If you have a sweet tooth and love classic breakfast treats, you are going to fall head over heels for the Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. This dish takes the beloved flavors of a churro—crispy, cinnamony sugar coating paired with rich cream cheese icing—and wraps them around warm, soft French toast made from thick-cut bread. It is like having dessert for breakfast, but so much better because it’s comforting, indulgent, and utterly crave-worthy. Once you make this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to weekend breakfast or special brunch star.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from providing the perfect custard soak for the bread to crafting the sticky-sweet cinnamon sugar coating that makes every bite sing.
- 6 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah): The best base for soft, custardy French toast with a tender crumb that holds up well.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for creating the rich, silky custard that soaks into the bread.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps balance the eggs in the batter.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A warm, sweet aroma that lifts the flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Gives the custard mixture its characteristic cozy spice hint.
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying): Necessary for golden, slightly crispy edges when cooking the toast.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Combine with cinnamon for the classic churro coating.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar, it creates the signature cinnamon sugar crust.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The base for the luscious, tangy icing that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese icing.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cream cheese icing.
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency): Thins the icing to just the right drizzle consistency.
How to Make Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This creates a fragrant, silky custard that will soak into the bread and infuse every bite with warm cinnamon and vanilla notes. Make sure the mixture is well combined so the flavor is consistent throughout.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the cinnamon. This simple cinnamon sugar mixture is the key to achieving that iconic churro crunch on the outside of the French toast. Set it aside for later so it’s ready to coat the toast right after it cooks.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat in a skillet until melted and shimmering. Meanwhile, dip each slice of thick-cut bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are generously coated but not soggy. Place the soaked bread in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the surface is golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter as necessary for subsequent batches.
Step 4: Coat the French Toast in Cinnamon Sugar
While the French toast is still warm, immediately dredge each slice through the cinnamon sugar mixture. This ensures the sugar sticks and creates a crunchy, flavorful crust that perfectly mimics the churro experience. Don’t be shy—cover every side for maximum flavor!
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
Using a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to get the icing to a thick but pourable consistency—the kind that beautifully drapes over the French toast without being runny or too stiff.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place your cinnamon sugar-coated French toast on a plate, then drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top. This icing adds a tangy, sweet creaminess that makes the dish utterly irresistible. You can add any additional garnishes or toppings now, depending on your mood.
How to Serve Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this rich dish with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or banana. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds lovely texture and visual appeal. For a bit of decadence, a dollop of whipped cream turns this breakfast treat into a true brunch showstopper.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to add contrast. If you want to keep it lighter, pair it with a fresh green fruit salad or a simple citrus fruit bowl to refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the French toast slices for a towering plate that’s perfect for sharing. Alternatively, cut the finished French toast into triangles and serve them as bite-sized pieces with the cream cheese icing on the side for dipping. Presentation plays a big part in making your Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cream cheese icing separate to maintain its texture and add it fresh when ready to serve.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked French toast slices by laying them flat on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Again, store the icing separately to keep it fresh.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This will help restore the crisp cinnamon sugar crust without making the bread soggy. Once warm, drizzle with fresh cream cheese icing and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their rich texture and ability to soak up custard, other thick-cut breads like Texas toast or even a sturdy white sandwich bread can work in a pinch.
Is the cream cheese icing necessary?
The cream cheese icing really elevates this dish by adding a tangy sweetness that complements the crunchy cinnamon sugar coating perfectly. However, if you prefer, you can substitute it with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the bread with a gluten-free thick-cut loaf. Many gluten-free breads now have a texture suitable for French toast, so you won’t miss out on that soft, custardy experience.
What’s the best way to ensure a crispy cinnamon sugar coating?
Coat the French toast in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking while it’s still hot. This allows the sugar to stick and creates that delightful crunchy exterior much like a churro.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a total game-changer for your breakfast or brunch routine. It blends the nostalgic joy of churros and the comforting tradition of French toast into one mouthwatering dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. I encourage you to try it out and watch how it brings warmth, sweetness, and smiles to your table every time.
Print
Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this delicious Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese icing. This sweet breakfast treat features thick slices of brioche or challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, coated in crispy cinnamon sugar, and finished with a luscious cream cheese drizzle.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 6 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined to create a flavorful custard for soaking the bread.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly. Set this aside as it will be used to coat the cooked French toast for that classic churro crunch.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to prepare for frying the bread slices.
- Dip the Bread: Take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated without soaking too long to avoid sogginess.
- Fry the Bread: Place the coated slices in the hot skillet and cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as necessary and repeat with remaining slices.
- Coat the French Toast: While the toast is still warm, dredge each slice in the cinnamon sugar mixture so the sugar sticks to the buttery surface, creating a sweet and crunchy layer.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk amount to achieve a drizzle-friendly consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the cinnamon sugar-coated French toast and garnish with optional toppings like fresh fruit or whipped cream for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use thick slices of brioche or challah bread as they absorb the custard well without falling apart.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk of choice, but whole milk offers the creamiest texture.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar coating according to your sweetness preference.
- The cream cheese icing can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before drizzling.
- To keep French toast warm while cooking batches, place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F).
