If you crave a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on classic French toast, loaded with that irresistible churro flavor thanks to the cinnamon sugar coating, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that brings just the right amount of sweet creaminess. The combination of crunchy edges, soft centers, and that silky drizzle will have you savoring every bite, whether it’s a weekend treat or a special brunch with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is all it takes to create a truly spectacular dish. Each one plays a key role—from the rich eggs that give the French toast its custardy texture to the cinnamon sugar that adds that iconic churro crunch, and finally the cream cheese icing that perfectly balances sweetness and tang.
- Thick-cut bread (brioche or challah): Choose a bread that’s sturdy yet soft to soak up the batter without falling apart.
- Large eggs: They provide structure and richness to the custard base of the toast.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create that fluffy interior.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a gentle sweetness and aromatic warmth.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that beloved churro spice kick.
- Butter (for frying): Gives a golden crust and adds depth with its natural richness.
- Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the signature crispy coating.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base of the icing, lending a luscious tang and smooth texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing without graininess.
- Milk (for icing consistency): Used to thin out the cream cheese icing to your perfect drizzle.
How to Make Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Begin by whisking together your eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This mixture is your flavorful custard that soaks into the bread, soaking up all those cozy flavors while creating a tender, creamy interior once cooked.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple spice blend is what will transform your French toast into churro magic, adding irresistible crunch and sweetness once you coat each slice.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter until bubbling. This will be your golden frying ground that locks in flavor and color as you cook the soaked bread slices.
Step 4: Dip Each Bread Slice
Fully submerge each slice of bread in the batter, allowing it to soak up enough custard on both sides but not so long that it becomes soggy. This step ensures each bite is luscious and tender on the inside.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown
Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want a perfectly golden crust that’s slightly crisp but still soft and fluffy inside. Repeat this for all slices, adding butter as needed.
Step 6: Coat the French Toast in Cinnamon Sugar
Right when the toast is still warm and fresh from the pan, dredge each slice generously in your cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is key for achieving that churro-style finished texture that’s sugary, cinnamon-sticky, and completely addictive.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and spreadable. Adjust the milk quantity to get that perfect drizzle consistency—it should be thick enough to coat but fluid enough to drizzle.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Drizzle your cream cheese icing over the hot cinnamon sugar-coated French toast slices. The icing melts slightly on contact, adding a dreamy creamy layer that elevates this indulgent breakfast to cafe-worthy levels. Add any toppings you love and serve immediately!
How to Serve Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a refreshing contrast and extra texture to your churro-style French toast. For a decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cream cheese icing.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance, or a simple fresh fruit salad to cut through the sweetness with bright, juicy flavors. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai pairs beautifully with the cinnamon notes in this recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cinnamon sugar French toast slices to create a layered tower with cream cheese icing drizzled between each layer. For an extra special occasion, cut the pieces into sticks and serve with extra icing or a warm chocolate dipping sauce on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover churro cinnamon sugar French toast keeps well covered in the fridge for up to two days. Store the cream cheese icing separately in an airtight container to keep it fresh and creamy until you’re ready to enjoy the next serving.
Freezing
If you want to make this delightful recipe ahead of time, freeze cooked French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed container or bag and freeze for up to one month. Do not freeze the icing; make it fresh when you serve.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisped. You can also use a toaster oven for a quicker method that keeps the edges crunchy. Drizzle cream cheese icing fresh after reheating for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
While you can use other breads, thick-cut brioche or challah are best because they soak up the batter beautifully without falling apart, yielding a tender yet sturdy French toast perfect for the churro cinnamon sugar coating.
Is the cream cheese icing necessary?
The cream cheese icing isn’t mandatory but it truly takes this recipe from delicious to unforgettable. It adds a tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly, creating a luxurious balance.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute eggs with a flax or chia egg, use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan cream cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but still tasty and satisfying.
How do I get the cinnamon sugar coating to stick well?
Dredge the French toast slices immediately after cooking when they’re still warm and slightly buttery on the surface. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and form the signature churro-style crunchy crust.
Can I prepare the cream cheese icing in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the icing a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a quick stir or whisk to smooth it out if it’s thickened overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is one of those rare breakfasts that feels indulgent without being complicated. Trust me, once you try this cozy and flavorful twist on French toast, it’ll become your go-to brunch favorite. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and prepare to be wowed by every delicious bite!
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
This Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing is a decadent breakfast treat inspired by the classic churro flavors. Thick-cut brioche or challah bread is dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg batter, pan-fried to golden perfection, coated with a crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture, and finished with a luscious cream cheese icing drizzle. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 6 slices 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)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 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 mixture for the bread.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon thoroughly and set aside to use for coating the French toast after cooking.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are well coated but not soaked, then place in the skillet. Cook each slice for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp. Add more butter as needed when cooking additional slices.
- Coat the French Toast: While the toast slices are still warm, dredge each piece into the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing lightly so the sugar adheres and forms a sweet, crunchy coating reminiscent of churros.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, to reach a drizzleable consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the cinnamon sugar-coated French toast on plates and drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit or whipped cream to add extra flavor and presentation appeal. Serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use thick-cut brioche or challah bread for the best texture as it absorbs the custard well without falling apart.
- Ensure the skillet is heated properly to medium heat to avoid burning or undercooking the French toast.
- The cream cheese icing can be made ahead and refrigerated; just whisk before using.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to feed a larger crowd.
