If you’re craving a breakfast treat that perfectly combines crispy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced goodness, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Churro French Toast Recipe. It takes the classic French toast you know and love and gives it the irresistible flavor and sugary crunch of beloved churros. The result is a golden, custardy delight coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend so perfect it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making a special weekend brunch or simply want to add a little magic to your morning, this recipe will become one of your all-time favorites.

Churro French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe keeps things simple but ensures every bite shines with flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the rich custard base to the crispy cinnamon sugar topping, everything works together to create that classic churro French toast experience.

Thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread: Sturdier breads hold up to soaking without falling apart and add a tender crumb inside.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard mixture.
Whole milk: Creates the perfect creamy custard base for soaking the bread.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the custard with subtle spice and flavors the sugar coating for that churro essence.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon, it forms the signature crispy topping coating.
Butter: Used for frying, it adds golden color and irresistible flavor.

How to Make Churro French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Start by mixing together the granulated sugar and the cinnamon in a shallow dish. This cinnamon sugar mixture is what will give your French toast that iconic churro crunch and sweet spice, so set it aside within easy reach for later.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a bowl, whisk the eggs with whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until you have a smooth, well combined custard. This step ensures your bread will soak up all those flavors perfectly without becoming soggy.

Step 3: Heat Your Pan and Butter It Up

Warm a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat and melt some butter so it coats the surface. Butter not only prevents sticking but adds a rich, golden finish to your French toast slices as they cook.

Step 4: Dip the Bread Slices

One by one, dip each thick slice of day-old brioche or challah into the custard mixture. Make sure to coat both sides evenly, but don’t soak the bread too long—just enough to absorb the custard for a tender inside and crispy outside.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot pan and fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they become beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter as needed to keep the surface buttery and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar Immediately

When each slice comes off the griddle, quickly transfer it to your cinnamon sugar mixture and coat both sides generously while the toast is still warm. This quick step locks in that sweet, crunchy churro flavor we all adore.

How to Serve Churro French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

Serving your churro French toast with a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate every bite. A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds lush sweetness while fresh whipped cream brings light creaminess that complements the cinnamon sugar crust perfectly. You can also sprinkle a few fresh berries on top for a pop of color and bright flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Considering side dishes? Crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages provide a wonderful salty balance to the richness of this sweet dish. Fresh fruit salad and Greek yogurt are also excellent additions that refresh the palate and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Churro French Toast Recipe slices and skewer them with cinnamon sticks or serve them in a tall glass alongside dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. You can even turn it into a brunch centerpiece by arranging it on a large platter garnished with powdered sugar and a cinnamon dusting. Presentation can be as fun and festive as you want!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the cooled churro French toast slices in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, so you can enjoy them later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked slices individually on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can easily grab a few slices for a quick, indulgent breakfast any time within 1-2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until heated through and slightly crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it can make the coating soggy and the toast chewy instead of crispy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use other thick, sturdy breads like Texas toast or even a good quality white sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale to soak up the custard without falling apart.

Is it necessary to use day-old bread?

Using day-old bread helps because it’s drier and won’t soak up too much custard, which prevents the toast from becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, just let it sit out uncovered for a few hours to firm up a bit before using.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap whole milk for any dairy-free alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a vegan butter substitute for frying. Keep in mind, this might slightly change the flavor and richness, but it will still be delicious.

How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick well?

The key is to coat the French toast with cinnamon sugar immediately while it’s still warm and buttery from the pan. The warmth helps the sugar stick and creates that wonderful crunchy churro-style coating.

Can I add fillings or toppings inside the toast?

Definitely! You can try stuffing slices with cream cheese and cinnamon sugar before dipping, or layering thin apple slices and a sprinkle of brown sugar inside for a fun twist. Just be gentle so the bread doesn’t fall apart during dipping.

Final Thoughts

This Churro French Toast Recipe is a truly special twist on a breakfast classic that will have you craving it all day long. The combination of tender custard-soaked bread, crispy cinnamon sugar coating, and buttery perfection is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to a sweet morning celebration that’s hard to beat.