If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the warm, comforting flavors of churros with the classic comfort of French toast, then this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is about to become your new breakfast obsession. Imagine thick, fluffy slices of brioche soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg batter, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then generously coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture. To top it all off, a luscious cream cheese icing is drizzled over every slice, adding that perfect tangy sweetness that brings the whole dish together beautifully. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each component plays an important role in creating those iconic churro flavors and that flawless texture. From the rich, soft bread to the cinnamon-spiked batter and the creamy icing, these staples turn into something truly extraordinary when combined.
- 6 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah): These breads are perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart, delivering a tender interior and a golden crust.
- 2 large eggs: Provide the essential structure for the batter, helping the French toast hold together while cooking.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the egg mixture, making the custard rich and smooth.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the batter with that familiar churro warmth.
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying): Used to cook the French toast to a golden, slightly crisp finish and adds delicious richness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon to coat the toast, creating that signature crunchy, sweet exterior.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating): Works with the sugar to enhance the iconic churro flavor on the toast’s surface.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The base for the luscious icing that adds a tangy, creamy contrast.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese and gives the icing a smooth texture.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for icing): Adds extra depth and warmth to the icing mixture.
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency): Used to thin the cream cheese icing to just the right drizzle-worthy texture.
How to Make Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start the magic by whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This fragrant, creamy custard is the heart of your French toast and sets the tone for all the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. This simple mixture will give each slice that irresistible churro-style crunch once you coat the toast after cooking.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. This butter is what helps achieve the perfectly golden crust on the French toast slices, so don’t skimp here.
Step 4: Dip Bread in Egg Mixture
Take each slice of thick-cut bread and carefully dip both sides into the prepared batter. Make sure it soaks up just enough custard without becoming soggy, so that the bread cooks evenly with a nice custard center.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Place the coated bread slices in the hot skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust. Cook in batches if necessary, adding more butter for each batch to keep that crisp texture.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While the French toast is still warm, dredge each slice in your cinnamon sugar mixture. This step locks in the sweet, spicy crunch that makes the dish feel just like churros — crisp and utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk amount to get the right consistency for drizzling drizzles that melt gently over the warm toast.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Drizzle the luscious cream cheese icing generously over the cinnamon sugar-coated toast slices. Now you have that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and creamy that makes this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe so unforgettable!
How to Serve Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top or add fresh slices of strawberries or bananas for a fruity contrast. A dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully, turning each bite into a dreamy treat.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages to balance the sweetness, or keep it sweet with a side of warm maple syrup and fresh berries for pure indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your French toast for a visually stunning tower and drizzle the cream cheese icing between each layer. For a fun twist, serve your toast in a large skillet so everyone can dig in family-style. Adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or even a pinch of sea salt can elevate the flavors to gourmet levels.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe (though it’s hard to resist finishing it all), store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days without losing too much of their delicious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked French toast slices by laying them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen French toast keeps well for up to 1 month and makes for an easy, quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, pop the toast slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make them soggy. Add fresh cream cheese icing after reheating for that perfect finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche or challah?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah give the best texture and flavor, thick slices of French bread or Texas toast can work in a pinch. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart.
Is the cream cheese icing difficult to make?
Not at all! It only takes a few minutes to whip up in a bowl and uses simple pantry staples. It adds such a fantastic flavor contrast that it’s totally worth the extra step.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the icing. The butter for frying can be swapped with vegan margarine or oil to keep it dairy-free while still delicious.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Be sure not to soak the bread too long in the batter, and make sure your pan is properly heated with enough butter. Cooking the toast until golden brown on each side also helps develop a pleasant crust to keep it from becoming soggy.
Can I prepare the cinnamon sugar coating in advance?
Yes! Mixing the cinnamon and sugar ahead of time saves time and keeps things tidy when cooking. Just store the mix in an airtight container until you’re ready to dredge your French toast.
Final Thoughts
This Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is truly a celebration of cozy flavors and textures that will brighten up any morning. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or impressing guests with a special brunch, this dish delivers on its promise of sweetness, warmth, and creamy indulgence. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that blissful first bite that’s crunchy, soft, sweet, and rich all at once. Go ahead, make it your next breakfast tradition!
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 a delightful twist on classic French toast with this Churro Cinnamon Sugar French Toast topped with smooth cream cheese icing. Thick-cut brioche or challah bread is dipped in a spiced egg batter, pan-fried to golden perfection, coated in cinnamon sugar, and finished with a luscious cream cheese drizzle, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
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 well combined to create a flavorful French toast batter.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon thoroughly and set aside for later use.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to prepare for frying.
- Dip the Bread: Immerse each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are completely coated with the batter.
- Fry the Bread: Place the coated slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until each side is golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the toast slices are still warm, dredge them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to give that classic churro flavor and crunchy texture.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth, adjusting the milk quantity to achieve a pourable icing consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the cinnamon sugar-coated French toast and optionally garnish with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Use thick-cut brioche or challah bread for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the icing for desired thickness.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Fresh fruit toppings like strawberries or bananas complement the rich flavors well.
