Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
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If you have a sweet tooth and a love for indulgent breakfasts, the Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is your new morning hero. Imagine thick brioche bread filled with a luscious vanilla cream cheese filling, soaked in a spiced custard, then fried to golden perfection and coated with that iconic cinnamon sugar crunch that makes churros so addictive. This recipe marries the comfort of French toast with the fun, nostalgic flavors of churros, creating a show-stopping dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special treat, it brings joy to every bite and makes waking up feel truly exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each plays an essential role in crafting the textures and flavors that make this recipe unforgettable. From the rich cream cheese filling to the fragrant cinnamon in both the custard and sugar coating, every component builds layers of deliciousness.
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche bread: The perfect soft, buttery base that soaks up custard beautifully without falling apart.
- 4 large eggs: The heart of the custard, adding richness and binding all elements together.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides creaminess that keeps the custard silky and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that signature churro spice, warming every bite gently.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough to balance flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- Butter or oil for frying: Ensures a golden, crispy exterior with a rich flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a dreamy, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Intensifies the fragrant vanilla taste in the filling layer.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Essential for that classic churro sugar crunch on the outside.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Blends perfectly with sugar to recreate the churro’s iconic cinnamon-sugar finish.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This rich vanilla filling is what makes the French toast feel extra special — creamy but light, with just the right touch of sweetness to balance the cinnamon sugar coating.
Step 2: Assemble the Toast
Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture onto one slice of your brioche bread. Top it with another slice to create a sandwich. Repeat this for all the slices, ensuring your filling is well distributed. These stuffed sandwiches are the heart of the recipe, promising a delightful surprise inside every forkful.
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 everything is well combined. This custard soak is infused with cinnamon and vanilla, imbuing the bread with that churro-inspired warmth and sweetness.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt a little butter or add oil to the pan – this will give your French toast that irresistible golden crust while keeping the inside soft and tender. Getting the temperature just right here is key to cooking the toast evenly without burning the sugar coating.
Step 5: Dip and Cook
Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but gently so the bread stays intact. Place them onto the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until each side is beautifully golden brown and crispy. The cream cheese center will stay melty and luscious while the exterior forms a perfect crust.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While your French toast is frying or right after, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. This cinnamon sugar mix is the magical finishing touch that recreates that churro vibe with every bite.
Step 7: Coat the French Toast
Once the French toast sandwiches come off the pan, while they’re still warm, liberally roll or sprinkle them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the sugar stick and melt slightly, creating that signature sugary crunch that your taste buds will love.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Slice your Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe sandwiches carefully, drizzle with maple syrup if you like, and share the joy! It’s best eaten straight away while the outside is still crispy and the inside is warm and creamy — pure breakfast happiness on a plate.
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Top your French toast with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to add a bright, juicy contrast to the rich cream cheese. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can introduce an elegant touch. For a bit of extra indulgence, sprinkle chopped nuts for crunch or drizzle melted chocolate for extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness with savory notes. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait can add refreshing flavors that brighten the meal and keep it feeling light overall.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the stuffed French toast into smaller finger-sized pieces and serving them on skewers for an irresistible brunch party treat. Layer slices with extra cinnamon sugar and cream cheese dollops for a fancy stacked presentation. You can also serve alongside a small bowl of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping to upgrade the experience even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the textures as close to fresh as possible, let the pieces cool completely before sealing, and keep the cinnamon sugar coating intact to preserve that delightful crispiness as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe for up to one month. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze them flat to avoid squishing the cream cheese filling and maintain their shape for quick, satisfying breakfasts later on.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers, reheat the French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to make the bread soggy and less enjoyable. If desired, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar after reheating for a fresh crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is recommended for its buttery richness and sturdy yet soft texture, you can use challah or Texas toast as alternatives. Just ensure the bread is thick-cut and not too dry to hold the filling without falling apart.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese as the filling?
Cream cheese brings that smooth, tangy richness that complements the sweet cinnamon sugar perfectly. However, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor and texture, or even try a sweetened Nutella or jam filling for a twist.
Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the brioche with a vegan bread, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Be sure to use vegan butter or oil for frying, and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
The key is in the custard soak and cooking temperature. Don’t soak the bread for too long—just enough to absorb custard without becoming mushy. Also, cook over medium heat so the exterior crisps up properly, keeping the inside tender but not soggy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a brunch party?
Definitely! Assemble and stuff the sandwiches the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Then dip and cook right before serving for maximum freshness. You can also cook them in advance and reheat, but they’re best fresh off the pan for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe enough for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game. It captures the nostalgic flavors of churros in a cozy, creamy, and wonderfully crispy package that’s sure to delight family and friends alike. So grab that brioche, whip up the filling, and get ready for a breakfast that feels like a celebration every single time.
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Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a decadent breakfast treat with these Churro Stuffed French Toast sandwiches. Thick-cut brioche slices are generously filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture, dipped in a cinnamon-spiced custard, pan-fried until golden and crispy, then coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture that perfectly mimics the flavors of a classic churro. This recipe yields a delightfully rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weekend brunch or a special morning meal.
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 until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even sweetness throughout the filling.
- Assemble the Toast: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling onto one slice of brioche bread. Top with another slice to form a sandwich. Repeat this process until all slices are paired and filled.
- 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, creating a flavorful custard base.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter or heat oil to prepare for frying. The fat should be hot enough to sizzle on contact but not smoking.
- Dip and Cook: Dip each stuffed brioche sandwich into the custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Place on the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crisp while the inside is warm and soft.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Coat the French Toast: While the French toast is still warm, roll or sprinkle each sandwich generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture, allowing the sugar to stick and add a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice the churro stuffed French toast sandwiches as desired, optionally drizzle with syrup, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thick-cut brioche or challah bread for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened for easy spreading and smooth filling.
- Cooking over medium heat allows the toast to cook evenly without burning.
- For an extra indulgence, serve with warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
