Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
If you have a soft spot for breakfast treats that combine a little indulgence with a whole lot of flavor, then this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine thick slices of brioche, stuffed with a luscious cream cheese filling, dipped in a spiced custard, and fried to golden perfection before being rolled in a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. Every bite offers that perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and warm that makes mornings feel extra special and cozy. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend brunch or a festive holiday breakfast, this dish is destined to impress and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is delightfully simple because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in building up the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish shine.
- Brioche or thick-cut white bread: Thick slices create sturdy pockets perfect for stuffing and soaking up that custard mix.
- Cream cheese: Softened to a smooth consistency, it forms the creamy heart of the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to both the filling and custard.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard, they help the bread achieve that luscious French toast texture.
- Whole milk: Combines with eggs to create a rich soaking mixture.
- Ground cinnamon: The essential spice that brings that iconic churro flavor to life.
- Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the delightful final coating.
- Butter: For frying to a perfect golden brown with a hint of richness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors to keep things balanced.
How to Make Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until you have a silky smooth filling that is sweet and fragrant, ready to be tucked inside the bread pockets.
Step 2: Stuff the Bread
Carefully slice a pocket into each slice of brioche without cutting all the way through. This is key for holding the filling during cooking. Use a spoon or piping bag to gently stuff each pocket with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring every slice is stuffed but not overfilled to avoid any spilling out during frying.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will soak into the bread, imparting a rich, cozy flavor while keeping it tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Combine the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl. This mixture will be the final magical touch, giving the French toast its signature churro-like crunchy coating.
Step 5: Cook Each Slice to Golden Perfection
Heat butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are coated but not soggy. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. The smell alone will have you eager to dive in!
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Immediately after frying, toss each slice in the cinnamon sugar mixture so the warmth from the toast helps the sugar stick and create that irresistible crunchy texture reminiscent of a classic churro.
How to Serve Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe, add a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and a juicy, tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your creation with crispy bacon or savory sausage links for a fantastic balance of sweet and salty. For an extra boost, you can also serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—pure breakfast decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your presentation into a showstopper by stacking the stuffed French toast slices on a platter, interspersed with fresh fruit and sprigs of mint. You can also skewer bite-sized stuffed French toast cubes with fruit for fun, shareable breakfast kebabs at your next brunch get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the coating crispy, separate layers with parchment paper and consider reheating rather than microwaving to maintain texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Lay the cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Keep frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for busy mornings when you want a quick indulgent breakfast.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated stuffed French toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore its crispy exterior and warm, gooey center. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunchy cinnamon sugar exterior intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery richness, you can use challah, Texas toast, or even thick slices of white sandwich bread. Just ensure the slices are thick enough to hold the cream cheese filling without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare the stuffed bread ahead of time?
Definitely. You can stuff the bread slices with cream cheese filling and keep them refrigerated, covered for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes morning prep even easier and faster.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
Keep it simple by serving with a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce instead of maple syrup. You can also cut the stuffed French toast into smaller, bite-sized pieces for little hands to enjoy.
What other toppings work well with the Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe?
Besides syrup and berries, try caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped nuts like pecans or almonds, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add extra flavor and texture layers.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and downright joyful about whipping up this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe that it quickly becomes a recipe you hold onto forever. It’s simple enough to make any weekend morning feel special but impressive enough to serve when friends and family come over. Give yourself the treat of this delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, and cinnamon-sweet goodness—you won’t regret it!
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Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast with this Churro Stuffed French Toast, featuring thick slices of brioche bread filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture, dipped in a cinnamon-spiced egg batter, pan-fried to golden perfection, and coated with a classic cinnamon sugar blend. This Mexican-American inspired dish combines creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors for a delicious and comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 1 loaf brioche or thick-cut white bread, sliced into 2-inch thick pieces
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Batter
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Frying
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Make Pockets in Bread: Carefully slice a pocket into each 2-inch thick bread slice without cutting all the way through to create a space for the cream cheese filling.
- Stuff the Bread: Gently stuff each bread pocket with the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed inside.
- Mix the Egg Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully blended.
- Combine Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating after cooking.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
- Dip and Cook Bread: Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg batter, thoroughly coating both sides, then place it onto the hot skillet.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the egg batter is firm and the bread is crisp.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after frying, toss or sprinkle each piece with the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve Warm: Serve your churro stuffed French toast warm, optionally topped with maple syrup or fresh berries for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can prepare the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for convenience.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert-like experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
