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If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting embrace of cinnamon sugar, you’re in for a treat with this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. Combining the crispy, buttery goodness of classic French toast with the addictive flavors of churros and a luscious cream cheese icing, this dish transforms breakfast (or brunch, or dessert) into a cozy celebration. It’s the perfect mix of warm spice, sweet crunch, and creamy smoothness that will have you savoring every bite and wishing for just one more slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that pack a powerful punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays its own vital role, whether it’s the soft richness of the brioche, the fragrant cinnamon aroma, or the tangy-sweet cream cheese icing that ties everything together.
- 6 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah): These breads have the perfect fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor that soak up the custard without falling apart.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs create the custardy batter that makes French toast so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mix, ensuring a tender, moist result.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla brightens the batter with warm, sweet notes.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Cinnamon infuses that classic spicy warmth synonymous with churros.
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying): Butter gives a golden, crispy crust and rich flavor as you cook each slice.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Used to coat the French toast for that addictive churro-like crunch.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (extra): Mixed with sugar to perfect the cinnamon sugar coating.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the icing, lending creaminess and a hint of tang.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese while keeping the icing silky smooth.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for icing): Adds a fragrant depth to the cream cheese icing.
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency): Thins out the icing to the perfect drizzleable texture.
How to Make Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together eggs, whole milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This is your flavorful custard base, soaking into each slice of thick bread to create that perfect balance of soft and spongy inside with a golden crust outside.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and set it aside. This simple mixture will give your French toast that signature churro crunch and sweetness once the slices have been cooked.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter until it’s sizzling but not browned. Dip each slice of bread into the egg batter, coating it well on both sides. Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
Step 4: Coat the French Toast
While the bread is still warm from the skillet, dredge each slice generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This sticky, sweet layer is what transforms the French toast into churro-worthy goodness, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy. Add extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency. This sweet, tangy icing takes the dish to a whole new level.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the cinnamon sugar-coated French toast. The icing melts slightly atop the warm toast, making each bite irresistible. Garnish with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nuts if you like.
How to Serve Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts add a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. A dollop of whipped cream can make it feel extra indulgent and festive.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory counterpoint. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance if you’re serving this dish for brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the French toast slices as a towering centerpiece, drizzling icing in a zigzag pattern, or serving the icing on the side as a dip. You can even sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar just before serving for that irresistible aroma and shimmer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, ready to be reheated and enjoyed again.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled French toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven to restore that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the toast soggy. Warm cream cheese icing separately if needed, and drizzle just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread besides brioche or challah?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah offer the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use other thick-cut breads like Texas toast or even sourdough. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to soak up the batter without falling apart.
Is the cream cheese icing necessary?
While the cinnamon sugar coating alone is delicious, the cream cheese icing adds a wonderful creamy tang that balances the sweetness and makes the dish feel extra special. You can serve it on the side if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the bread for a gluten-free variety, you can enjoy this treat without gluten. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold together during cooking.
What’s the best way to get the cinnamon sugar coating to stick well?
Press the warm cooked French toast slices gently into the cinnamon sugar mix while they’re still hot. The slight moisture and warmth help the sugar stick and create that signature crispy churro texture.
Can this dish be served for dessert?
Definitely! The Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe works wonderfully as a decadent dessert, especially when paired with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug — sweet, comforting, and just a little bit magical. Whether you’re looking to elevate a weekend breakfast or surprise your loved ones with something special, this recipe delivers on every level. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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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
Enjoy a delicious twist on classic French toast with this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast topped with creamy, sweet cream cheese icing. Featuring thick-cut brioche or challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg batter, pan-fried to golden perfection, then coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with luscious cream cheese icing, this recipe offers a perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and creamy textures.
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)
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, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for coating the French toast after cooking.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
- Dip the Bread: Take each slice of thick-cut bread and dip it into the egg batter, ensuring both sides are fully coated but not saturated to the point of falling apart.
- Fry the Bread Slices: Place the coated bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a slight crisp.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the French toast slices are still warm, dredge each piece into the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring a generous and even coating for that churro-inspired flavor.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until the mixture is smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed for drizzling.
- Assemble and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the cinnamon sugar-coated French toast. Optionally, garnish with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thick-cut brioche or challah bread for best results, as their texture soaks up the batter nicely without falling apart.
- Adjust the milk quantity in the icing to achieve your desired drizzle consistency.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy exterior and creamy icing.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster oven for crispiness, but are best enjoyed fresh.
