I’ve always had a soft spot for indulgent breakfasts, especially those that seem to blur the line between dessert and morning treat. One morning, as I was enjoying a warm cup of coffee, the idea for Churro Stuffed French Toast hit me out of nowhere.
Imagine the comfort of French toast, but with a surprise twist inside. The thought of cinnamon-sugar-coated, fluffy French toast stuffed with sweet cream cheese and a touch of Nutella or dulce de leche just sounded too good to resist. I had to try it, and I’m so glad I did.
The result was nothing short of spectacular – golden, crispy, warm, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. If you’re craving a decadent breakfast that’ll leave everyone at the table swooning, this Churro Stuffed French Toast is the recipe to try.
Short Description
This Churro Stuffed French Toast combines creamy, cinnamon-sugar goodness with a warm, gooey filling. The perfect treat for breakfast or brunch, it’s crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, with an irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust.
Key Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 slices of soft bread (like brioche, challah, or Texas toast)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened, or use whipped cream cheese for easier spreading)
- 1/4 cup dulce de leche or Nutella (optional, for an extra indulgent filling)
For the Custard:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking:
-
2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit (like strawberries or bananas)
Tools Needed
- Shallow bowl or dish (for custard)
- Skillet or griddle
- Large spatula
- Shallow bowl (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- Knife (for slicing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by spreading a generous layer of softened cream cheese onto one side of each slice of bread. If you want to make it even more indulgent, spread a drizzle of dulce de leche or Nutella over the cream cheese.
Once the filling is on, sandwich two slices of bread together to form a stuffed piece. Repeat for the remaining slices.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Bread
Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated but not overly soggy. Let each slice soak for a few seconds on each side before removing.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, place the soaked sandwiches in the skillet.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. If necessary, add more butter to the skillet to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. While the French toast is still warm, press each side gently into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat it evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the stuffed French toast diagonally and serve warm. You can drizzle with maple syrup, top with whipped cream, or add fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for an extra touch of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Churro Stuffed French Toast brings together all the best elements of a decadent breakfast. The crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust combined with the creamy, gooey filling makes it a perfect comfort food.
The versatility of the filling also lets you customize it to your preference, whether you like a traditional cream cheese filling or want to amp up the indulgence with Nutella or dulce de leche.
It’s a treat that feels luxurious yet is easy to make at home, making it perfect for special occasions or weekend breakfasts.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Too soggy or undercooked French toast: Ensure that the bread doesn’t soak too long in the custard mixture. If the bread gets too soggy, it won’t cook properly. A quick dip (2-3 seconds on each side) should be enough.
Burning the toast: Keep the heat at medium, not too high, to allow the French toast to cook evenly without burning. If needed, lower the heat after a few minutes to ensure it’s cooking through without getting too crispy on the outside.
Uneven cinnamon-sugar coating: Make sure to coat the toast while it’s still warm. Press gently but firmly into the cinnamon sugar to ensure an even coat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this Churro Stuffed French Toast with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
For an even richer experience, consider serving with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice to balance out the sweetness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: If you have leftovers, let the French toast cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warm and crispy again. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Brioche, challah, and Texas toast work best for their thick, fluffy texture. However, you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free bread if you prefer.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them. In the morning, just dip them in the custard and cook them as usual.
3. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk.
4. Can I freeze Churro Stuffed French Toast?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked French toast. Allow it to cool, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or the oven.
5. Can I add other fillings to this?
Definitely! Try adding peanut butter, chocolate spread, or even fruit preserves for a fun twist.
Tips & Tricks
– Use day-old bread for the best results. Slightly stale bread holds up better in the custard mixture and won’t become too soggy.
– Add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
– If you want extra crunch, sprinkle a little bit of sugar on the bread as it cooks in the skillet for a sugary crust.
Recipe Variations
Peanut Butter & Jelly Stuffed French Toast: Spread peanut butter and fruit preserves between the slices of bread for a nostalgic twist.
Chocolate Hazelnut Stuffed French Toast: Swap out the cream cheese for a generous spoonful of Nutella for a rich, chocolatey filling.
Vegan Churro Stuffed French Toast: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swap the eggs and milk with flax eggs and almond milk for a vegan version.
Churro Stuffed French Toast With Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 slices of soft bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast
- ½ cup cream cheese softened, or use whipped cream cheese for easier spreading
- ¼ cup dulce de leche or Nutella optional, for an extra indulgent filling
For the Custard:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For Cooking:
- 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas
Instructions
- Spread softened cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread. Add dulce de leche or Nutella if you want an extra indulgent filling. Sandwich two slices together and repeat for the remaining bread.
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow bowl until smooth.
- Dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated without becoming soggy. Let each slice soak for a few seconds on each side.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter. Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add more butter as needed.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Press each warm French toast into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Slice the stuffed French toast diagonally and serve warm. Top with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for extra sweetness.
