If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. Imagine thick, fluffy slices of challah or brioche, lovingly cradling a creamy, dreamy cinnamon-vanilla cream cheese filling, then pan-fried to golden perfection and dusted generously with cinnamon sugar. Every bite is a delightful play of textures and flavors, combining the irresistible charm of churros with the comforting familiarity of French toast. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration and has everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe lies in its simplicity and the balance each ingredient brings. From the rich eggs that create the perfect custard soak to the cinnamon sugar that gives it that iconic churro crunch, every component works together to deliver a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as challah or brioche): The sturdy bread soaks up the custard well without falling apart, and its slight sweetness complements the filling perfectly.
- 4 large eggs: These create the egg custard base that makes the French toast beautifully tender and rich.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard for that luscious bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the custard with a warm, fragrant sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkles a hint of spice directly into the custard for subtle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying): Ensures a gorgeous golden crust without overwhelming the flavors.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This makes the luscious, creamy filling that brings the “stuffed” magic to life.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly without graininess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a second layer of fragrant sweetness inside the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with signature churro spice.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: The base of the cinnamon sugar coating for that classic churro crunch.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Combines with the sugar to dust the final French toast with irresistible flavor.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Begin by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain. This filling is what transforms ordinary French toast into a churro-inspired breakfast marvel, offering a sweet and spicy surprise with every bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Stuffed French Toast
Take one slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling across it. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Repeat until all the bread is used, creating four stuffed sandwiches. It’s important to press them gently to help the filling stay put during cooking but not so hard that the bread flattens.
Step 3: Make the Custard Soak
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This custard bath is where the bread soaks up flavor and moisture, ensuring each bite is tender and rich with that classic French toast texture.
Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. This mixture will be your crunchy, flavorful coating that captures the churro essence perfectly after frying.
Step 5: Soak and Fry the Stuffed French Toast
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it foams. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg custard, allowing it to soak for about 20 seconds per side—enough to saturate but not so long it falls apart. Place the soaked sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. After frying, immediately dredge the French toast in the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks to the warm surface, creating that signature churro crunch.
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
For the final flourish, dust your Churro Stuffed French Toast with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey or maple syrup. Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A dollop of whipped cream can also add a luscious, airy contrast that makes the dish extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with crispy bacon or sweet breakfast sausages to balance the sweetness with savory notes. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie can help keep the meal refreshing and well-rounded. For those looking for a little indulgence, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside adds a decadent touch worthy of brunch or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting each stuffed sandwich into bite-sized pieces and serving them on a platter alongside ramekins of chocolate sauce, caramel, or dulce de leche for dipping fun. You can also stack them high on a plate, alternating layers of fruit slices, then drizzle with cinnamon syrup for a show-stopping centerpiece that will wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Churro Stuffed French Toast tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days, ready to bring back that churro-inspired breakfast magic in a flash.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! After assembling the stuffed sandwiches but before cooking, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual for a quick morning treat with little effort.
Reheating
To reheat, gently toast the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to bring back the crispness, or warm them in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the delicate crust and creamy filling intact; the microwave tends to make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While challah and brioche are ideal for their texture and sweetness, you can experiment with thick-cut white bread or even a sturdy sourdough. Just make sure the bread is fresh and thick enough to hold the filling and custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. For the cream cheese filling, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor, but it can still be delicious.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, giving you a fantastic breakfast in roughly 30 minutes total—a perfect weekend treat without a long wait!
Can I prepare the stuffed sandwiches in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead or even the night before. Keep them covered and refrigerated, then proceed with soaking and frying just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
What is the best way to get the cinnamon sugar to stick perfectly?
The key is to coat the French toast immediately after frying while it’s still hot and buttery. The warm surface helps the cinnamon sugar cling beautifully, giving you that classic churro texture on every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something absolutely magical about this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. It’s a splash of sweetness, a hint of spice, and a whole lot of cozy that can brighten any morning or elevate a brunch gathering. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving a treat that feels like a warm celebration, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and dive into the churro-inspired joy—you deserve every delicious bite!
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 the decadent flavors of Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar, a delightful twist on classic French toast. This recipe features thick-cut challah or brioche bread stuffed with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling, dipped in a spiced egg mixture, fried to golden perfection, and generously coated with cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat that combines the crispy, sweet essence of churros with the comforting richness of French toast.
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 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. Set aside.
- Assemble the French Toast: Take one slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the cinnamon cream cheese filling on one side. Top with another slice of bread to make a sandwich. Repeat with remaining bread and filling.
- Mix the Egg Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully blended.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated but not soaked through, to maintain bread firmness.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Place the dipped sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully to avoid filling leakage.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Once each piece of French toast is cooked, immediately roll or sprinkle them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly while still warm.
- Serve: Serve your churro stuffed French toast warm, optionally with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bread like challah or brioche for best results as it holds the filling better and creates a richer flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend well with the powdered sugar and cinnamon.
- Be gentle when flipping the stuffed sandwiches to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; leftovers can be reheated gently in a pan or oven.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with a milk alternative of choice.
