If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the warm, comforting flavors of traditional churros with the indulgent fluffiness of French toast, then you’re going to adore this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. It’s like biting into a cozy hug of cinnamon, sugar, and creamy filling, all wrapped up in golden, perfectly cooked brioche. Each slice oozes with luscious cream cheese sweetness while boasting that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside. This recipe transforms an ordinary breakfast into a show-stopping treat that’s bound to brighten your mornings or impress weekend guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your churro stuffed French toast. Each one plays a vital role, from the rich brioche bread that gives a tender crumb to the cinnamon sugar that adds that signature churro crunch.
- Thick-cut brioche bread: Soft yet sturdy, this bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, creating a pillowy interior.
- Large eggs: The eggs form the base of the custard, lending richness and structure.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard, making each bite luxuriously moist.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and aroma throughout the dish.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice both in the custard and the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness for the custard and the crunch.
- Salt: A pinch balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Butter or oil for frying: Ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
- Cream cheese: The creamy filling base that pairs beautifully with the sweet sides.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling with a smooth finish.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until perfectly smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what transforms the French toast into a decadent treat, much like what you’d expect inside a churro, but silky and melt-in-your-mouth.
Step 2: Assemble the French Toast Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on one slice of the thick-cut brioche, then top it with another slice to form a sandwich. Repeat this assembly with all your slices, gently pressing them together so the filling stays put during cooking.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This rich custard bath is the magic that infuses the bread with flavor while ensuring every bite is tender and moist but sturdy enough for frying.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Warm your skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter or heat the oil. The fat is key to creating that golden, crispy exterior reminiscent of a churro’s fried shell, making each piece irresistible.
Step 5: Dip and Cook the Stuffed Toasts
Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard, coating both sides completely. Then place them in the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a slight crisp, locking in the creamy filling. Patience here rewards you with perfectly cooked French toast that stays intact.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This mixture will give your French toast that classic churro crunch and incredible aroma, sealing in the warm spices with every bite.
Step 7: Coat the French Toast
While the French toast is still warm from the pan, generously roll or sprinkle it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat helps the sugar adhere beautifully, forming a delicious cinnamon-sugary crust that is simply addictive.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your churro stuffed French toast into halves or quarters, drizzle with syrup if you like, and dive into the ultimate indulgence. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of creaminess, crunch, and sweet-spiced flavors.
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Top your French toast with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its sweetness and presentation. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a fresh and crunchy dimension. Brighten the plate with a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This churro stuffed French toast pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a savory counterbalance. Fresh fruit salad or a fruit compote can also add a juicy freshness that complements the warm spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your French toast on a wooden board with small bowls of honey, maple syrup, or chocolate sauce for dipping. Alternatively, layer the slices and skewer them to make churro-inspired French toast stacks, perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. The delicate cream cheese filling stays fresh for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy the next morning without losing that indulgent flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, you can enjoy the excitement of the Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe anytime, up to 1 month ahead.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through to help retain the crispiness of the cinnamon sugar crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and diminish that wonderful churro-like texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its tenderness and ability to soak up custard without falling apart, challah or Texas toast also work beautifully. Just make sure it’s thick-cut to hold the filling properly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The texture might vary slightly, but the delicious flavor will still shine.
Can I prepare the stuffed sandwiches ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them, covered, for a few hours before dipping and cooking. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
What can I use instead of cream cheese filling?
Try using Nutella, peanut butter with sliced bananas, or even a fruit jam for different flavor profiles. Each will bring a unique twist while keeping the idea of a delectable stuffed French toast.
How do I prevent the custard from making the bread soggy?
Dip the sandwiches briefly and evenly in the custard, making sure they absorb just enough without saturating. Also, cooking over medium heat ensures the exterior crisps up before the inside becomes soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is more than just a breakfast; it’s a celebration of textures, flavors, and cozy moments. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or impressing loved ones, this recipe invites you to slow down and savor the joy in every bite. So grab that brioche, warm up your skillet, and get ready to create some breakfast magic that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is a decadent breakfast treat featuring thick-cut brioche stuffed with a sweet cream cheese filling. The stuffed sandwiches are dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, then coated with a crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture for a delightful churro-inspired twist. This recipe serves 4 and offers a perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and sweet flavors that’s easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying
For the Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble the Toast: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on one slice of brioche bread, then top it with another slice to form a sandwich. Repeat to assemble all sandwiches.
- Prepare the Custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter or heat oil until shimmering and ready for frying.
- Dip and Cook: Dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture, coating both sides evenly. Then, carefully place the sandwich onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is warm.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well.
- Coat the French Toast: While the French toast is still warm from cooking, roll or sprinkle it generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a sweet, crunchy coating reminiscent of churros.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice the stuffed French toast if desired, drizzle with maple syrup or your favorite toppings, and serve immediately for a delicious breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use thick-cut brioche for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to achieve a smooth filling.
- Adjust cinnamon sugar coating quantity to taste.
- Serve immediately to retain crispiness of coating.
- Can be served with fresh fruit or maple syrup for added enjoyment.
- Butter or oil can be used for frying depending on preference.
- For a lighter version, consider using milk alternatives or low-fat cheese.
