Churro French Toast Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Twist on a Classic Breakfast

When it comes to weekend brunch or a special morning treat, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of French toast. But what if you could elevate that classic dish into something truly irresistible? Enter Churro French Toast. Imagine the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated crunch of churros, combined with the soft, fluffy goodness of French toast. It’s a breakfast dream come true and the perfect dish to surprise your loved ones with. Whether you’re planning a fun weekend breakfast or looking for a sweet indulgence to start your day, this Churro French Toast will surely become a favorite.

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I remember the first time I made this dish; I was feeling adventurous one Saturday morning and thought, “Why not combine two of my favorite treats: French toast and churros?” With a bit of creativity and a few pantry staples, I was able to turn that idea into a reality. After the first bite, I knew I had created something special! The blend of cinnamon and sugar brought a comforting warmth, and the crispy, golden edges paired perfectly with the soft center of the French toast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Churro French Toast recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.

Why Churro French Toast is Perfect for Beginners

As a beginner, one of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward it is. The ingredients are simple, and there are no complex techniques involved. It’s all about creating the perfect custard mixture for dipping, frying the bread to golden perfection, and adding that mouthwatering cinnamon-sugar coating.

The ingredients for this dish are easy to find, and the cooking process doesn’t require any fancy equipment. If you have a skillet or griddle, you’re all set to make this delicious breakfast treat! Plus, it comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying weekend breakfast or brunch without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

The combination of eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon creates a custard mixture that soaks into the bread, giving it a rich flavor. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior with a warm, fluffy interior. Add the cinnamon-sugar coating, and you’ve got a sweet treat that’s reminiscent of churros but in French toast form. Best of all, you can easily customize this recipe with toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup, so it can be as indulgent as you like!

Ingredients and Preparation

To make this scrumptious Churro French Toast, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Custard Mixture:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the French Toast:

• 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread
• Butter, for frying

Optional Toppings (for extra indulgence):

• Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)
• Whipped cream
• Maple syrup
• Sautéed bananas
• Chocolate syrup

Alternative Ingredients:

If you don’t have brioche or challah, you can use any thick bread like Texas toast or even a baguette. For a slightly different flavor, you can use almond milk or oat milk in place of the whole milk. For a dairy-free version, opt for coconut milk or a non-dairy cream to replace the heavy cream in the custard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious Churro French Toast!

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

The first thing you’ll need to do is prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture. In a shallow dish or a wide plate, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Stir until the cinnamon is evenly mixed with the sugar. Set this mixture aside because it will be used to coat the French toast once it’s cooked.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined. The cinnamon and vanilla will infuse the custard with a delicious flavor, giving the French toast a rich, aromatic taste.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Take each slice of your day-old brioche or challah bread and dip it into the custard mixture. Allow the bread to soak for about 30 seconds on each side. You want the bread to absorb just enough of the custard mixture to create a rich, soft texture, but not too much that it becomes soggy.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter in the pan. Once the butter is melted and starts to sizzle, carefully place the soaked bread slices into the pan. Cook each slice for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. You’ll know the French toast is ready to flip when it releases easily from the pan, and the edges start to look golden.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar

As soon as the French toast comes out of the pan, immediately coat each side with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The heat from the French toast will help the sugar melt into the crispy crust, giving it that churro-like crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Now that your Churro French Toast is ready, serve it warm with your favorite toppings. Fresh berries add a nice burst of freshness and color, while whipped cream and maple syrup bring extra indulgence. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this treat is sure to impress!

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Choosing the Right Bread: For the best results, use day-old brioche or challah bread. These types of bread are slightly firmer, which helps them hold up to the custard soak without falling apart. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can also toast fresh bread lightly before dipping it in the custard.
• Don’t Over-soak the Bread: When soaking the bread, make sure you don’t leave it in the custard for too long. If the bread becomes too soggy, it may not cook properly and can become mushy. Aim for about 30 seconds per side.
• Cooking Temperature: Make sure the skillet or griddle is at the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the bread will cook too quickly on the outside and stay raw inside. If it’s too low, the bread will absorb too much butter and become greasy. Medium heat works best for golden-brown French toast.
• Keeping the French Toast Warm: If you’re making several slices, you can keep the French toast warm by placing it on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.
• How to Know When It’s Cooked: If you’re unsure if the French toast is cooked through, press lightly on the center with a spatula. The toast should feel firm, and you should see no wet custard leaking from the sides.
• Make Ahead Option: If you’re preparing for a crowd, you can make the French toast ahead of time. After frying, place the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

This Churro French Toast is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides and toppings to enhance the experience.

• Fresh Berries: Top your French toast with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the warm, cinnamon-sugar coating. The tartness of the berries perfectly complements the sweetness of the churro-inspired toast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy sweetness to the dish. For an extra special touch, try making your own whipped cream with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract.
• Maple Syrup: For a classic touch, drizzle your French toast with warm maple syrup for that perfect balance of sweetness.
• Sautéed Bananas: Sautéing sliced bananas in butter and brown sugar for a few minutes creates a caramelized topping that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-sugar crust.
• Chocolate Sauce: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can take this dish to the next level.
• Crushed Nuts: Add a bit of crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top. The nuttiness provides a nice contrast to the sweetness and soft texture of the French toast.
• Ice Cream: For a truly decadent treat, top your Churro French Toast with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm toast with the cold ice cream creates an irresistible contrast.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you have any leftover Churro French Toast (which is rare!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat to restore their crispy texture. If you prefer, you can also freeze individual slices by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, store the slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for a quick breakfast treat.

Conclusion

Churro French Toast is a perfect blend of sweetness, warmth, and crispy goodness that will transform your breakfast routine. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s simple to make, requires just a few basic ingredients, and offers a fun twist on a beloved classic. The best part? Even beginners can easily master this dish with just a few tips and tricks. So go ahead—give it a try and let your taste buds indulge in this delightful treat. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below and let us know how your Churro French Toast turned out!