If you’re craving a breakfast that’s bursting with warmth, sweetness, and just the right amount of indulgence, the Churro French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine golden slices of buttery challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, pan-fried to crispy perfection, then dusted with a heavenly blend of cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze. This recipe takes the simple pleasure of French toast and elevates it into an unforgettable brunch treat that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds a mix of white liquid and three bright yellow egg yolks floating on top, with a small heap of light-colored powder near the edge. The liquid has small bubbles spread across its surface, giving it a slightly textured look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, sweetness, or that signature cinnamon kick. These simple staples come together to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting.

6 slices challah bread: Its soft, buttery texture soaks up the custard perfectly and crisps beautifully when pan-fried.
3 tbsp butter for frying: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible crispy exterior.
Strawberries, powdered sugar, syrup (optional) for topping: Fresh and sweet finishing touches that elevate the dish even more.
Wet Mixture: Incorporates 3 eggs, 2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to infuse flavor and create a luscious custard base.
Sugar Topping: The combo of 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 3 tbsp brown sugar provides the crunch and classic churro sweetness.
Glaze: Made from 1 serving cup of vanilla Greek yogurt, 1 1/4 cup confectioners sugar, 2 tbsp vanilla unsweetened almond milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract for a creamy, tangy finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Churro French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Components

Start by creating each component so everything is ready to come together smoothly. Whip up the vanilla glaze first by blending vanilla Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer. If it feels too thick, add almond milk a tablespoon at a time until it’s just right. Keep this chilled until serving. Then, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to make the custard for soaking the bread. Finally, mix the sugar topping with white sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a shallow dish — this is what will give your French toast that classic churro crunch.

Step 2: Soak the Challah

Arrange the challah slices in a baking dish and pour the custard mixture over them. Let the bread soak up all that delicious cinnamon-infused custard for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure every slice is perfectly saturated. This soaking step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Heat a skillet over medium and melt a tablespoon of butter. Fry each soaked slice of challah bread one by one, making sure not to overlap them in the pan. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until it develops a rich golden brown color and crisp edge. Keep cooked slices warm in a 250° oven to ensure everyone enjoys this treat hot and fresh.

Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Once cooked, gently dip each slice into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. This step is where your Churro French Toast gets its signature sweetness and the delightful texture that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate up your churro French toast and drizzle generously with the vanilla glaze. Add fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of syrup if you like. Now, dig in and savor each bite of this magical breakfast.

How to Serve Churro French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Several slices of white bread are soaked in a pale yellow, creamy mixture that has tiny specks of brown spices scattered throughout. The bread slices are arranged flat, closely placed next to each other, covering most of the visible area, with their textures soft and slightly porous. The creamy liquid surrounds the bread, filling the gaps between slices and has a smooth, shiny surface. The background beneath the bread and liquid is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Churro French Toast with seasonal fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for that snowy effect, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup or honey to boost the natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or sausages to balance the sweetness, or you can keep it purely indulgent with a side of fresh fruit salad. A cup of rich coffee or a chilled mimosa also complements the flavors perfectly for a festive brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the slices high for a decadent tower, layering the glaze between each slice much like a cake. Or, cut the French toast into bite-sized cubes and serve them as a fun breakfast fondue with extra glaze and fruit for dipping. The creative possibilities are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cinnamon sugar coating and glaze might soak in more over time, so it’s best to enjoy them within 2 days to keep that crisp texture.

Freezing

Churro French Toast freezes beautifully. Lay slices flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, reheat directly from frozen for a quick, indulgent breakfast treat anytime.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to restore that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible since it can make the bread soggy and lose its signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than challah for this recipe?

Absolutely! While challah provides the perfect texture and sweetness for this recipe, brioche or thick-cut white bread work well too. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use a plant-based butter alternative for frying. Just be sure to choose a creamy vanilla yogurt for the glaze or skip the glaze if preferred.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread designed for toasting and soaking. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt without sacrificing taste.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely. The vanilla glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving if it thickens too much.

What’s the best timing for soaking the bread?

Soak the bread for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even absorption. Soaking longer may make the slices too soggy and harder to flip without breaking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Churro French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Glaze Recipe that makes breakfast feel like a celebration every time. It’s easy to prepare, comforting, and spectacularly tasty. If you’re looking for a way to brighten your mornings or impress friends at brunch, this recipe is your golden ticket. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such a memorable dish.