Churro French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Did you know that over 70% of people consider French toast their go-to comfort breakfast? What if you could elevate that classic dish into a restaurant-worthy, decadent treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home? This Churro French Toast recipe is the answer, merging the warm, sugary-cinnamon essence of a classic churro with the rich, custardy heart of perfect French toast. Imagine thick, golden slices of brioche, crispy on the outside with a crackly cinnamon-sugar shell, giving way to a soft, eggy, and impossibly tender interior. It’s a fusion that transforms your morning routine into a festive occasion, perfect for lazy weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or when you simply deserve a spectacularly delicious start to your day. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that authentic churro flavor and perfect French toast texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Creates the classic sweet, crystalline shell.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The star spice, providing warm, aromatic flavor. For a deeper taste, try using Ceylon cinnamon.
• For the Custard Dip:
  • 4 large eggs – The base for a rich, golden custard.
  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream – Whole milk offers lightness, while heavy cream delivers unparalleled richness and a velvety mouthfeel. For a dairy-free version, full-fat canned coconut milk is a fantastic substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Use the real stuff for a fragrant, complex sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Infuses the custard itself with flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) – Adds a warm, nutty background note.
  • Pinch of salt – Balances and enhances all the sweet flavors.
• For the French Toast:
  • 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread (about 1-inch thick) – This is non-negotiable for the best texture. Stale bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, resulting in a creamy center. Brioche adds buttery luxury, while challah offers a slightly lighter, eggy richness.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – For frying. Butter creates a beautifully browned, flavorful crust. You can substitute with a neutral oil like avocado oil for higher heat.
  • Maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh berries for serving – The perfect finishing touches.

Timing

One of the joys of this recipe is its efficiency. Unlike many gourmet breakfasts that keep you in the kitchen for hours, this Churro French Toast comes together in a timeframe that rivals standard recipes but delivers far more impressive results.

Compared to the average French toast recipe, the only added step is the cinnamon sugar coating, which takes mere seconds per slice. The total active time is under 30 minutes, meaning you can go from craving to plating a stunning breakfast in less time than it takes to get brunch delivered.

Golden, crispy, and coated in fragrant cinnamon sugar—this Churro French Toast is a breakfast dream come true.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for foolproof, restaurant-quality Churro French Toast every single time.

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

In a shallow, wide dish (a pie plate or baking dish works perfectly), vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Whisk for a full minute until the mixture is completely homogenous, smooth, and slightly frothy. This ensures every bite of bread is evenly infused with flavor. Let this custard base sit for a minute while you prepare the coating.

Step 2: Dip the Bread

On a separate plate or in a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for the coating. Set it aside. Now, take one slice of your day-old brioche and place it into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. You want the bread to be fully saturated and heavy with custard, but not so soggy that it risks tearing. Gently lift it, letting any excess custard drip back into the dish.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the pan. Once the butter is melted and foamy (but not browned), carefully add 2-3 slices of the soaked bread. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until deeply golden brown and crisp. You should see little caramelized bubbles around the edges—that’s the sign of perfect browning. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. Transfer the cooked slices to a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this keeps them crispy). Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

This is the magical “churro” step! While the French toast is still hot from the pan, immediately press both sides into the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture. Coat it generously, pressing gently to ensure the sugar adheres to the buttery surface. The heat from the toast will slightly melt the sugar, creating that irresistible, crackly shell. Work quickly for the best adherence.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Churro French Toast is at its absolute peak when served hot and fresh. Plate the sugared slices and add your favorite toppings. A drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and a handful of tart berries (like raspberries or strawberries) cut through the sweetness perfectly.

Nutritional Information

The following estimates are for one slice of Churro French Toast (using brioche and whole milk), without additional toppings like syrup or whipped cream.

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 9g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Healthier Alternatives

You can absolutely enjoy this indulgent treat with some smart swaps that don’t sacrifice flavor:

• Bread: Use whole-wheat brioche or a hearty whole-grain bread for added fiber.
• Custard: Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use 2 whole eggs plus 2 egg whites to reduce cholesterol and fat.
• Cooking Fat: Cook with coconut oil spray or a light brushing of avocado oil instead of butter.
• Sugar Coating: Create a blend using 1/4 cup coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. The coating will be slightly less crisp but still delicious.
• Toppings: Opt for Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream, and sweeten fresh berries with a touch of honey instead of using syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Turn your Churro French Toast into a full feast with these pairing ideas:

• Classic Brunch Spread: Serve alongside crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage, and a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
• Dessert-for-Breakfast: Go all out with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce drizzle.
• Beverage Pairings: A strong cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or a mimosa are perfect companions. For a non-alcoholic treat, try a cinnamon-spiced latte.
• Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar. In winter, a sprinkle of orange zest in the custard adds a bright, festive note.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your Churro French Toast is perfect:

• Using Fresh Bread: Fresh bread turns to mush. Always use slightly stale, thick-cut bread for the ideal custard absorption.
• Overcrowding the Pan: This steams the toast instead of frying it, leading to a soggy texture. Cook in batches.
• Coating After Cooling: The cinnamon sugar won’t stick properly if the toast has cooled. Coat it the moment it comes out of the pan.
• Insufficient Heat: If your pan isn’t hot enough, the toast will absorb all the butter and become greasy. Wait for the butter to foam before adding the bread.
• Skipping the Wire Rack: Placing hot toast directly on a plate creates condensation on the bottom, making it lose its crispness. The wire rack is a game-changer.

Storing Tips

• Best Served Fresh: This dish is truly at its peak right after cooking.
• Refrigerating: Store leftover, uncoated cooked French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness, then coat in cinnamon sugar.