If you have a sweet tooth and love breakfast treats that make your morning feel like a celebration, then the Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine thick, pillowy slices of bread filled with luscious cinnamon cream cheese, dipped in a rich egg batter, and fried to golden perfection before being dusted in a heavenly cinnamon sugar blend. This dish captures all the magic of churros combined with the comforting, classic charm of French toast – perfect for weekends, special occasions, or whenever you crave a sweet escape from the ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a vital role in offering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness that you’ll love biting into.
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (such as challah or brioche): Their soft, sturdy texture holds up beautifully when stuffed and dipped, soaking up just the right amount of batter.
- 4 large eggs: Provide the rich, custard-like base for the French toast dipping mixture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, ensuring a smooth, tender coating.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces warm, sweet undertones to the batter and cream cheese filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses subtle spice into the egg mixture, hinting at the churro inspiration.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying): Gives a golden, crispy exterior with a rich buttery flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy filling’s star, creating luscious layers of indulgence inside the toast.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese for a velvety finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Boosts the aromatic richness inside the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling): Deepens the cinnamon flavor for that perfect churro vibe.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Mixes with cinnamon to create the classic churro sugar crust.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating): Adds plenty of aromatic cinnamon punch to the sugary coating.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling
Start by taking the softened cream cheese and mixing it with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Beat until the mixture is smooth, light, and creamy. This luscious filling will be the gooey heart of your Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe, so get it perfectly velvety!
Step 2: Assemble the Stuffed French Toast
Lay out the thick-cut slices of bread. On half of them, spread a generous layer of the cinnamon cream cheese filling. Top with the remaining slices, gently pressing down to create perfect sandwiches ready to soak up the custard batter.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large shallow dish, whisk together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This custard mixture is what will give the French toast its dreamy, soft interior and that beautiful golden crust on the outside.
Step 4: Dip and Coat
Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly. Allow the bread to soak up some of the custard, but don’t let it get too soggy to avoid falling apart when frying.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each dipped sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy. The butter will create the perfect churro-style exterior that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix the granulated sugar with cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the French toast is still warm, generously coat each slice with this cinnamon sugar mixture, giving it the signature churro crunch and sweetness.
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Churro Stuffed French Toast with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar adds extra sweetness and eye appeal. For a decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Side Dishes
Serve this rich French toast alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a perfect sweet-savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette can lighten the meal and add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the stuffed French toast into bite-sized sticks and serve with small bowls of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. You can also layer the slices with ice cream for a brunch-dessert hybrid that is sure to impress any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep it from getting soggy, place parchment paper between slices.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap each stuffed French toast sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, making it a fantastic option for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While challah or brioche are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use other thick-cut breads like Texas toast or even sturdy sourdough. Just make sure the bread is thick and sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Can I make the cinnamon cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. This can actually help the flavors meld even better!
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk in place of whole milk. Choose a vegan butter or oil for frying to keep it fully dairy-free.
How do I ensure the French toast does not become soggy?
Don’t soak the bread too long in the egg mixture—just a few seconds per side is enough. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before cooking to create a nice crust that seals in the filling.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free thick-cut bread substitute. Just check that all your other ingredients, such as vanilla extract and powdered sugar, are free from gluten cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is a showstopper that combines the best of two beloved treats in one beautiful dish. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or savoring it solo, it’s a delightful way to start your day or indulge your sweet cravings. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do—trust me, it’s pure breakfast magic!
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 breakfast treat with this Churro Stuffed French Toast topped with cinnamon sugar. Thick-cut challah or brioche slices are stuffed with a creamy cinnamon vanilla cream cheese filling, dipped in a rich egg custard, and pan-fried to golden perfection. The final touch is a generous coating of cinnamon sugar that delivers the perfect balance of warm spice and sweetness, reminiscent of classic churros. Ideal for weekend brunch or a special occasion, this recipe serves four and is sure to impress.
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 Topping:
- 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 creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Set aside.
- Assemble the stuffed toast: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto four slices of the bread. Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches, pressing gently to seal.
- Make the custard mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is well combined.
- Dip the sandwiches: Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but gently to avoid breaking the bread. Allow excess custard to drip off.
- Cook the French toast: Heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the stuffed sandwiches. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is warmed through. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Coat the cooked French toast: Immediately after cooking, roll each stuffed French toast sandwich in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the stuffed French toast in half if desired and serve warm with your favorite syrup or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bread like challah or brioche for best results as it holds the filling well and soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure the toast cooks through evenly without burning.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crisp cinnamon sugar coating.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese and milk with suitable plant-based alternatives.
