If you love the cozy sweetness of churros combined with the comforting richness of French toast, then this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is going to capture your heart and taste buds instantly. Imagine thick brioche slices layered with a luscious cream cheese filling, dipped in a fragrant cinnamon custard, and finally coated in a sparkling cinnamon sugar blend that gives you all the crunchy, comforting textures of a churro but with that satisfying brunch vibe. It’s a simple yet indulgent twist that turns an ordinary morning into an extraordinary celebration of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and combine beautifully to create the classic churro flavors wrapped in fluffy French toast luxury. Each one plays a crucial role, giving you the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, sweetness, and that golden-brown crisp.
- Thick-cut brioche bread: Its soft, buttery texture makes it the ideal base to soak up custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs: They form the rich custard that helps caramelize the toast for that crisp, golden finish.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard, making every bite luscious.
- Vanilla extract: A warm, fragrant note that enhances both the filling and custard flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that unmistakable churro spice throughout the recipe.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and is the base for the crispy cinnamon sugar coating.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all flavors to life.
- Butter or oil for frying: Creates that perfect golden crust without sticking.
- Cream cheese: The rich, tangy filling that pairs beautifully with the other sweet components.
- Powdered sugar: Softens and sweetens the cream cheese for a dreamy, smooth filling layer.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by whipping together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This filling is what elevates the traditional French toast to churro-inspired decadence, delivering a slightly tangy richness to every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Toast
Take one slice of brioche and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over it. Top it with another slice to form a sandwich. Repeat this step for all the bread slices so you end up with four deliciously stuffed sandwiches ready for their coating.
Step 3: 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. This custard bath will give your French toast the perfect balance between fluffy interior and crisp exterior.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter or oil. This step is crucial to achieve that golden crust that makes churro flavors shine through in your French toast.
Step 5: Dip and Cook
Dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are generously coated but not soggy. Transfer them to the hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and have a satisfyingly crispy texture that’s reminiscent of perfectly fried churros.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This cinnamon sugar blend is what gives you that iconic churro crunch and warmth—sprinkled generously, it’s the finishing touch your French toast deserves.
Step 7: Coat the French Toast
While the French toast is still warm from the pan, roll or sprinkle each piece with the cinnamon sugar mixture. This ensures the sugar sticks beautifully, creating that sweet, crackly coating that perfectly mimics traditional churros.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Slice your churro stuffed French toast and drizzle generously with syrup if you like, then savor every bite of this sweet, creamy, crunchy delight. Trust me, it’s pure breakfast magic!
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
To really make this dish stand out, consider garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Fresh berries or banana slices also make a wonderful fresh contrast to the richness of the cinnamon sugar coating and cream cheese filling.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or savory sausage to add a salty counterpoint to the sweet flavors. A simple side of fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balance, making it feel like a complete, well-rounded brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe in a stack, layered high and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar between the layers. Or make it elegant by serving as individual open-faced toasts topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon—Instagram-worthy and utterly irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to two days. The cream cheese filling remains delicious, although the cinnamon sugar coating might soften slightly.
Freezing
This churro stuffed French toast freezes beautifully. Freeze the assembled but uncooked sandwiches on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, cook straight from frozen by extending the cooking time to ensure they heat through.
Reheating
To reheat, toast leftover slices in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to regain that crisp cinnamon sugar crust and warm the creamy filling inside. Avoid the microwave to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery texture, you can experiment with challah, Texas toast, or any thick, sturdy bread. Just make sure it can hold the cream cheese filling without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk for the custard. The flavor and texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely. The cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes assembly quick and easy on the day you want to enjoy the French toast.
What if I don’t have granulated sugar for the coating?
You can try using coconut sugar or superfine sugar, but granulated sugar gives the best texture that mimics classic churros. Powdered sugar won’t provide the same crunch.
How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
Reduce the amount of cinnamon if your kids are sensitive to strong spice and serve with their favorite syrup or fresh fruit. The creamy filling usually wins over even picky eaters!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe takes classic brunch flavors and transforms them into a fun, indulgent treat that feels both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or enjoy a sweet morning just for yourself, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied appetites. You owe it to yourself to try it soon and make your breakfast table a little more magical.
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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
Indulge in this decadent Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar, featuring creamy cinnamon-vanilla cream cheese sandwiched between thick brioche slices, dipped in a cinnamon-infused custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and dusted generously with cinnamon sugar for that classic churro flavor.
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, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a sweet, flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Toast: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on one slice of brioche bread, then place another slice on top to make a sandwich. Repeat this process with all slices to prepare four stuffed 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 well combined to create a spiced custard for dipping.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter or heat oil to coat the surface well to ensure the French toast will cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Dip and Cook: Submerge each stuffed brioche sandwich in the custard mixture, thoroughly coating both sides, then place on the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crispy while the filling is warmed through.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, preparing the classic churro-style sugar coating.
- Coat the French Toast: Immediately after cooking, while still warm, roll or sprinkle the French toast sandwiches in the cinnamon sugar mixture so the coating adheres well, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice the French toast into halves or quarters, optionally drizzle with maple syrup, and serve warm for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to easily blend with powdered sugar and vanilla for a smooth filling.
- Use thick-cut brioche bread for best texture and to hold the filling well without falling apart.
- Adjust cooking time as needed depending on skillet heat to avoid burning the exterior before warming the filling.
- Serve immediately for crispy edges and fresh gooey filling; leftovers may lose crispness.
- For a dairy-free or lower-fat version, substitute cream cheese and milk with suitable alternatives.
- Maple syrup or fruit compotes complement this dish beautifully but are optional.
