dipping, cooking, and coating process until all slices are ready. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely heavenly at this point!
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Serve your Churro French Toast Recipe warm, optionally topping it with some caramel or chocolate sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent brunch or dessert twist.
How to Serve Churro French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple toppings like a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can take your churro French toast to the next level. Fresh berries also add a lovely burst of color and tartness, cutting through the sweet richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Churro French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast. A side of fresh fruit or yogurt can add brightness and balance to the meal, making it feel both indulgent and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not stack the French toast slices like a tower, layering them with whipped cream and berry compote? Or serve individual bites on skewers dipped in sauce for a fun party treat. Even cutting them into sticks to serve with a small dish of chocolate or caramel can make breakfast extra playful and delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. To keep their texture, avoid stacking them closely together before reheating.
Freezing
This Churro French Toast Recipe freezes beautifully. Just freeze the cooked and coated slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to one month and make for a quick, sweet breakfast.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the delightful crunch of the cinnamon sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this Churro French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are recommended for their texture, you can also use thick-cut white bread or even Texas toast. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart.
Is it necessary to use whole milk in this recipe?
Whole milk works best to give a rich and creamy custard, but you can substitute with 2% milk or even half-and-half for an extra indulgent touch. Using skim milk might result in a less creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, you’ll want to swap the eggs with a flax egg or another egg replacer, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use a vegan butter substitute for cooking. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
How do I keep the Churro French Toast crispy after coating?
Cook the toast until it’s nicely golden, and immediately coat it in the cinnamon sugar. Serve right away for the best crunch. If you need to keep it warm, use a low oven instead of stacking them, which can make the coating soggy.
What’s the best way to customize toppings?
The sky’s the limit! Fresh fruit, whipped cream, nut butter, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts all complement the churro flavors nicely. Drizzles of chocolate, caramel, or maple syrup only elevate the decadence.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and joyous about this Churro French Toast Recipe. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions when you want to wow your family and friends. Give this recipe a go and see how quickly it becomes your new favorite way to enjoy French toast with a delicious churro twist.
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Churro French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro French Toast is a delightful twist on classic French toast, combining the rich, custardy texture of brioche or challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Each slice is coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend inspired by traditional churros, making for a warm and indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. Perfect served warm with caramel, chocolate sauce, or ice cream for an extra special indulgence.
Ingredients
Bread and Soaking Mixture
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Churro Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cooking Fat
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set this aside for coating the French toast later.
- Heat Skillet and Butter: Place a large skillet on medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, and allow it to melt completely to coat the pan.
- Soak Bread Slices: Dip each slice of the thick bread into the prepared egg mixture. Let each side soak for about 10 seconds to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Cook French Toast: Transfer the soaked bread slices onto the hot buttered skillet. Cook each slice for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side or until each side is golden brown and slightly crisp. Add more butter to the skillet as necessary between batches to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after removing the cooked French toast from the skillet, coat both sides generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture to capture the signature churro flavor and texture.
- Repeat Cooking and Coating: Continue the soaking, cooking, and coating process with the remaining bread slices until all are cooked and coated.
- Serve Warm: Serve the churro French toast warm for best taste and texture. Optionally, top with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or add a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch.
Notes
- Using brioche or challah bread provides the best texture and flavor due to their softness and slight sweetness.
- Do not soak the bread too long to avoid sogginess; about 10 seconds per side is optimal.
- Butter the pan well to achieve a golden crust and prevent sticking.
- The cinnamon sugar coating is what gives this French toast the signature churro taste—don’t skip it.
- Serve immediately after coating for the best warm and crispy experience.
- Feel free to experiment with toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream for added flavor.
