This Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is a sweet, crispy, indulgent breakfast dream. Creamy filling tucked between thick slices of bread, dipped in egg custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and rolled in a buttery cinnamon sugar coating—every bite feels like a cozy morning carnival treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings the nostalgic flavors of churros into a comforting breakfast classic. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime I feel like spoiling myself or someone I love. The combination of crispy edges, soft filling, and warm cinnamon sugar is absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different fillings and toppings to make it my own.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Milk
- Ground cinnamon
- Granulated sugar
- Butter for frying
directions
- I start by making the filling—mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth.
- I slice thick pieces of bread and create a pocket in the center of each one, careful not to slice all the way through.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, I fill each pocket with the cream cheese mixture.
- In a shallow bowl, I whisk together eggs, milk, and a bit of cinnamon to create the custard.
- I dip each stuffed bread slice into the custard, coating both sides well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, I melt butter and cook the French toast until golden brown on both sides.
- While it’s still warm, I roll each toast in a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar until fully coated.
- I serve immediately, optionally with a drizzle of syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. It’s ideal for a quick yet luxurious brunch.
Variations
I sometimes switch up the filling by adding a little Nutella or fruit preserves to the cream cheese. For a fruity twist, I tuck in some sliced strawberries or bananas. And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll top it with caramel sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder instead of cinnamon sugar. A gluten-free version works great using gluten-free bread, and for dairy-free, I simply swap in plant-based alternatives for milk, cream cheese, and butter.
storage/reheating
If I have leftovers, I let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get the crispiness back. The microwave works too, but it softens the texture.
FAQs
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking?
I make sure not to overfill the bread and press the edges gently to seal. Cooking on medium heat also helps the outside cook without burning while the inside warms through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often stuff the French toast the night before, cover it, and refrigerate until morning. I just dip and cook when ready.
What’s the best type of bread for stuffed French toast?
I always go for thick-cut brioche or challah. They hold the filling well and soak up the custard without falling apart.
Can I freeze stuffed French toast?
Definitely. I let them cool, wrap individually, and freeze for up to a month. When I’m ready, I reheat straight from frozen in the oven.
Is there a way to make it healthier?
I lighten it up by using low-fat cream cheese, less sugar in the coating, and cooking with a non-stick spray instead of butter.
Conclusion
This Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is everything I love about breakfast and dessert rolled into one. It’s crispy, creamy, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor. Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday or a special celebration, this recipe always hits the spot.
Print
Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this Churro Stuffed French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar—a breakfast favorite transformed into a decadent, carnival-inspired treat. Thick slices of brioche are filled with creamy vanilla-scented cream cheese, dipped in cinnamon egg custard, pan-fried, and rolled in buttery cinnamon sugar. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy morning splurge.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Butter, for frying
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Slice a pocket into each bread slice without cutting all the way through.
- Fill each pocket with the cream cheese mixture.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg custard, coating evenly.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook French toast until golden brown on both sides.
- Mix granulated sugar with remaining cinnamon. Roll warm French toast in the mixture to coat.
- Serve immediately with syrup or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use a piping bag for cleaner filling.
- For added flavor, mix fruit preserves or Nutella into the cream cheese.
- Brioche and challah work best due to their soft yet sturdy texture.
- Can be made ahead and cooked fresh in the morning.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for the best texture.