Churro-Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a love for breakfast treats that feel like a warm hug, the Churro-Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine thick slices of brioche bread, luxuriously filled with a creamy, vanilla-kissed cream cheese mixture, then dipped in a spiced egg custard and cooked to a golden perfection. The pièce de résistance? Each slice is rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, creating that irresistible churro-inspired crunch with every bite. It’s the perfect harmony of fluffy, creamy, and crunchy, guaranteed to light up your mornings or brunch gatherings with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich cream cheese filling to the warm spices in the egg batter, these simple yet thoughtful components come together to create something truly special.
- Brioche or Challah Bread (8 thick slices): Provides a soft, buttery base that holds the filling beautifully and crisps up well.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Delivers a smooth, tangy richness that makes the stuffing luscious and flavorful.
- Powdered Sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens and lightens the cream cheese mixture perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract (2 tsp, divided): Adds aromatic warmth and enhances the sweetness both in the filling and custard.
- Large Eggs (4): The base for the custard, lending structure and fluffiness when cooked.
- Whole Milk (1 cup): Helps create a creamy and tender custard for soaking the bread.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp plus 1 tbsp for coating): Infuses cozy spice throughout, especially important in the churro-style sugar coating.
- Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle, comforting depth to the custard’s flavor profile.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the best in all ingredients.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): For that signature churro sugar crust that adds delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp): Perfect for cooking and achieving that luscious golden crust without burning.
How to Make Churro-Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by softening the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth to ensure easy spreading. Mix it with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a silky, sweet, and aromatic filling. This mixture will bring a tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices of the French toast.
Step 2: Assemble the Stuffed Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of your cream cheese filling over four slices of your thick brioche or challah bread. Gently top each with another slice to form four sandwiches, making sure the edges meet well to keep the filling contained while cooking. This creates those delightful pockets of creamy filling inside each French toast slice.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Custard Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine your eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until the mixture is fully blended and homogenous. This custard will soak into your sandwiches, lending softness and spice with every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix the granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a separate shallow dish. This coating will give the French toast that signature churro crunch and sweetness that makes this recipe truly shine.
Step 5: Cook the Stuffed French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a little of the butter to coat the surface. Dip each sandwich carefully into the egg custard, ensuring both sides are fully soaked but not soggy. Place the sandwiches on the hot skillet, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is warmed through.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar and Serve
Immediately after cooking, transfer each sandwich to the cinnamon sugar mixture. Press lightly to ensure both sides get a generous coating that will mimic the crispy, sugary exterior of a churro. Slice in half for easy sharing and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Churro-Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries can elevate your churro-stuffed French toast from delicious to truly memorable. A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds a classic touch of sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar crust perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet breakfast star with a simple side of crispy bacon or sausage for a salty contrast, or keep it light with fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. A cup of strong coffee or a chilled mimosa will round out the experience beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For memorable brunches, serve the Churro-Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe stacked tall on a platter. Garnish with mint leaves and edible flowers for a vibrant look. You can also cut the toast into smaller fingers for a fun, shareable brunch treat that doubles as finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. This will keep the flavors intact, though the texture may soften a bit.
Freezing
Freeze any extras by wrapping each sandwich in parchment paper and then plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, where they’ll keep for up to one month. This is a great way to have a quick indulgent breakfast ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat leftover churro-stuffed French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps regain the crispness of the cinnamon sugar coating without sogginess. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah give the best texture and flavor, you can experiment with thick-cut white bread or even a sturdy sourdough for a heartier twist. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the filling well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. The butter can be replaced with a plant-based margarine for cooking. These substitutions will work nicely without sacrificing too much flavor.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this French toast?
The entire process comes together in about 25 minutes: 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a fantastic recipe when you want a special breakfast that doesn’t keep you tied to the kitchen all morning.
Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
Definitely. You can prepare the egg custard up to a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before dipping your bread to combine any separated ingredients.
What toppings go best with Churro-Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe?
Classic maple syrup is always a winner, but fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can all make delightful toppings. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Churro-Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe that makes mornings feel like a celebration. Its perfect combination of creamy filling, warm spices, and crunchy cinnamon sugar coating will bring smiles around your table. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a fun brunch to impress friends, this recipe is worth every bite and every minute spent making it. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings!
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Churro-Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of churros and French toast with this Churro-Stuffed French Toast recipe. Featuring a creamy cinnamon-sweetened cream cheese filling sandwiched between thick slices of brioche or challah bread, dipped in a spiced egg mixture, and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Finished by coating in classic cinnamon sugar, this dish is perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch treat that combines textures and flavors harmoniously.
Ingredients
Bread & Filling
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (thick-cut, about 8 slices)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto four slices of bread. Top each with the remaining four slices of bread to form sandwiches.
- Make the egg batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Mix cinnamon sugar coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, set aside.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a portion of the unsalted butter to melt.
- Dip sandwiches: Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked sandwiches onto the heated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Immediately after cooking, transfer each sandwich to the cinnamon sugar mixture and press both sides to coat generously.
- Serve: Slice the stuffed French toast in half and serve warm. Optional toppings include whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to allow easy spreading without tearing the bread.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a little orange zest into the cream cheese filling or using a flavored cream cheese variant.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh; however, leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
