Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
A Decadent Breakfast That Feels Like Dessert
If churros and French toast had a love child, this would be it. Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is the ultimate comfort breakfast—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, with a creamy filling and a generous coating of warm cinnamon sugar. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration and makes brunch guests fall silent after the first bite.
Inspired by classic Spanish churros and American-style stuffed French toast, this recipe combines the best of both worlds: the crunch and spice of cinnamon sugar with the richness of custard-soaked bread and a sweet, melt-in-the-middle filling. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the French Toast
- 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter, for cooking
For the Filling
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Optional additions: orange zest, dulce de leche, Nutella, or thick vanilla custard)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For Serving (Optional but Recommended)
- Maple syrup
- Chocolate sauce
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, fluffy, and completely lump-free. The filling should be thick but spreadable, with a lightly sweet, vanilla-forward flavor.
This creamy center is what transforms this French toast from delicious to unforgettable. Set the filling aside while you prepare the bread.
2. Assemble the Stuffed French Toast
Lay out the slices of bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling on four of the slices, reaching close to the edges but not spilling over. Top each with another slice of bread, pressing gently to create “sandwiches.”
If your bread is very soft, refrigerate the assembled sandwiches for 10–15 minutes. This helps them hold together during soaking and cooking.
3. Make the Custard
In a shallow dish or baking pan, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
The combination of milk and cream creates a rich, custardy interior, while the cinnamon echoes the churro flavor that will shine later.
4. Soak the Bread
Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side, ensuring the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming soggy.
Because the bread is thick and stuffed, it needs enough time to absorb the custard, but not so much that it falls apart. Lift each piece gently and let excess custard drip off.
5. Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous knob of butter. Once melted and lightly sizzling, place the soaked French toast sandwiches in the pan.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crisp. Lower the heat slightly if needed to ensure the inside warms through and the filling becomes creamy without burning the exterior.
Transfer cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm while finishing the rest.
The Churro Magic: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
6. Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. This simple mixture is essential—it’s what gives churros their iconic flavor and texture.
7. Coat the French Toast
While the French toast is still warm, gently roll each piece in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides generously. The warmth helps the sugar adhere, forming a lightly crisp, aromatic crust that mimics a classic churro.
For extra indulgence, you can brush the French toast lightly with melted butter before coating.
Serving Suggestions
Slice each piece diagonally to reveal the creamy center. Arrange on a plate and serve immediately while warm.
Drizzle with maple syrup for classic comfort, chocolate sauce for a dessert-like finish, or even dulce de leche for a Latin-inspired twist. Add fresh berries to balance the sweetness and a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
This dish pairs beautifully with strong coffee, café con leche, or hot chocolate.
Tips for Success
- Use thick bread: Brioche or challah works best because it absorbs custard without falling apart.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Medium heat ensures a crisp exterior and a fully warmed, creamy interior.
- Customize the filling: Try mascarpone, vanilla pastry cream, or even peanut butter mixed with cream cheese.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the stuffed bread the night before and refrigerate. Dip and cook in the morning.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar into the pan after flipping for a caramelized crust.
Why This Recipe Works
This churro stuffed French toast succeeds because it balances textures and flavors perfectly:
- Crispy, cinnamon-sugar exterior
- Soft, custardy bread
- Rich, creamy center
- Warm spices that feel comforting and nostalgic
It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, sweet but balanced, and impressive without being complicated.
Final Thoughts
Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is more than breakfast—it’s an experience. It brings together childhood fairground memories, cozy weekend mornings, and restaurant-worthy indulgence in one unforgettable dish.