Churro French Toast: A Sweet and Spicy Twist on a Classic

Churro French Toast is a delightful fusion of two beloved breakfast treats: French toast and churros. This dish takes the crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated goodness of a churro and combines it with the comforting, fluffy texture of French toast. The result is a decadent, sweet, and slightly spicy breakfast that will transport you straight to a cozy brunch at your favorite cafe. With thick slices of brioche or challah bread, soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and vanilla, then fried to golden perfection and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a lazy weekend brunch, or a weekday treat, Churro French Toast will become your new go-to breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Delicious Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

The churro-inspired cinnamon-sugar coating adds an irresistible sweet and spicy crunch to every bite, giving the French toast an extra layer of flavor.

2. Rich and Flavorful Custard

The custard made from eggs, milk, and vanilla gives the French toast a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the cinnamon-sugar coating.

3. Perfect for Day-Old Bread

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover bread. Day-old brioche or challah bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart, making for a fluffy, tender French toast.

4. Quick and Easy to Make

Despite the gourmet flavors, this recipe is quick to whip up, taking only a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes to prepare.

5. Versatile Toppings

You can customize your Churro French Toast with a variety of toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent breakfast.

Ingredients

• 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
• Butter, for frying

Variations

• Chocolate Churro French Toast: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished French toast for an extra indulgent treat.
• Fruit-Filled: Serve your churro French toast with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cinnamon flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Option: Swap the eggs for a flax or chia egg and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a vegan version of this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure the mixture is smooth and the cinnamon is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Coat the Bread

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter to coat the pan. While the skillet heats up, dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are well-soaked but not overly saturated.

Step 3: Fry the French Toast

Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Once the French toast is cooked, immediately coat each slice in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your churro French toast warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, cinnamon-y goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked in the custard. Day-old or slightly stale bread holds up better and absorbs the custard without falling apart.
• Control the Heat: Keep the skillet or griddle at medium heat to ensure that the French toast cooks evenly and doesn’t burn before it’s fully cooked.
• Let the French Toast Rest: After coating with the cinnamon-sugar, let the French toast rest for a minute to allow the coating to set.
• Extra Crispy: If you like extra crispy French toast, after frying, let the slices sit on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute to remove excess oil.

How to Serve

Churro French Toast is best served immediately while warm. You can top it with a variety of accompaniments such as:

• Fresh fruit like berries, banana slices, or apple compote
• A dusting of powdered sugar
• Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce for extra sweetness

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover churro French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place it in a toaster or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze churro French toast, place individual slices on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, toast frozen slices in a toaster or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat French toast, either use a toaster for individual slices or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the edges again.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bread instead of brioche or challah?

Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer, but brioche or challah work best due to their rich, fluffy texture.

2. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can use a flax or chia egg as a substitute for the eggs to make the recipe vegan.

3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using it.

4. How can I make my French toast extra crispy?

To get an extra crispy texture, cook the French toast on a higher heat for a shorter time or use a little extra butter when frying.

5. Can I use almond milk or another non-dairy milk?

Yes, feel free to substitute any non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of whole milk.

6. Can I add fruit to the batter?

Yes, you can stir in some mashed bananas or berries into the custard mixture for a fruity twist.

7. How do I prevent the French toast from being soggy?

Ensure you dip the bread quickly into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak but not get overly saturated. Use slightly stale or day-old bread to avoid excess moisture.

8. How can I store leftover Churro French Toast?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the toaster or oven for best results.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the bread with a gluten-free variety and still enjoy the flavors of churro French toast.

10. Can I top the French toast with anything else?

Absolutely! You can add whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness and flavor.

Conclusion

Churro French Toast is a creative and delicious twist on a breakfast classic. With its cinnamon-sugar coating, rich custard base, and crispy exterior, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves the sweet, warm flavors of churros. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or a weekend treat, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings for the ultimate indulgent breakfast experience!

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