Churro Stuffed French Toast

Churro Stuffed French Toast transforms your weekend breakfast into a carnival-worthy treat that tastes like cinnamon sugar heaven. This decadent twist on classic French toast features a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling sandwiched between thick slices of golden-brown brioche, then rolled in crunchy churro coating that delivers that iconic amusement park flavor right in your kitchen.

I created this recipe after my kids begged for churros at 8 a.m. on a Saturday, and honestly, it’s become our most-requested breakfast for birthdays and lazy Sunday mornings. The combination of custardy French toast with that sweet, cinnamon-sugar crunch is absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Carnival vibes at home – All the fun of fair churros in breakfast form, no long lines required
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble the stuffed sandwiches the night before for stress-free mornings
• Kid and adult approved – Sweet enough to feel like dessert, but acceptable for breakfast
• Impressive but easy – Looks fancy for brunch guests but uses simple pantry ingredients
• Customizable sweetness – Adjust the sugar coating to your family’s taste preferences

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Shallow dish or pie plate (for egg mixture)
• Small mixing bowl (for cream cheese filling)
• Large non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small offset spatula or butter knife (for spreading)

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Ingredients You’ll Need

French Toast

• 8 slices thick bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk or 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2–3 tablespoons butter or neutral oil for cooking

Cream Cheese Stuffing

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Churro Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (depending on spice preference)

Optional Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Ingredient Notes

• Bread choice matters: Brioche and challah are ideal because they’re rich, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold the filling. Texas toast (pre-sliced thick white bread) is a budget-friendly alternative. Day-old bread actually works better since it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
• Cream cheese softening trick: Leave it at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or microwave in 10-second bursts until spreadable but not melted.
• Milk substitutions: Whole milk creates the richest custard, but 2% works great too. For dairy-free, use oat milk or almond milk (choose unsweetened to control sweetness).
• Cinnamon quality: Fresh ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in flavor. If yours has been sitting in the cabinet for years, consider replacing it.
• Sugar options: The coating works with regular granulated sugar, but superfine sugar adheres even better. For a deeper flavor, mix in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, combine 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix with a fork or small whisk until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Custard

In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely uniform with no streaks of egg white visible.

Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Sandwiches

Lay out all 8 bread slices on a clean work surface. Using a small offset spatula or butter knife, spread a generous layer (about 2–3 tablespoons) of the cream cheese filling onto 4 slices, spreading it edge to edge but leaving a tiny border around the edges. Top each filled slice with one of the remaining plain slices, pressing gently to seal.

Step 4: Cook the Stuffed French Toast

Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and coat the surface. Working with one sandwich at a time, dip it into the egg mixture, letting each side soak for about 3–5 seconds—enough to coat thoroughly but not so long that the bread becomes soggy and the filling leaks out. Let excess custard drip off, then place the coated sandwich onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and the center feels set when gently pressed.

Step 5: Apply the Churro Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Immediately after removing each cooked French toast from the skillet (while still hot and slightly steamy), gently press both sides into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, turning to coat completely.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Temperature control is key: Medium heat prevents burning while ensuring the inside cooks through. If your toast is browning too fast but the center is still cold, reduce heat to medium-low.
• Batch cooking strategy: Keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while you cook the rest, but add the cinnamon-sugar coating just before serving for maximum crunch.
• No-drip dipping method: Use two hands to dip—one to lower the sandwich into custard, one to lift it out—and let it drain over the bowl for 2–3 seconds before transferring to the pan.
• Prevent filling leakage: Don’t overfill (2–3 tablespoons is plenty) and press edges firmly together. If a sandwich starts leaking while cooking, use your spatula to gently press the edges.
• Make filling extra smooth: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or beat it with an electric mixer for 1 minute for ultra-smooth texture.
• Double coating option: For extra churro flavor, coat the sandwiches in cinnamon sugar, then add a second coat while still warm.
• Cleanup hack: Line your sugar coating bowl with parchment paper for easy disposal and less cleanup.

Tips & Variations

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Assemble the stuffed sandwiches up to 24 hours in advance, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Dip and cook when ready to serve.
• Cooked Churro French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven to restore crispness.
• Freeze cooked (but not sugar-coated) French toast for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, reheat, then apply cinnamon sugar coating fresh.

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Churro: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
• Berry Stuffed: Mix 2 tablespoons of strawberry or raspberry jam into the cream cheese filling.
• Nutella Dream: Replace half the cream cheese with Nutella for a hazelnut chocolate twist.
• Tres Leches Style: Drizzle finished toast with sweetened condensed milk instead of maple syrup.
• Savory Option: Skip the sugar coating, reduce powdered sugar in filling to 1 tablespoon, and serve with bacon and eggs.

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-free: Use thick gluten-free bread; Udi’s or Canyon Bakehouse work well.
• Dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese (Kite Hill or Tofutti) and use oat milk or almond milk.
• Lower sugar: Reduce powdered sugar in filling to 1 tablespoon and use a sugar substitute like monk fruit for the coating.
• Egg-free: Use a flax egg mixture (3 tablespoons ground flaxseed + ¾ cup water, whisked and allowed to thicken for 5 minutes) as the custard base.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these warm Churro Stuffed French Toast sandwiches as the star of your brunch spread alongside crispy bacon strips, fresh fruit salad with mint, and hot coffee or Mexican hot chocolate for an authentic churro pairing.

The richness of the cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with the acidity of fresh berries—try a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries on the side. For an over-the-top presentation, stack two halves, dust with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, and drizzle with warm maple syrup or dulce de leche.

For special occasions like Mother’s Day brunch or birthday breakfasts, create a topping bar with options like caramel sauce, chocolate chips, sliced bananas, chopped pecans, and flavored whipped creams so everyone can customize their plate.

This dish is hearty enough to be the main event but also works as part of a larger breakfast buffet with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausages, and a light citrus salad to balance the sweetness.

Common Mistakes

• Soaking bread too long: Quick dip (3–5 seconds per side) prevents soggy, falling-apart sandwiches. The bread should be coated, not saturated.
• Cold cream cheese: Lumpy filling ruins the texture. Always let cream cheese reach room temperature or microwave in short bursts until spreadable.
• Skipping the preheat: A cold skillet means uneven cooking and pale, sad-looking toast instead of golden perfection.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cook 1–2 sandwiches at a time depending on pan size. Crowding lowers temperature and creates steam instead of browning.
• Applying sugar coating when cold: The cinnamon-sugar mixture only adheres properly to warm, slightly moist French toast. Coat immediately after cooking.
• Using thin bread: Regular sandwich bread can’t support the filling and tears easily. Invest in thick-cut bread for structural integrity.
• Too-high heat: Rushing on high heat burns the outside while leaving the center cold. Medium heat is your friend.

What to Serve With Churro Stuffed French Toast

This indulgent breakfast pairs perfectly with savory sides to balance the sweetness—think applewood smoked bacon, turkey sausage links, or a simple scrambled egg with chives. The richness of the cream cheese filling and sweet coating benefits from the salty, protein-packed contrast. For a complete brunch experience, add a fresh fruit platter with melon, pineapple, and grapes, plus freshly squeezed orange juice or a tangy mimosa for adults.

If you’re hosting a casual weekend brunch, round out the menu with crispy hash browns, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, and hot beverages like French press coffee, chai lattes, or Mexican hot chocolate dusted with cinnamon to echo the churro theme. Keep it balanced and your guests will leave satisfied but not overstuffed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of thick bread?

Regular sandwich bread is too thin and will become soggy, tear easily, and won’t contain the filling properly. If thick-sliced bread isn’t available, you can use two slices of regular bread per side (making a triple-decker), but thick Texas toast, brioche, or challah from the bakery section is strongly recommended for best results.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking?

Use just 2–3 tablespoons of filling per sandwich and spread it leaving a small border around the edges. Press the sandwich edges firmly together before dipping. Don’t over-soak in the custard, and cook on medium (not high) heat so the outside doesn’t cook faster than the inside. If you notice leaking, gently press edges with your spatula while cooking.

Can I make these ahead for a crowd?

Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed sandwiches up to 24 hours ahead, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, dip in custard and cook as directed. You can also fully cook them, skip the sugar coating, freeze for up to 2 months, then reheat in a 350°F oven and apply fresh cinnamon-sugar coating before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven until warmed through and the coating becomes crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bread soggy and the sugar coating wet. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny bit of butter for 2–3 minutes per side.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese (Kite Hill or Tofutti brands work well), substitute the milk with unsweetened oat milk or almond milk, and cook in coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. The texture and flavor remain delicious with these simple swaps.

💬 Tried this Churro Stuffed French Toast recipe? Leave a comment and rating below! Share your favorite toppings and any creative variations you tried