Churro French Toast Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Name: Churro French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Yield: 4 slices
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 4 slices thick-cut bread; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup almond milk; 4 slices gluten-free bread; 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal; 1 spray light cooking spray

Olivia Carter

| Apr 12, 2026 | 10 min read | restaurant_menu Jump to Recipe

Churro French Toast Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar Coating

“Churro French Toast, a delightful breakfast made with thick-cut bread, eggs, and a cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for brunch gatherings!”

The first time I tried Churro French Toast, I was at a cozy brunch spot, and the moment I took a bite, I was hooked. The crispy cinnamon-sugar coating combined with the fluffy bread was pure magic, and I knew I had to recreate that experience at home.

This recipe stands out because it combines the best elements of traditional churros with the comforting appeal of French toast. It's not just about the flavors; it's about the texture too—each slice is perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and custardy on the inside. Trust me, it's worth every minute!

Why This Recipe Works

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Thick-Cut Bread: Using thick-cut bread helps create a sturdy base that absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart. I found that a good sourdough or brioche maintains a soft interior while achieving a crispy exterior.

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Cinnamon and Sugar Coating: The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a crunchy texture and a tempting sweetness that mimics traditional churros. I tested different ratios and found that 1/2 cup sugar to 1 tablespoon cinnamon strikes the perfect balance.

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Egg and Milk Custard: The combination of eggs and whole milk creates a rich custard that binds the flavors and ensures a creamy inside. I made this several times and noticed that using whole milk resulted in a creamier texture than low-fat options.

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Butter for Frying: Using unsalted butter not only adds flavor but also promotes browning, giving that golden crust we all love. I’ve tried olive oil, but the buttery taste is simply unmatched in this recipe.

Ingredients

What You'll Need

4 slices thick-cut breadchoose a hearty bread like challah or brioche for a rich texture that soaks up all the custard.
2 large eggsthese create the custard base, so fresh, large eggs will give you the best results.
1/2 cup whole milkwhole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version, but it may be less rich.
1 teaspoon vanilla extractopt for pure vanilla extract for a deeper flavor; imitation can taste artificial.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamoncinnamon is essential for that churro flavor; fresh-ground gives the best aroma and taste.
1/4 teaspoon saltsalt enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
1/4 cup granulated sugarthis sweetens the custard; you can use coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
3 tablespoons unsalted butterunsalted butter is key for cooking; it allows you to control the salt content.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)this gives the final touch of sweetness and crunch that mimics churros.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)this cinnamon sugar mix is what makes it feel like a churro in every bite.

When shopping for ingredients, go for the best quality bread and eggs you can find, as they play a significant role in the overall flavor of your Churro French Toast. Fresh spices like cinnamon can enhance the dish, making it more aromatic and flavorful.

Easy Substitutions

Dairy-free: swap whole milk for almond milk — this will make the french toast lighter and a bit nuttier in flavor, but it may not be as creamy.
Gluten-free: swap thick-cut bread for gluten-free bread — this will keep the texture different, possibly drier, but still delicious with the right cooking adjustments.
Egg-free: replace eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) — this will create a denser texture, but it adds a nutty flavor.
Lower calorie: swap unsalted butter for a light cooking spray — this will reduce the calories but may affect the crispiness of the coating.

Ingredients for Churro French Toast Recipe with Cinnamon Sugar Coating — Everything you need for this recipe

How to Make This Recipe

Prep & Mix

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until well combined. This mixture creates a rich custard that will soak into the bread and give it a creamy texture, so whisk until it's smooth and slightly frothy.

In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for the churro coating. This step is crucial because it introduces that addictive sweet and spicy flavor that makes churros so beloved. Set this mixture aside for later.

Cook & Coat

Heat a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F) and add 1 tablespoon of butter. As the butter melts and sizzles, it will create a delicious aroma, signaling that the skillet is ready for the bread.

Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds on each side. This soaking time is key because it ensures the bread absorbs enough custard for that rich flavor and soft texture. Don’t let it get too soggy, though!

Place the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet, cooking until golden brown on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly. You want a nice golden color for that perfect crunch.

Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and immediately coat each side in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat from the toast helps the sugar adhere, creating a pleasureful crunch that resembles churros.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence. You’ll love how the warm toast contrasts with the cool ice cream—it's pure bliss!

Tips & Tricks

Why Room Temperature Eggs Matter

Using room temperature eggs can make a noticeable difference in the texture of your Churro French Toast. I like to take my eggs out of the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before I start cooking. Cold eggs can make the batter less cohesive, resulting in uneven soaking of the bread. Trust me, the last thing you want is a soggy center when you’re aiming for that perfect balance of soft and crispy.

The Art of Soaking

Don’t rush the soaking process! When you dip your bread in the egg mixture, give it about 10 seconds on each side, but don’t let it drown. I learned the hard way that if you soak it too long, the bread can become overly saturated and fall apart. You want it to soak just enough to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy—aim for a nice, even coating that holds up during cooking.

Getting the Cinnamon Sugar Just Right

Don’t skimp on the cinnamon-sugar coating; it’s what gives your Churro French Toast that tempting churro vibe. A 2:1 ratio of sugar to cinnamon is just right for a perfect crunch. I’ve made it with too much cinnamon before, and it overpowered the sweetness. So, stick with that balance for a pleasureful blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing!

Pro Tips

Use Thick Slices of Bread:

Opt for brioche or challah, cut into thick slices. They hold up better during soaking and create that delightful custardy center. I’ve tried using regular sandwich bread, but it just doesn’t compare!

Let the Egg Mixture Sit:

After whisking the egg mixture, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the cinnamon and sugar dissolve fully, creating a smoother coating. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Experiment with Flavor Add-ins:

Consider adding a splash of orange or almond extract to the egg mixture for an unexpected twist. I added orange zest once, and it brought a fresh brightness that I can’t resist now!

Keep Warm in the Oven:

If you’re making a big batch, keep the cooked French toast in a warm oven (around 200°F). This way, they stay toasty while you finish cooking all the slices. No one likes cold French toast!

Use a Non-Stick Skillet:

A non-stick skillet is your best friend here. It ensures that the French toast won’t stick and helps achieve that perfect golden crust. I’ve had my share of sticky situations, and trust me, it’s not fun!

Variations & Customizations

Flavor Twists

Chocolate Hazelnut

Mix in 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread with the eggs and milk before soaking the bread. The result is a rich, rich treat with a creamy texture and a pleasureful nutty flavor, reminiscent of your favorite chocolate-hazelnut dessert.

Raspberry Almond

Add 1/2 cup fresh raspberries and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the egg mixture. The tartness of the raspberries balances beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar coating, resulting in a vibrant, fruity twist that's both refreshing and decadent.

Unexpected Creative

Matcha Churro French Toast

Whisk 1 tablespoon matcha powder into the egg and milk mixture. This variation gives the French toast a unique green hue and a subtle earthy flavor. It’s a fun way to impress your guests with a visually stunning dish that tastes as good as it looks.

Storage & Meal Prep

How to Store

Room Temperature

Churro French Toast can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Refrigerator

You can refrigerate leftover Churro French Toast for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.

Freezer

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, flash freeze them on a sheet pan first, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply leave them in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen.

Storing them incorrectly can lead to soggy bottoms if you stack them while still warm, so be sure to let them cool completely!

Meal Prep

For a satisfying breakfast throughout the week, consider doubling the recipe. You can prepare them the night before or on the weekend, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Equipment You'll Need

Essential

Large skillet: A good, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution, giving you perfectly golden-brown French toast. Non-stick pans work wonders for easy flipping and cleanup, while cast iron adds that delightful crispy edge.

Shallow dish: This is crucial for soaking the bread. A shallow dish allows for even coverage of the egg mixture, ensuring every bite is custardy and flavorful. A pie plate or large casserole dish is ideal.

Nice to Have

Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack prevents steam from making your churro French toast soggy after cooking. It keeps them crispy while you prepare the rest, ensuring every bite maintains that delicious texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free bread for Churro French Toast?

Yes, gluten-free bread works perfectly! Just make sure to choose a brand that holds up well when soaked, as some can be too crumbly.

Why did my Churro French Toast turn out soggy?

Soggy French toast usually happens when the bread absorbs too much egg mixture. Make sure to soak the bread just enough to coat it, but not so long that it becomes saturated.

What can I serve with Churro French Toast?

Pair your Churro French Toast with fresh fruit, like berries or bananas, for a pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also enhance the sweetness!

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make Churro French Toast dairy-free, simply substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free butter for frying to keep it rich and flavorful.

Can I prepare Churro French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture and soak the bread ahead of time. Just cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight, then cook in the morning for a quick and easy brunch!

This Churro French Toast has quickly become a favorite brunch treat in my house, with its sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating that makes every bite feel special. For an extra touch, try drizzling some chocolate sauce on top before serving — it’s pure bliss! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, so be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turns out for you!