If you have a soft spot for indulgent breakfasts that feel like a hug on a plate, this Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe will quickly become your new weekend obsession. Imagine thick slices of bread, gently stuffed with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling, then dipped in a perfectly spiced egg custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and finally rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture just like a classic churro. Every bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a creamy center that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. It’s a luscious blend of Mexican-inspired flavors and French toast comfort that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe strikes a perfect balance: simple ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary experience. Each component plays a vital role in flavor and texture, from the velvety cream cheese filling to the crispy, cinnamon-kissed exterior.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides a smooth, tangy base for the filling that contrasts beautifully with the sweet coating.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream cheese filling without making it grainy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant warmth to both the filling and custard batter.
- Thick bread slices (8 slices; brioche or Texas toast): Thick, sturdy bread holds up against soaking and frying, giving that perfect crunch and softness combo.
- Large eggs (3): The backbone of the custard, helping the bread soak up the flavors and cook evenly.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Makes the custard lush and creamy, perfect for a tender bite.
- Cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons, divided): A warm, spicy note that brings both the custard and coating to life.
- Salt (pinch): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): The secret to that crunchy churro-style exterior coating.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, for frying): Essential for golden searing and imparting rich, savory notes.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling brings a delightful sweetness and tang that’s the heart of your stuffed toast. Spread about a tablespoon of this mixture on four slices of your thick bread. Then sandwich them with the remaining four slices, creating neat little pockets of deliciousness waiting to be dipped and cooked.
Step 2: Make the Egg Custard Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This custard is where the magic happens — it lightly softens the bread while infusing it with warm, cozy flavors. Make sure the mixture is well combined so your French toast cooks evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a separate small bowl. This simple yet vital step ensures that your French toast will have that signature churro crunch and sweetness immediately after frying. It’s what transforms a familiar comfort food into something fabulously fun and new.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sandwiches
Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each sandwich into the egg custard, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated but not soggy. Place the sandwiches gently in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked throughout. Add more butter to the pan for additional batches to keep everything sizzling and flavorful.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar While Warm
Right after cooking, press each hot sandwich into your cinnamon sugar mix so both sides are generously coated. This step seals in a sweet, crunchy finish that perfectly mimics the delightful texture of a churro. Slice them in half and get ready to indulge.
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe with a variety of garnishes that add texture, freshness, and bursts of flavor. A drizzle of pure maple syrup complements the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully, delivering just the right touch of sweetness. Whipped cream adds airy richness, while fresh berries bring vibrant color and a refreshing tartness that cuts through the richness of the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs nicely with simple sides that won’t compete with its bold flavors. A crisp, green fruit salad with tart apples and citrus segments can add wonderful brightness to your breakfast spread. Alternatively, a light serving of yogurt or even a creamy avocado salad balances the sweetness and provides a satisfying variety of textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe by stacking the halves and dusting them with a little powdered sugar for a picture-perfect finish. You can place them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch vibe, or serve individually plated with a small ramekin of warm chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. For a festive touch, sprinkle some edible gold dust or cinnamon on top to make your friends and family feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers — which won’t last long — wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the stuffed French toast fresh for up to 2 days while preserving as much of the cinnamon sugar crunch as possible.
Freezing
This Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe freezes wonderfully. Allow the cooked sandwiches to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they keep well for up to one month, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the stuffed French toast in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain that crispy exterior. You can also use a toaster oven if you have one, which helps revive the crunch without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the best texture possible.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
While you can try different breads, thick slices like brioche or Texas toast work best because they absorb the custard well without falling apart. Day-old bread is ideal since it holds up to soaking better, giving you the perfect texture every time.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap out the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. Just be sure to choose a dairy-free butter substitute for frying, and you’re good to go.
Can I prepare the stuffed sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just keep them tightly wrapped so the bread doesn’t dry out. When ready, dip in the custard and cook as instructed for fresh, hot French toast.
What are some fun variations of this Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe?
Try adding mini chocolate chips or a thin spread of Nutella inside the sandwich with the cream cheese filling for an extra indulgent twist. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the custard for a unique flavor profile.
Can I bake the stuffed French toast instead of pan-frying?
While pan-frying is preferred for that classic churro crust, you can bake the sandwiches in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Be sure to butter the baking sheet or use a non-stick spray to help develop some golden crispness.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the flavors of a warm churro into the beloved French toast, this Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe is a soulful brunch game-changer. It’s easier to make than it looks and guarantees smiles around the table with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or treating yourself to a cozy breakfast, don’t hesitate to whip up this crunchy, creamy, cinnamon-sweet delight. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Churro Stuffed French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Stuffed French Toast is a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling sandwiched between thick slices of bread. Each sandwich is dipped in a rich egg custard, pan-fried until golden, and then generously coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture, reminiscent of traditional churros. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe combines the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese with a crispy, sweet exterior.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the French toast:
- 8 slices thick bread (like brioche or Texas toast)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the churro coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto 4 slices of bread. Top each with the remaining slices, creating 4 sandwiches total.
- Make the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Prepare the churro coating: In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with cinnamon thoroughly.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Cook the French toast: Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Place the sandwich in the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter to the skillet as needed for additional batches.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Immediately after cooking, press each sandwich into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Serve: Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm. Optionally, enjoy with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture; it holds up better to the custard mixture.
- For a fun twist, add mini chocolate chips or a spoonful of Nutella inside the filling before assembling.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
- Butter may be substituted with a neutral oil if desired.
