Do Share Recipe

Churro French Toast Recipe | Sweet Cinnamon Breakfast Treat

I made this Churro French Toast recipe last weekend, and wow—it instantly became my new favorite breakfast. Thick slices of challah soaked in a rich custard, fried until golden, then coated in cinnamon sugar? Absolute heaven. Drizzling it with cream cheese glaze took it to a whole new level of indulgence.

I can’t stop thinking about how fluffy yet slightly custardy each bite was. If you love French toast and churros, this recipe is going to blow your mind! You can also enjoy savory dishes like this rotisserie chicken and broccoli recipe for a delicious contrast to this sweet breakfast.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this sweet, crispy, and gooey breakfast delight.

For the French Toast:

1 loaf challah bread, sliced thick (stale works best for soaking) – rich, eggy, and perfect for custardy texture
4 large eggs – use good quality eggs for full flavor
1 cup whole milk – gives a creamy richness; 2% works, but flavor is slightly less
2 tablespoons honey – adds subtle sweetness
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the warm flavors
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional) – brightens the custard taste
Butter and vegetable oil for frying – combination ensures golden crisp edges

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened – room temperature ensures smooth glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk – adjust for desired drizzle consistency

Note: Serves 10 slices.

Variations

Mix things up with these creative alternatives:

Use dairy-free milk and cream cheese for a vegan version
Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for sugar-free options
Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the custard for seasonal flavors
Substitute challah with brioche or Texas toast for a slightly different texture

If you love hearty comfort food, you might also want to try this rotisserie chicken and potatoes recipe for a cozy dinner idea.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large mixing bowl – to whisk eggs, milk, and flavorings
Shallow pan or baking dish – for soaking bread evenly
Skillet or frying pan – for golden, crisp cooking
Whisk – to combine custard mixture smoothly
Spatula – for flipping without breaking the bread

How to Make Churro French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

Whisk together eggs, milk, honey, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth. Make sure no lumps remain. This custard is the key to the fluffy, flavorful inside.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Dip each thick slice of challah in the custard, letting it absorb for about 5 minutes. Flip halfway to coat both sides. Older bread soaks longer, giving a richer custard texture.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry soaked slices 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp at the edges. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.

Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Immediately sprinkle the hot French toast with cinnamon sugar. This sticky coating gives it that churro-like crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm French toast. Adjust milk for thickness as needed.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these tips really improve the final result:

I always let the bread soak near the pan to avoid custard drips everywhere.
Use a thin, slotted spatula to flip for perfect, intact slices.
Keep cooked slices warm in a 250°F oven until ready to serve.
Don’t skimp on butter and oil; it creates the ideal crispy exterior.

How to Serve Churro French Toast

Presentation matters! Stack slices on a plate, drizzle cream cheese glaze, and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add color and extra indulgence. Serve with a side of maple syrup or fruit compote for an elegant brunch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutrition for one slice:

Calories: 320
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 14g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Keep leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: You can freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in foil and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating: Toast in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I can’t get enough of this breakfast:

Easy yet impressive – makes a regular morning feel special.
Flavor-packed – the cinnamon sugar and cream cheese glaze are irresistible.
Versatile – swap breads or add spices for personal flair.
Perfect for guests – visually stunning and delicious.
Indulgent but manageable – a sweet treat without complex techniques.

This Churro French Toast is pure breakfast magic—crispy, custardy, and sweet with a playful twist. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back to plain French toast!

Ben Carraoli