If you love breakfast with a sweet, cinnamon-kissed twist, then you are going to adore this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. Imagine thick, fluffy slices of bread, perfectly soaked in a rich egg mixture, then stuffed with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling and finally coated in that iconic cinnamon sugar blend you find on churros. This recipe brings together the best of French toast and the churro’s irresistible flavor in one unforgettable dish that’s perfect for weekend brunch or any special morning you want to make truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role: from the richness of the eggs and cream cheese to the warm cinnamon notes that bring everything together beautifully.
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as challah or brioche): Choose a sturdy, slightly sweet bread for the perfect texture and flavor base.
- 4 large eggs: These provide structure and richness to the custard soak.
- 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk adds creaminess and helps create a tender custard.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, floral notes that enhance the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses subtle warmth into the egg mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying): Essential for a golden, crispy exterior without overpowering saltiness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling—provides creamy, tangy comfort.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling lightly and smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Elevates the filling with fragrant sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling): Gives that signature churro-inspired flavor inside.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Combines with cinnamon to create a crunchy, sweet topping.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating): Adds bold, spicy warmth to the sugar coating.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by blending the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what makes this French toast burst with churro-inspired flavor inside every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Stuffed Bread
Take one slice of bread and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on it. Then top with another slice to form a sandwich. Press gently so the filling stays inside without spilling out during cooking.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This custard bath will soak into your bread for that tender, flavorful French toast texture.
Step 4: Soak the Sandwiches
Immerse each stuffed bread sandwich in the egg mixture, making sure to soak each side for about 20-30 seconds. The goal is a perfect balance where the bread holds custard without falling apart.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy. Place the soaked sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. A gorgeous crust will develop, locking in those gooey cinnamon cream cheese centers.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the French toast is still warm, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Dip each side of the cooked French toast in the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing lightly so that it sticks and forms a crunchy, sweet coating reminiscent of classic churros.
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe to the next level, top each serving with fresh berries or sliced bananas for natural sweetness and vibrant color. A drizzle of warm honey or maple syrup complements the cinnamon sugar beautifully without overshadowing the churro flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast, or pair with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side adds a pleasant tangy note that harmonizes wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the stuffed French toast into smaller finger-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon. This makes for a perfect shareable brunch centerpiece. Or stack two pieces tall and skewer with fresh mint for a stunning, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the toast from drying out and maintains the creamy, cinnamon-sweet flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked stuffed French toast by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. This is a fantastic way to enjoy this special breakfast whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This restores the crispiness of the outside while warming the creamy filling inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that freshly-fried texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While challah or brioche are ideal due to their softness and slight sweetness, you can also use Texas toast, sourdough, or any sturdy bread that can hold the filling and soak well without falling apart.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling. The flavors will still come through deliciously.
Can I prepare the stuffed bread ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the cream cheese-stuffed sandwiches and refrigerate them for a few hours before soaking and cooking. This makes morning prep quicker and easier.
What’s the best way to get the cinnamon sugar to stick well?
Coat the French toast while it is still warm and slightly moist from cooking, then gently press the cinnamon sugar onto the surface. The warmth helps it adhere and creates that signature churro crunch.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Feel free to play around with extracts like almond or orange, or toss in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to tailor the filling to your taste. The base recipe is flexible and fun to customize.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe; it feels both indulgent and comforting with every bite. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or treat yourself to an unforgettable breakfast, this recipe is an absolute keeper. So grab your ingredients, and dive into a brunch adventure that blends the best of churro sweetness and French toast charm—you won’t regret it!
Print
Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a decadent brunch treat with this Churro Stuffed French Toast recipe. Thick-cut challah or brioche bread slices are stuffed with a creamy cinnamon-sweetened cream cheese filling, then dipped in a cinnamon-spiced egg custard and fried to golden perfection. Finished with a generous coating of warm cinnamon sugar, this recipe blends the flavors of churros and French toast for a delightfully crispy and creamy breakfast experience that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as challah or brioche)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well incorporated to create a creamy, sweet cinnamon-flavored filling.
- Assemble the French Toast Slices: Spread an even layer of the cream cheese filling onto one side of four slices of bread. Top each with another slice to make a sandwich, gently pressing down to seal.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing the bread to soak up the custard, ensuring both sides are coated well.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, place the dipped sandwiches into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: While the French toast cooks, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Coat the Cooked French Toast: Remove the cooked stuffed French toast from the skillet and immediately sprinkle or dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly to mimic the classic churro flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the churro stuffed French toast warm, optionally with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for an extra special breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bread like challah or brioche for the best texture and to hold the filling well.
- Be gentle while dipping the sandwiches in the egg mixture to avoid breaking the bread apart.
- Cook over medium heat to ensure the custard cooks through without burning the exterior.
- For a vegan version, substitute with plant-based cream cheese, milk, and egg replacer.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven to regain crispiness.
