Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar

Introduction

Creamy, crunchy, and overflowing with cinnamon-sugar goodness, Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is the breakfast mashup you didn’t know you needed. Imagine thick slices of brioche transformed into golden, custardy sandwiches, filled with a sweet churro-style cream and rolled in a glittering cinnamon-sugar coat — pure comfort on a plate. Fun fact: churros were popularized by Spanish shepherds who needed an easy-to-fry dough in the fields, and now they’re cozy enough to tuck inside French toast. This recipe is delightfully simple, quick enough for weekend mornings, and wildly family-friendly, making it a fantastic alternative to classic French toast or pancakes. If you love bold breakfast flavors, you might also enjoy the cozy spice of Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting. Ready to make a crowd-pleaser? Let’s get cooking.

What is Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar?

What’s in a name — and why does it sound like dessert for breakfast? Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar takes the crunchy-cinnamon charm of a churro and stuffs it inside a pillowy French toast sandwich. Curious where the idea came from? Maybe someone wondered, what if churros and French toast eloped and started a bakery? The result is indulgent but approachable — a cinnamon-sweet filling that melts into warm brioche as it cooks. They say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and honestly, this recipe works on anyone who appreciates sweet, nostalgic treats. Try it and see whether it wins your heart — and then tell your friends.

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is irresistible for three big reasons:

• Show-stealing flavor: A creamy churro-style filling paired with a butter-toasted, cinnamon-sugar exterior gives you contrast — silky center, crisp edges, and a sweet, fragrant finish.
• Save money by making it at home: Store-bought churros and café French toast can be pricey. With pantry staples and a little time, you’ll get bakery-style results for a fraction of the cost.
• Customizable toppings and textures: Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of dulce de leche — each adds a new layer of flavor and decadence.

If you enjoy playful takes on breakfast classics, check the similar crowd-pleasing approach in our Banana French Toast Roll Ups recipe for another easy, family-friendly morning option: Banana French Toast Roll Ups. Make a batch this weekend — you’ll be glad you did.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy because it uses simple techniques: whisk a custard, spread a sweet filling, build sandwiches, and pan-fry until golden. The texture is creamy inside with a crisp, cinnamon-sugary shell on the outside. Standout elements include the rich, custardy soak and the churro-inspired filling that caramelizes slightly when fried. Prep and cook time combined is about 25–30 minutes, making this perfect for brunch or a weekend treat.

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut brioche bread, room temperature
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup whole milk, cold or room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (measurements noted in directions)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup churro filling (can be made from cinnamon sugar and a creamy filling; see note below)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for skillet, plus extra if needed
• Optional for serving: maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, powdered sugar

Notes on churro filling: For a quick homemade filling, mix 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened) with 2 tablespoons melted sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, or use a store-bought churro spread. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and slightly frothy. This is your custard soak.
2. Spread about 2 tablespoons of churro filling evenly on four slices of brioche bread, leaving a small border so the filling doesn’t ooze out when cooking.
3. Top each filled slice with the remaining four slices of brioche to create four sandwich-style pieces, pressing gently around the edges to seal.
4. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Allow each sandwich to soak for 10–15 seconds per side so the bread absorbs the custard but doesn’t fall apart.
5. In a shallow dish, mix the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar coating.
6. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Swirl so the skillet is evenly coated and the butter is melted but not smoking.
7. Cook each sandwich for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan and a crisp exterior.
8. Immediately after cooking, roll each sandwich in the cinnamon-sugar mixture so the sugar sticks to the warm surface.
9. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

What to Serve With

• Fresh berries or a mixed fruit salad for brightness and acidity.
• Crispy breakfast sausage or bacon for savory balance.
• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent brunch.
• Warm maple syrup, dulce de leche, or chocolate sauce for drizzling.
• A side of Greek yogurt with honey and nuts to add protein and contrast.

Top Tips for Perfecting

• Bread choice matters: Thick-cut brioche is ideal because it soaks custard without falling apart; day-old bread soaks better than very fresh slices.
• Custard soak timing: 10–15 seconds per side is a good rule. Over-soaking makes the sandwich too soggy; under-soaking gives a dry center.
• Temperature control: Cook on medium to medium-low. Too hot and the exterior burns before the inside heats through.
• Churro filling variations: For a quicker option, mix softened mascarpone or cream cheese with cinnamon-sugar and a touch of honey.
• Avoid flipping too often: Let the first side form a golden crust before flipping once for even color and texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place paper towel under them to absorb excess moisture.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled, cooked sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the exterior crunchy; microwave only briefly and then finish in a skillet if necessary.

FAQs

Bold question format is below as requested.

Can I use another type of bread if I don’t have brioche?
Yes. Challah, Texas toast, or thick-cut sourdough work well. Choose a slightly sweet, sturdy loaf that can absorb the custard without disintegrating.

How do I make the churro filling from scratch?
Combine softened cream cheese or mascarpone with powdered sugar, a little vanilla, and ground cinnamon. Add a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk or honey for extra creaminess.

Can I make these ahead for a crowd?
You can assemble sandwiches and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. For large groups, cook just before serving to keep the exterior crisp.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free brioche-style loaf or thick gluten-free bread and follow the same soaking and cooking steps.

What if my filling leaks while cooking?
Use a small border when spreading filling and press edges gently to seal. Cook at a moderate temperature to prevent the filling from bubbling out too quickly.

Conclusion

This Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is a fun, comforting twist on classic French toast that’s easy to make and impressive to serve. The combination of a creamy cinnamon filling, custardy interior, and sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust makes it a morning winner for families and brunch guests alike. If you want a reference or inspiration from another cook who popularized this idea, check out Churro Stuffed French Toast | Chef Elizabeth Reese for additional variations and presentation tips.

Enjoy making this recipe, share it with someone you love, and let me know how yours turns out!