Churro Stuffed French Toast

Churro stuffed French toast is the sort of breakfast that transforms a lazy weekend into an event worth gathering around the table for It’s plush thick bread filled with a creamy chocolate hazelnut center toasted until golden then dusted with a cinnamon sugar finish reminiscent of your favorite fairground treat only better at home

What Makes It Special

• Uses brioche or challah for a plush custardy base
• Churro inspired cinnamon sugar coating for a sweet crunchy finish
• The filling blends Nutella and cream cheese for extra lusciousness
• Customizable with berries or syrup to suit every taste

What You’ll Need

• Thick bread like brioche or challah: gives structure and soaks up the custard without getting soggy Trust a bakery loaf for the freshest slices
• Eggs: bring richness and help the toast set Look for free range eggs with bright yolks
• Whole milk: coats the bread for a silky tender middle Use fresh milk for the smoothest batter
• Cinnamon and vanilla: infuse the custard layer with warmth and classic French toast flavor Make sure your cinnamon is fragrant and spices are fresh
• Sugar: goes in both the custard and the churro coating Read the labels and opt for granulated sugar
• Butter for frying: ensures a crisp golden crust Choose real butter for best browning
• Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread: provides smooth richness
• Cream cheese: balances the filling with a slight tang Let it soften well before mixing for easy blending
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the filling and makes it spreadable Sift before mixing for ultimate smoothness
• Fresh berries and chocolate syrup: add a personal touch at serving Choose ripe berries or quality dark chocolate sauce

Let’s Cook This Together

Prepare the Churro Filling:

In a mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese with Nutella powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy This step ensures the filling will spread evenly and melt gently inside the toast

Make the Egg Mixture:

Crack the eggs into a large bowl and add the milk sugar cinnamon and vanilla Whisk thoroughly until you see no streaks of egg or clumps of cinnamon This makes sure each bite of bread gets soaked in flavor

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Lay out your bread slices Spread a thick layer of churro filling on four of them then cover each with another slice of bread pressing gently to seal edges This creates decadent stuffed sandwiches ready for soaking

Heat the Pan:

Place a large skillet on the stove and add the butter Turn heat to medium Wait until the butter melts completely and starts to sizzle but not brown Too low and your French toast will soak up the butter without crisping up

Dip and Cook:

Quickly but thoroughly dip each assembled sandwich into the egg mixture making sure both sides are coated but not soggy Immediately place them into the hot skillet Cook the sandwiches for three to four minutes on each side adjusting heat if needed so the crust becomes golden and crisp while the inside stays moist

Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

While the sandwiches are hot combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small shallow bowl Working with one sandwich at a time sprinkle or gently press the cooked toast into the cinnamon sugar mixture so the outside is evenly covered

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice each stuffed toast in half for a dramatic reveal Drizzle with chocolate syrup and scatter some fresh berries over the top Serve while still warm so the filling is gooey and inviting

Good to Know

• High in flavor and very indulgent perfect for special brunches
• Can be prepped ahead if you want to save time in the morning
• Easily adapted for different fillings or gluten free bread

Every time I reach for really fresh brioche at the bakery I remember my youngest child insisting on licking the spoon after mixing the Nutella and cream cheese Their chocolatey grin made cleanup worth it

Keeping It Fresh

If you want to make this ahead prepare the filled sandwiches and keep them covered in the fridge overnight Only dip and fry when ready to serve This keeps the bread from getting soggy and the filling just right For leftovers cool completely then reheat in a toaster oven to revive the crisp edges

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you find yourself out of Nutella try melting some chocolate with a bit of cream or use your favorite nut butter Almond butter or peanut butter both make great alternatives For dairy free needs coconut milk stands in well for whole milk and vegan butter works for frying The recipe is flexible so you can swap in gluten free bread or a lighter filling with Greek yogurt

How to Serve It Right

This French toast shines when cut into thick halves or triangles The churro sugar coating is best when pressed on while still warm so the outside stays crunchy Serve with good maple syrup a dusting of extra powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream Fresh berries give a tart counterpoint to the sweet richness and make the plate look stunning

Behind the Dish

Churro flavors and French toast together were inspired by a food truck breakfast on vacation swirling cinnamon sugar through the breeze I experimented at home with my kids by adding a chocolatey filling and now it’s a birthday breakfast request The cinnamon sugar step transforms even a simple brunch into a memorable treat

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use whole grain bread instead of brioche?

Yes, whole grain or gluten-free bread can be substituted for brioche or challah. The texture will be slightly different, but it still holds the filling well.

→ What other fillings work besides Nutella?

Try almond butter, peanut butter, or even fruit jams if you want to change up the flavor profile. You can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

→ What's the best pan temperature for frying?

Medium heat is optimal. This ensures the outside becomes golden and crisp without burning before the custard inside cooks through.

→ How do I prevent the toast from getting soggy?

Make sure the bread is thick-cut and avoid oversaturating it in the egg mixture. Quick dipping on both sides helps maintain structure.

→ Can the stuffed French toast be prepped ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches and prepare the filling the night before. Cook them fresh in the morning for best texture and flavor.

→ Are berries necessary on top?

Berries are optional but add freshness and a pleasant tartness that complements the rich filling and sweet topping.