Name: Churro French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah recommended); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Churro French Toast is more than just a breakfast item; it’s a culinary revelation that expertly blends two beloved classics into one unforgettable experience. Imagine the golden, custardy interior of perfectly cooked French toast, but with an irresistible twist: it’s coated in that quintessential cinnamon-sugar crunch we all adore from freshly made churros. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an adventure for your taste buds, promising warmth, sweetness, and a delightful texture in every single bite. It transforms any ordinary morning into something truly special.

While French toast boasts origins that trace back to ancient Rome, evolving through medieval Europe, and churros have a rich heritage in Spanish and Portuguese culinary traditions, this particular fusion represents a modern, inventive approach to brunch. It’s a testament to how global flavors can converge to create something entirely new and exciting. I believe people adore this dish not only for its incredible flavor profile – that perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and rich – but also for the sheer joy and novelty it brings to the breakfast table. Preparing this Churro French Toast allows you to bring that unique cafe experience right into your home, effortlessly elevating your brunch game.

Ingredients:

For the Churro French Toast Base:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (I highly recommend brioche or challah for their rich, buttery texture and ability to soak up the custard without falling apart. A good sourdough can also work if you prefer a slight tang.)
- 4 large eggs (or 5 medium eggs if yours are on the smaller side)
- 1 cup whole milk (You can use half-and-half or even heavy cream for an extra decadent touch, but whole milk strikes a perfect balance of richness and lightness.)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (This adds sweetness to our custard, balancing the richness of the milk and eggs.)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (A must-have for any French toast! It deepens the flavor wonderfully.)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (For that signature French toast warmth that complements our churro coating perfectly.)
- Pinch of salt (Just a tiny bit, it really helps to bring out all the other flavors.)
For the Irresistible Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar (This is the star of our churro experience!)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (Don’t skimp on this! We want that prominent, comforting cinnamon flavor.)
For Cooking:
- 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying, this adds incredible flavor and a golden crust.)
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil, mixed with butter helps prevent the butter from burning too quickly and creates a beautiful crispiness.)
Optional Sauces and Toppings (for the ultimate Churro French Toast experience!):
- Dulce de Leche or warm caramel sauce
- Rich chocolate sauce (dark or milk, depending on your preference)
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a lovely burst of freshness and color)
- A dusting of powdered sugar (for an extra pretty finish)

Preparation: Crafting the Custard and Cinnamon-Sugar Blend

This is where we lay the foundation for our amazing Churro French Toast. Taking a few moments here to ensure everything is perfectly combined will make all the difference in the final outcome. I always find that a little patience in the prep phase truly pays off.

Prepare Your Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

First things first, let’s get that iconic churro coating ready. In a shallow dish or a wide, flat bowl, combine the ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly with a fork until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. You want a consistent, warm brown color throughout the mixture. Set this aside because we’ll be rolling our warm French toast in this glorious blend the moment it comes off the pan. The warmth of the French toast is key here, as it helps the sugar adhere beautifully, creating that signature churro texture.
Whisk Up the Custard Base:

Next, let’s get our French toast batter going. In another wide, shallow bowl (one large enough to comfortably fit a slice of your bread), crack your 4 large eggs. Give them a good whisk until the yolks and whites are completely combined and slightly frothy. You don’t want any stringy egg whites when you dip your bread!
Add the Liquid and Flavorings:

To the whisked eggs, pour in the 1 cup of whole milk. Then, add the ¼ cup of granulated sugar, the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Don’t forget that tiny pinch of salt – it genuinely amplifies all the other sweet and warm notes. Whisk everything together again until the sugar has dissolved and all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and uniform. Take a moment to give it a sniff; that beautiful aroma of cinnamon and vanilla is already starting to build!

Expert Tip for Perfect Custard:

I like to ensure my custard is well-mixed without being overly aerated. A gentle, consistent whisking motion works best. You’re aiming for a homogenous liquid that will evenly coat your bread. If you see any lumps of sugar or unmixed spice, keep whisking!
Prepare Your Bread:

Arrange your 8 slices of thick-cut bread nearby. Brioche or challah are my go-to choices because they have a lovely, dense crumb that soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming soggy, leading to the best Churro French Toast texture.

The Cooking Process: Soaking, Searing, and Golden Perfection

This is where the magic truly happens! Cooking French toast requires a bit of attention to temperature and timing, but I promise it’s incredibly satisfying when you achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. We’re aiming for a beautifully cooked interior and a slightly crispy exterior, ready for its churro transformation.

Heat Your Pan:

Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Let it warm up for a couple of minutes. Once it’s warm, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Swirl them around until the butter is melted and evenly coats the bottom of the pan. You’ll want to adjust the amount of butter and oil as you go, adding more for each batch of French toast. The oil helps raise the smoke point of the butter, preventing it from burning too quickly, while the butter provides unparalleled flavor.

Important Temperature Check:

Don’t let your pan get too hot! Medium heat is crucial. If the heat is too high, the outside of your French toast will burn before the inside has a chance to cook through. If it’s too low, your French toast will be pale and won’t develop that lovely crispy exterior. You’re looking for a gentle sizzle when the bread hits the pan, not an aggressive crackle.
Dip the Bread:

Carefully take one slice of bread and immerse it into your prepared custard mixture. For thick-cut bread like brioche or challah, I recommend letting it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. You want the bread to absorb a good amount of the custard, becoming heavy but not completely saturated or falling apart. If your bread is thinner, reduce the soaking time to about 5-10 seconds per side. The goal is a thoroughly soaked interior that remains structurally sound.

The Art of Soaking:

I find that pressing down gently on the bread with the back of a fork helps it absorb the custard more evenly. Don’t rush this step; proper soaking is foundational to excellent French toast.
Cook the French Toast:

Carefully lift the soaked bread from the custard, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Gently place the soaked slice onto your preheated skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; I usually cook 2-3 slices at a time, depending on the size of my pan. Give each slice enough space to cook evenly and for you to flip them comfortably.

Cook for 3-5 minutes on the first side, or until it reaches a beautiful golden-brown color and the edges look slightly crisp. Peek underneath after about 3 minutes to check the color. Once you’re happy with the first side, carefully flip the French toast over using a spatula and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the second side until it’s also golden-brown and cooked through. The center should feel firm but still soft when gently pressed. Repeat this process with the remaining bread, adding more butter and oil to the pan as needed for each new batch.

The Churro Coating: Transforming French Toast into Churro French Toast

This is the moment of truth, where our delicious French toast gets its churro identity! The timing here is crucial to ensure that cinnamon-sugar coating sticks perfectly and creates that wonderful sweet, spiced crust.

Coat Immediately with Cinnamon-Sugar:

As soon as each piece of French toast is cooked to golden perfection and comes off the hot pan, immediately transfer it to your shallow dish with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. While it’s still piping hot, gently roll the French toast, ensuring all sides are generously coated. The heat from the French toast will slightly melt the sugar, allowing the cinnamon and sugar to adhere beautifully and create that signature churro texture and flavor. Don’t let the French toast cool down before coating; that warmth is what makes the magic happen!

Why Immediate Coating is Key:

I cannot stress this enough: coat while hot! If you wait, the sugar won’t stick as well, and you’ll miss out on that glorious churro crispness. Work quickly but carefully. You want every inch of your Churro French Toast enveloped in that sweet, spiced goodness.
Repeat and Stack:

Continue this process for all your French toast slices. As you finish coating each piece, you can stack them on a serving platter. I find they stay warm enough for serving, or you can place them briefly on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a very low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) to keep them warm while you finish the rest, though I usually don’t bother if serving immediately.

Serving and Enhancements: The Grand Finale

Your incredible Churro French Toast is now ready to be enjoyed! This is where you can truly personalize the experience with your favorite toppings, taking an already fantastic dish to extraordinary heights.

Arrange and Garnish:

Artfully arrange your cinnamon-sugar coated French toast on individual plates or a large serving platter. The golden-brown pieces, sparkling with cinnamon sugar, are already a sight to behold!
Add Your Favorite Toppings:

Now for the fun part! This is where you can really make your Churro French Toast shine and evoke that authentic churro parlor feel:
- Dulce de Leche or Caramel Sauce: Warm up your favorite dulce de leche or caramel sauce slightly (a quick zap in the microwave usually does the trick) and drizzle it generously over the stacked French toast. The sticky, sweet richness pairs absolutely perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate lovers, a decadent chocolate sauce (dark or milk, as you prefer) is an amazing addition. Again, warm it gently for easy drizzling. The combination of chocolate and cinnamon is a classic for a reason!
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a delightful lightness and creaminess, contrasting beautifully with the slightly crisp exterior of the French toast.
- Fresh Berries: For a pop of color, a burst of freshness, and a tangy counterpoint to all the sweetness, scatter some fresh berries like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries around your French toast. I find the acidity of berries helps to cut through the richness and makes each bite feel balanced.
- Powdered Sugar: For a final, elegant touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top can make your Churro French Toast look like it just stepped out of a gourmet bakery. I like to use a small sieve for an even, ethereal dusting.
Make It a Platter:

I often set out a variety of toppings in small bowls so everyone can customize their own plates. It’s a wonderful way to entertain and allow guests to build their perfect Churro French Toast creation!
Serve Immediately and Enjoy:

Serve your magnificent Churro French Toast immediately while it’s still warm and the cinnamon-sugar coating is at its best. Gather your loved ones and savor every bite of this unique and incredibly satisfying breakfast or brunch treat. It’s truly an experience that combines the best of two beloved worlds into one delicious dish!

Storage and Reheating (if by some miracle you have leftovers!):

If you happen to have any leftover Churro French Toast (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I recommend popping it into a toaster oven or regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the exterior crispness returns. Microwaving tends to make it soft, losing that churro charm, so I usually avoid that method. You might want to re-dust with cinnamon sugar if reheating.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create a breakfast masterpiece that truly stands apart. If you’ve been searching for that perfect weekend indulgence, a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, then look no further. This isn’t just another French toast recipe; it’s an experience, a delightful fusion that brings the joy of a crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated churro to the tender, custardy heart of classic French toast. The incredible aroma alone, a tantalizing blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and toasted bread, is enough to pull anyone out of bed with a smile. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary morning into a special occasion, a culinary hug that promises warmth and flavor in every single bite. I truly believe that once you try this, your breakfast game will be forever changed, elevated to a level of sweet, spiced perfection you never knew you were missing. It’s the perfect blend of familiar comfort and exciting novelty, ensuring every mouthful is a memorable one.

What makes this Churro French Toast truly a must-try is its unique textural contrast and incredible depth of flavor. You get the glorious crunch of the cinnamon-sugar coating on the outside, a direct nod to its churro inspiration, giving way to an incredibly soft, almost custardy interior that’s perfectly soaked and cooked. The richness of the batter, infused with vanilla and a hint of spice, complements the outer crust beautifully, creating a harmonious symphony of sweet and savory notes. It’s a dish that manages to be both light and decadent, satisfying without being overly heavy, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely brunch or even a delightful dessert. Seriously, prepare yourself for compliments when you serve this; it’s a showstopper. It’s also surprisingly straightforward to make, proving that gourmet flavors don’t always require complex techniques. The payoff for such minimal effort is truly phenomenal, promising a delightful reward for your culinary adventure.

Elevate Your Churro French Toast Experience with These Serving Suggestions:

Now, while this dish is absolutely divine on its own, I’m a big advocate for making good things even better! For a classic touch, a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup are always welcome. But let’s get creative! Imagine serving these golden beauties alongside a vibrant medley of fresh berries like plump strawberries, juicy blueberries, and tart raspberries, offering a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream, homemade or store-bought, can add an airy creaminess that’s simply irresistible. For those who love a bit more indulgence, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting into the warm French toast is a dessert-like dream come true. You could even warm up some chocolate fudge or caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence. And for something a little different, consider a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage patties; the salty notes beautifully balance the sweet cinnamon sugar, creating a truly well-rounded breakfast spread that caters to all tastes and cravings. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect pairing!

Unlock New Flavors: Creative Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feeling adventurous? Instead of a plain brioche, try using challah for an even richer, denser texture, or even a cinnamon swirl bread for an extra layer of spice. You could infuse your batter with a touch of orange zest or almond extract for a different aromatic profile. For a nutty twist, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts onto the cinnamon-sugar coating before serving. If you’re hosting a brunch, consider making a large batch and keeping them warm in the oven on a low setting, ready to be served buffet-style. You could also prepare the batter the night before, allowing the bread to soak even longer for an incredibly tender result. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own; it’s a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this extraordinary recipe a try this weekend. Trust me, the smiles it will bring to your table are absolutely worth it. Once you’ve experienced the magic of this Churro French Toast, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, share your creations, your serving ideas, and your family’s reactions. There’s nothing more rewarding for me than knowing you’ve brought a little bit of delicious joy into your home. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!