French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes Recipe
If you’re searching for a whimsical and utterly delicious way to delight at breakfast, brunch, or whenever a sweet craving strikes, look no further than these French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes. Tender brioche hearts are bathed in a rich custard, pan-fried until golden, then tossed in cinnamon sugar for the ultimate treat. Dippable, adorable, and perfect for sharing, they’re guaranteed to be the star of any table—a fusion of French toast comfort with all the crunchy sweetness of churros. Each bite is like a little hug on a plate, and you can bet everyone will fall in love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes comes down to a few simple but standout ingredients. Each one pulls its weight—think soft brioche for fluffiness, a hint of vanilla for warmth, and the irresistible sparkle of cinnamon sugar that makes every bite sparkle.
- Brioche or Texas Toast (6 thick slices): Choose a sturdy, pillowy bread—brioche brings beautiful richness, while Texas toast makes for extra fluffy results.
- Large Eggs (3): The base of that creamy custard soak, eggs give structure and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Ensures each heart gets lovely moisture without becoming soggy.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and rounds out flavors—pure comfort in a bottle.
- Cinnamon (1/2 tsp for batter, 1 tsp for coating): Adds that signature coziness and churro-like depth that everyone swoons for.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a touch wakes up all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Teaming up with cinnamon to create the iconic churro crunch.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): For that golden, irresistible outer crust and a hint of nuttiness.
- Maple Syrup or Chocolate Sauce (optional): Serve as a luxurious dip—maple for classic vibes, or chocolate if you want to channel dessert heaven.
How to Make French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes
Step 1: Cut Heart-Shaped Bread
Start your French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes adventure by laying each slice of brioche or Texas toast on a cutting board. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, press out as many hearts as you can—typically 2–3 per slice. Save the trimmed bread for breadcrumbs or a future batch of croutons. This step sets the stage for irresistible presentation and ensures every bite is extra puffy and cute!
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and slightly frothy. This magical mixture will soak into your bread, giving it that classic French toast softness—don’t skimp on the whisking, as a well-mixed custard means beautifully cooked bites.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a separate shallow dish, stir together the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This fragrant, glittering mixture is the secret to achieving the crave-worthy churro finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Step 4: Dredge and Cook the Hearts
Heat 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until melted and gently bubbling. Quickly dip each heart-shaped bread piece into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly but letting excess drip off to prevent sogginess. Lay the soaked bread hearts in the hot skillet, cooking them for about 2–3 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for golden-brown perfection and a set, fluffy center.
Step 5: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as a batch comes off the skillet, immediately toss each warm heart into your prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, turning to coat every nook and cranny. It’s this step that transforms French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes into the stuff of dreams, giving them that iconic sweet crunch that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Dips
Serve your freshly coated bites warm, alongside bowls of maple syrup or chocolate sauce for dunking. If you’re making a larger batch, keep them cozy in a low oven until it’s time to share the love!
How to Serve French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, dust your French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a shake of powdered sugar, or even a handful of fresh berries. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey can make them shine even brighter. The goal: maximum eye appeal and a little extra sweetness in every bite!
Side Dishes
Pair these heart-shaped bites with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon or sausage, or a simple yogurt parfait. The balance of sweet, creamy, and savory sides makes brunch feel luxurious and keeps everyone satisfied from the first bite to the last.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into the playful spirit! Arrange the hearts in a tidy row for a Valentine’s Day breakfast, pile them high on a cake stand for parties, or thread them onto skewers for an extra-fun brunch platter. Stack them in a paper cone, churro-style, or pack into lunchboxes for a midday treat—these bites thrive on creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes (though they tend to disappear fast!), let them cool before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to two days—all their flavor and coziness remains with just a little reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or box with parchment between layers. French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes can be frozen for up to two months, ready for a sweet surprise at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and lightly crisped. For a super-speedy method, the toaster oven or even the air fryer works like a charm—just avoid the microwave, which can make them a touch soggy. A quick toss in fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating can revive that signature crunch!
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche or Texas toast?
Absolutely! While thick brioche or Texas toast yields the softest, plushest results, sturdy white sandwich bread will still get you some seriously tasty bites. Just avoid thin, flimsy bread, which soaks up too much custard and can fall apart.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk) and swap in vegan butter. The flavor profile and texture will remain impressively close to the classic version.
How do I keep the bites warm if making a big batch?
After coating each batch in cinnamon sugar, lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep them in a 200°F oven. This way, every batch of French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes is served piping hot and perfectly crisp.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries! Simply use a knife to carefully cut heart shapes by hand. Or, have fun with stars, circles, or whatever shapes you like—the churro French toast magic is in the flavor and coating.
Can I prep the custard or coating in advance?
Definitely. The egg-milk custard and cinnamon-sugar mixture can be stirred up and kept covered in the fridge overnight. This lets you jump straight into cooking mode when the morning rush (or brunch craving) hits!
Final Thoughts
These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are the kind of recipe that brings pure happiness to any morning or celebration. If you’ve been craving a dish that’s equal parts charming, nostalgic, and totally irresistible, this is the one to try—get ready to win hearts with every bite!
Print
French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 heart bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are a delightful twist on classic French toast, with a churro-inspired cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for a special breakfast or as a sweet treat, especially for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
Brioche or Texas Toast:
6 slices
Eggs:
3 large
Whole Milk:
1/2 cup
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Cinnamon:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
pinch
Granulated Sugar:
1/2 cup
Ground Cinnamon (for coating):
1 teaspoon
Unsalted Butter:
3 tablespoons
Optional:
Maple syrup or chocolate sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Cut Bread: Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts from each bread slice.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt in a shallow bowl.
- Make Churro Coating: Mix granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in another shallow dish.
- Cook French Toast: Dip bread hearts in egg mixture, cook in buttered skillet until golden, then coat in cinnamon-sugar.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with maple syrup or chocolate sauce.
Notes
- Best served fresh, but can be kept warm in a low oven.
- For extra crunch, toast cutout hearts in the oven before dipping in egg mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
