If you adore the sweet, cinnamon-coated crunch of churros and the soft, comforting texture of French toast, this recipe merges both into an irresistible morning treat. Churro French toast offers a delightful combination of crispy edges dusted with cinnamon sugar and tender, custardy bread inside, making it perfect for weekend brunch or a special family breakfast.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is manageable for home cooks of all skill levels looking to impress or indulge. Whether served for a casual meal or a festive occasion, it’s a treat you can enjoy occasionally or whenever you want to brighten your breakfast table.
Benefits And Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This churro French toast recipe combines the comfort of classic French toast with the exciting twist of cinnamon sugar, adding texture and flavor without complexity. It uses everyday American ingredients and familiar cooking techniques, making it accessible and easy for home cooks. The cream cheese glaze adds a smooth, rich finish that balances the crispness and sweetness, creating a multi-layered flavor experience.
While this recipe is calorie-dense and best enjoyed occasionally as a special treat, it offers satisfying protein from eggs and calcium from milk, making it a balanced indulgence. It’s ideal for families, weekend brunches, or brunch parties. Those seeking lighter breakfast options might prefer smaller portions or complement it with fresh fruit for balance.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon good honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
- 1 large loaf challah, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
- For the cinnamon sugar:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- For the cream cheese glaze:
- 4 tablespoons Plain cream cheese (Philadelphia, Organic Valley, Daisy), at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer
- Medium and large mixing bowls
- Wide shallow bowl or plate for soaking bread
- Wide shallow bowl or dish for cinnamon sugar
- Very large sauté pan or griddle
- Sheet pan
- Zip-top bag for glaze piping
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs
- Oven preheated to 250°F
Step-by-step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. This will be used to keep the French toast warm while you finish cooking all slices.
- Prepare the cream cheese glaze by placing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Transfer this glaze into a zip-top bag, seal it, and set aside for later.
- In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar mixture. Set this bowl nearby for coating the toast after cooking.
- To make the French toast batter, break the six large eggs into a large shallow bowl. Add the milk, grated orange zest if using, vanilla extract, honey, and kosher salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully blended, light, and slightly frothy.
- Place as many slices of the challah bread into the egg mixture as will fit comfortably. Allow them to soak for about 5 minutes, turning once halfway through. The bread should absorb the custard but remain intact without becoming mushy.
- Heat a large sauté pan or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Wait until the butter melts and starts to sizzle gently but not burn.
- Carefully place the soaked bread slices in the pan without crowding. Cook each slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want the toast to develop a rich golden brown color with slightly crisp edges. Adjust heat if browning too fast or too slow.
- Remove the cooked French toast slices from the pan briefly and immediately dip each one into the cinnamon sugar bowl. Turn the toast so it’s fully coated on all sides with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the coated slices on a sheet pan. Keep this pan in the preheated oven at 250°F to maintain warmth and help the sugar coating set slightly while you finish cooking all the bread slices.
- Repeat the cooking, cinnamon sugar coating, and warming process for the remaining soaked bread slices. Add more butter and oil to the pan as needed between batches to maintain the right cooking environment.
- Once all slices are cooked, warm, and coated, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Snip a small hole in the corner of the zip-top bag with the cream cheese glaze and drizzle the glaze evenly over each piece of the French toast.
- Serve the churro French toast immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Storage
If you have leftovers, allow the churro French toast to cool completely before storing. Place the slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers can keep for up to 2 days safely. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and the sugar coating is slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
For the cream cheese glaze, store separately in a small airtight container in the fridge. Stir slightly before reuse since it may thicken upon chilling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-soaking the bread: Soaking bread longer than 5 minutes can make it soggy and difficult to cook properly. Stick to the time to maintain the soft custard texture inside without falling apart.
- Using too high heat: Cooking French toast on overly high heat browns it too quickly on the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Use medium heat and watch for golden brown edges.
- Skipping oil when frying: Butter alone can burn easily. Combining vegetable oil with butter helps fry evenly and avoids burnt butter taste.
- Not coating immediately with cinnamon sugar: Apply cinnamon sugar as soon as French toast is off the heat to ensure it sticks well while still warm.
- Drizzling glaze too early: Adding glaze before serving makes toast soggy. Drizzle right before eating to preserve textures.
Variations and Substitutions
You can adapt this churro French toast to better match your preferences or dietary needs. For a slightly lighter version, substitute half-and-half or skim milk for whole milk, although this will reduce richness. Use gluten-free bread instead of challah if you need a gluten-free option but choose a sturdy bread that holds custard well.
For a quicker version, soak fewer slices at a time but ensure even soaking to maintain the creamy texture. If you want a more budget-friendly choice, substitute challah with thick white sandwich bread or brioche, which both work well.
Try cinnamon alternatives like pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a seasonal twist. If you want a dairy-free glaze, replace cream cheese with a smooth vegan cream cheese alternative and milk with plant-based milk, but expect slight flavor differences.
Tips and Tricks for Best Results
- Use day-old or slightly stale challah bread for best soaking without falling apart.
- Warm the milk slightly before mixing with eggs to help ingredients blend smoothly.
- Grate fresh orange zest just before mixing for the most vibrant flavor.
- When frying, don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches to keep the temperature even.
- Keep cooked slices warm in the oven to serve all at once, maintaining texture and heat.
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze right before serving to avoid soggy toast.
Notes
- Use a sturdy bread like challah to soak custard without it breaking apart.
- Orange zest is optional but adds a lovely bright note that complements the cinnamon.
- Prepare the glaze first so it’s ready when French toast is done.
- Keep the sugar mixture in a shallow dish for easy coating of each slice.
- If using a nonstick pan, you can reduce or omit oil, but butter adds flavor and browning.
- Reheat leftover slices in an oven to preserve crispness rather than a microwave.
Full Prep Time
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time: | 20 minutes |
| Resting/Chilling Time: | 5 minutes (soaking) |
| Total Time: | 40 minutes |
Serving Suggestions and How to Serve
Serve your churro French toast hot with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fresh contrast to the sweet cinnamon sugar topping. A side of crispy bacon substitute like turkey bacon or a fresh fruit salad adds balance. For drinks, hot coffee or a cinnamon-spiced chai tea pairs perfectly with the flavors.
Plate the toast slices slightly overlapped and drizzle the cream cheese glaze just before serving. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a pretty finish. This dish works well for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or any special occasion where you want a comforting yet exciting start to the day. For portion sizing, 2 to 3 slices per person work well as a main breakfast plate.
Conclusion
Churro French toast brings together favorite flavors with straightforward preparation perfect for home cooks. Its crisp, cinnamon sugar coating paired with a creamy glaze makes each bite memorable and enjoyable. Try this recipe for your next breakfast or brunch and enjoy a sweet treat your family will love.
FAQs
Can I make churro French toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard and toast the bread slices a few hours in advance. Store cooked French toast in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving. Prepare the glaze fresh or keep it refrigerated and use on serving day.
What kind of bread works best for churro French toast?
Challah bread is ideal because it has a tender crumb and sturdy texture that soaks custard well without falling apart. Brioche is a good alternative. Avoid very soft sandwich bread that might become too soggy.
How do I store leftovers without losing crispness?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet. This method will help restore a bit of the original crispy texture while warming through.
Is the cream cheese glaze necessary?
The glaze adds a smooth, rich finish that complements the crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. While optional, it’s highly recommended for the full churro French toast experience.
