This yummy breakfast treat mixes soft French toast with the sweet crunch of churro cinnamon sugar. Topped with smooth cream cheese icing, it feels like a special dessert for morning. Easy to make at home, this recipe brings fun flavors everyone loves. In just a few steps, you can enjoy warm, crispy bites with creamy icing. Perfect for weekends or when you want something extra sweet.
Use thick bread slices for the best texture in this churro cinnamon sugar French toast. Soak the bread well but not too long to keep it from getting soggy. Mix cinnamon and sugar generously for that classic churro taste on the outside. Make the cream cheese icing smooth by softening the cheese first. Cook on medium heat so the outside gets golden and crispy without burning. Serve warm right away for the nicest taste and texture. This dish works great for breakfast or brunch with family.
Ingredients You Need
Bread Choice for Best Results
Pick thick slices of bread for this recipe. Brioche or challah bread works very well because they are soft inside and strong enough to hold the egg mix. If you do not have those, use regular white bread but choose the thick-cut kind from the bakery. Each slice should be about 1 inch thick. Thin bread will fall apart when you soak it. Thick bread gives nice soft centers with crispy edges after cooking.
Egg Mixture Basics
You need four large eggs for four to six servings. Break the eggs into a wide bowl. Add one cup of milk. Whole milk makes it richer, but low-fat milk works too. Put in one teaspoon of vanilla extract for sweet smell. Add a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Whisk everything together until the eggs are fully mixed and smooth. No lumps should stay in the mixture.
Churro Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Take one cup of white sugar. Add two tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Mix them well in a shallow plate or bowl. This mix gives the churro taste and crunchy feel. Make sure the cinnamon spreads evenly through the sugar. You can add a little extra cinnamon if you love strong flavor. This coating goes on right after cooking while the toast is still hot.
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
Use four ounces of cream cheese at room temperature. Add one cup of powdered sugar. Put in two tablespoons of milk or heavy cream. Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. These make a thick but spreadable icing. If it feels too thick, add a little more milk one teaspoon at a time.
Extra Items for Cooking
You need two to three tablespoons of butter for the pan. Use non-stick spray if you want less butter. Have a spatula ready to flip the toast. A wire rack helps if you cook many pieces so they stay crispy.
How to Make the Egg Soak Mixture
Whisk Eggs and Milk Together
Crack four eggs into a big shallow bowl. Pour in one cup of milk slowly. Use a fork or whisk to mix them. Stir until the color looks even and no egg white pieces float around. This step makes sure every bite of bread gets the same soft texture.
Add Flavor to the Soak
Put one teaspoon of vanilla extract into the bowl. Add a small pinch of salt, about one-eighth teaspoon. Whisk again until everything blends well. The vanilla gives a nice sweet smell and taste. Salt stops the dish from feeling too sweet. Taste a tiny drop if you want to check the flavor.
Make the Mixture Smooth
Keep whisking for one more minute. The mixture should look creamy and the same color all through. If you see egg bits, whisk harder. A smooth soak helps the bread take in the liquid evenly. This stops some parts from staying dry.
Let It Rest for a Minute
Set the bowl aside for two minutes. This small rest lets the flavors mix better. It also makes the mixture easier to use when you dip the bread.
Preparing the Churro Coating
Measure Sugar and Cinnamon
Take one cup of white sugar. Put it in a wide plate or pie dish. Add two big spoons of ground cinnamon on top. Use fresh cinnamon for the best taste.
Mix Them Well
Use a spoon or your clean fingers to mix the sugar and cinnamon. Stir until you see no white sugar spots left. The color should look even light brown. Break any small lumps so the coating feels smooth.
Spread It Out Evenly
Make the mixture flat on the plate. This makes it easy to roll the hot toast in it later. Keep the plate near your cooking pan so you can coat fast while the toast is warm.
Taste and Adjust
Take a tiny pinch and taste it. If you want more cinnamon flavor, add half a teaspoon more and mix again. The coating should taste sweet with clear cinnamon warmth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Heat the Pan First
Put a large non-stick pan or griddle on the stove. Turn the heat to medium. Let it get warm for two minutes. Medium heat cooks the toast golden without burning the sugar later.
Add Butter to the Pan
Drop two tablespoons of butter into the hot pan. Let it melt fully and bubble a little. Swirl the pan so butter covers the whole bottom. Butter gives nice flavor and helps the toast get crispy edges.
Dip the Bread Slices
Take one slice of bread. Put it in the egg mixture. Press it down gently so both sides soak up the liquid. Let it sit for ten to fifteen seconds on each side. Do not soak too long or the bread becomes too soft and hard to handle.
Cook the First Side
Lift the soaked bread with a spatula. Let extra egg drip off back into the bowl. Put it in the hot pan. Cook for two to three minutes. Look for golden brown color on the bottom. Shake the pan a little so it does not stick.
Flip and Cook the Other Side
Use the spatula to flip the bread carefully. Cook the second side for two to three minutes also. Both sides should look golden. If the pan looks dry, add a small bit more butter.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Right Away
Take the hot toast out of the pan. Put it straight into the cinnamon sugar plate while it is still very warm. Turn it over so both sides get covered well. Press gently so the sugar sticks. Do this fast for each piece.
Repeat for All Slices
Cook all the bread slices the same way. Keep the finished pieces on a plate or wire rack. Do not stack them hot because they get soggy. Add more butter to the pan when needed.
Making the Cream Cheese Icing
Soften the Cream Cheese
Take the cream cheese out of the fridge early. Let it sit at room temperature for thirty minutes. Soft cheese mixes much easier and gives smooth icing without lumps.
Beat the Cheese First
Put the soft cream cheese in a bowl. Use a spoon or hand mixer to beat it for one minute. This makes it light and creamy. Beating first helps the sugar mix in without clumps.
Add Powdered Sugar Slowly
Put half the powdered sugar in the bowl. Mix it in slowly at first. Then add the rest of the sugar. Stir well until no dry sugar shows. The mix will look thick now.
Pour in Milk and Vanilla
Add two tablespoons of milk and half teaspoon vanilla. Beat everything together. If the icing feels too thick, add one more teaspoon of milk. It should fall slowly from the spoon but not be runny.
Check the Texture
Dip a spoon in the icing and lift it up. The icing should coat the spoon and drip slowly. If it drips too fast, add a little more powdered sugar. If too stiff, add tiny drops of milk.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Cut the Toast Nicely
Use a sharp knife to cut each piece in half on a diagonal. This makes triangle shapes that look pretty on the plate. Cutting also lets the icing drip down the sides.
Add the Cream Cheese Icing
Put the icing in a small zip bag. Cut a tiny corner off the bag. Squeeze the icing over each piece in lines or swirls. You can also spread it with a spoon for thick topping.
Add Extra Sweet Touches
Sprinkle a little more cinnamon sugar on top if you like. Some people add fresh berries or banana slices on the side. These make the plate colorful and add fresh taste.
Serve While Warm
Put the toast on plates right after icing. Eat it warm so the inside stays soft and the outside stays crunchy. Cold toast loses some of the nice texture.
Pair with Drinks
Serve with hot coffee, warm milk, or fresh orange juice. The sweet toast goes well with these drinks for a full breakfast.
Final Thoughts
This churro cinnamon sugar French toast with cream cheese icing makes any morning feel special. The crispy cinnamon coating and soft bread taste amazing together. The creamy icing adds the perfect sweet finish. It is easy enough for beginners but feels like a fancy treat. Try it soon and enjoy every bite with family or friends. You will want to make it again and again.
Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing
Ingredients
- 8 thick slices brioche or challah bread (1 inch thick)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or low-fat)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons butter for cooking
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for icing
Tools You Need
- Large non-stick pan or griddle
- Shallow wide bowl for egg mix
- Whisk or fork
- Wide plate for cinnamon sugar
- Mixing bowl for icing
- Spatula for flipping
- Sharp knife
- Spoon or hand mixer
Steps
- Whisk 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and pinch of salt in a shallow bowl until smooth and no lumps remain. Let rest 2 minutes for flavors to blend.
- Mix 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a wide plate. Stir well until even light brown color. Taste a pinch and add more cinnamon if needed.
- Heat large pan on medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and let melt until bubbly. Swirl to cover bottom.
- Dip one bread slice in egg mix. Soak 10-15 seconds per side. Let excess drip off. Place in hot pan.
- Cook first side 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully. Cook second side same time. Add more butter if pan dries.
- Remove hot toast. Roll immediately in cinnamon sugar. Press gently both sides to stick. Repeat for all slices. Keep on wire rack.
- Soften 4 oz cream cheese 30 minutes. Beat until creamy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar slowly. Mix in 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
- Adjust icing: if thick, add milk teaspoon by teaspoon. It should drip slowly from spoon. Put in zip bag, cut corner.
- Slice toast diagonally into triangles. Drizzle icing in swirls. Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar. Serve warm with coffee or juice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to use regular bread instead of brioche?
Yes, you can use regular white bread for this recipe. Choose the thick slices if possible because they hold the egg mixture better. Regular bread works fine and still tastes very good. It may soak up the egg faster, so watch the dipping time. Do not use very thin or very soft bread because it can break apart. The churro coating and icing still make it delicious even with simple bread.
Can I make the cinnamon sugar coating ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the cinnamon and sugar one day before. Keep it in a closed jar or container on the counter. It stays fresh for many weeks. When you are ready to cook, just pour it onto a plate. This saves time on busy mornings. Make sure the jar has a tight lid so the cinnamon smell does not go away.
Do I need to use whole milk in the egg mixture?
No, you do not need whole milk. Low-fat or even skim milk works well. Whole milk makes the toast richer and softer inside. But low-fat milk still gives good results and has less fat. You can also use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. They add a little different flavor but still taste nice in this recipe.
Is it possible to bake this French toast instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven. Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Dip the bread in the egg mix. Put the slices on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway. It will not get as crispy as pan cooking, but it is easier and uses no butter. After baking, coat with cinnamon sugar while hot.
Can I freeze the cooked French toast pieces?
Yes, you can freeze them after cooking. Let the pieces cool fully first. Put them in a single layer on a tray and freeze for two hours. Then put them in a freezer bag. They stay good for one month. To eat, reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven until warm. Coat with cinnamon sugar again after heating for fresh taste.
Do I have to make the cream cheese icing from scratch?
No, you do not have to make it yourself. You can buy ready-made cream cheese frosting from the store. It saves time and still tastes good on top. If you like homemade better, the recipe is very easy with just a few ingredients. Homemade icing lets you control the sweetness and thickness.
Is it safe to leave the egg-soaked bread out before cooking?
It is best to cook the soaked bread right away. Leaving it out too long can make it too soft or let bacteria grow. If you need to wait, keep it in the fridge for no more than 30 minutes. Cook all pieces soon after dipping so they stay fresh and safe to eat.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, kids can help with safe parts. They can mix the cinnamon sugar, whisk the eggs with adult help, and spread the icing. An adult should handle the hot pan and flipping. Kids love coating the toast in sugar because it is fun. This recipe is simple enough for family cooking time together.
