If you’ve ever wanted brunch to transport you straight to a carnival, this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar does just that—combining golden, pillowy bread, luscious cream cheese filling, and a cinnamon sugar coating that crackles with every bite. It’s everything you adore about churros and French toast swirled together in one unforgettable, over-the-top breakfast treat. You get the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet—plus that irresistible cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen and beckons everyone to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar comes from a handful of well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, lending flavor, texture, or mouthwatering richness. Here’s what you’ll need to create this breakfast masterpiece:
- Brioche or Challah Bread: Thickly sliced, this bread is soft yet sturdy enough to stuff, soak, and fry without falling apart—brioche brings rich butteriness, while challah adds a slight sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese turns wonderfully smooth and provides that creamy, churro-inspired filling inside every bite.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling, keeping it light and silky.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, floral notes to both the filling and the custard—pure vanilla is best if you have it!
- Large Eggs: The heart of the custard base, giving French toast its classic richness and golden color.
- Whole Milk: A splash of milk makes the egg mixture extra tender and helps envelop the bread with custardy goodness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Half goes in the custard for subtle warmth, half in the coating for that unmistakable churro flavor.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a touch enhances all the flavors and keeps things from being too sweet.
- Granulated Sugar: Used for the final coating—that sandy-sweet crust is pure churro magic.
- Butter or Oil: For frying the French toast to crispy, browned perfection. Butter gives flavor, oil helps prevent burning.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Begin by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl. Use a fork, whisk, or hand mixer to blend until velvety smooth. This dreamy filling is the secret to each decadent, creamy bite, so don’t be bashful—you want it as smooth as possible!
Step 2: Stuff the Bread
Next, carefully slice a deep pocket into each piece of brioche or challah without slicing all the way through. This step is a little bit like creating a hiding spot for that glorious filling. Spoon a generous heap of the cream cheese mixture into each pocket, then gently press the bread closed so the filling stays tucked inside. Don’t worry if a little escapes—that just means extra deliciousness in the pan!
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a wide, shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt. This mixture will become the soaking bath for your stuffed bread, infusing it with rich, custardy flavor and turning each slice into a breakfast dessert in disguise.
Step 4: Dip and Soak
Gently dip each stuffed slice of bread into the custard, turning to coat all sides generously. Let the bread soak briefly but don’t oversaturate—just enough for the outside to glisten with eggy goodness. This step ensures your Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar will be soft inside and crisp out.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Melt butter or heat oil in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, lay the stuffed French toast in the pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to flip too soon. When both sides have turned deeply golden and the cream cheese inside is warmed through, you’re set for the next step of decadence.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
As soon as the French toast comes off the skillet, immediately roll or dredge each slice in a shallow dish of granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon. This is when the magic happens! The heat makes the cinnamon sugar stick, forming that classic churro-like crust we all crave.
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
Garnishes
Go all out with your toppings! A drizzle of maple syrup adds glossy sweetness, while a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar gives a bakery-style flourish. For a special occasion twist, sprinkle with powdered sugar or add fresh berries for a pop of color and tang.
Side Dishes
This indulgent treat pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its richness. Think crispy bacon or sausage, fresh fruit salad, or even a light yogurt parfait. A warm mug of coffee or spiced chai makes the whole experience feel like a leisurely brunch escape.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar into sticks, stack them high, and serve with tiny bowls of chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping. You could even cut them into little cubes for a brunch platter, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and skewered for easy sharing. This dish is as fun to customize as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, simply let the French toast cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The coating may soften, but a quick reheat will help revive its texture.
Freezing
Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled slices onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for about one month, ready for those sudden sweet cravings.
Reheating
For best results, warm slices in a toaster oven or 350°F oven until hot and crisp—about 8–10 minutes from the fridge, or a few extra minutes if frozen. You can also use a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave, which softens the coating instead of reviving it.
FAQs
Can I use a different bread for Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah provide signature richness, Texas toast or sturdy white sandwich bread work well too—just aim for slices thick enough to stuff easily.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and cook the French toast in oil or vegan butter. The taste and texture will still be decadently delicious.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. Mix the cream cheese filling and store it in the refrigerator, covered, up to 3 days before you make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar. Give it a quick stir before using.
What’s the best way to keep French toast warm for a crowd?
Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a low (200°F) oven while you finish the batch. They’ll stay warm and ready to serve without becoming soggy.
Can I deep fry instead of pan fry?
For extra churro crunch, yes! Heat a few inches of oil to 350°F and fry the stuffed bread for 2–3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels before tossing in cinnamon sugar.
Final Thoughts
Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is the kind of breakfast that’s impossible not to love. Whether it’s a lazy weekend, a special celebration, or just a way to make your morning a little brighter, this recipe brings a bit of magic and a lot of smiles to the table. Give it a try, and share your sweet creations—your kitchen will feel like the happiest place on earth!
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Churro Stuffed French Toast with a delightful cream cheese filling and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. It’s a perfect combination of flavors for a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced into thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare the French Toast: Slice bread, make a pocket in each slice, fill with cream cheese mixture, dip in egg mixture, and cook on a skillet until golden.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a dish, coat cooked French toast slices in the mixture.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with optional toppings like maple syrup or whipped cream.
Notes
- Try using mascarpone for a richer filling.
- For a churro-like texture, consider deep frying the French toast.
- Enhance with fresh berries or chocolate sauce for a special touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
