If you adore the irresistible flavors of cinnamon sugar and the comforting texture of French toast, you are going to fall head over heels for this French Toast Churro Bites Recipe. Imagine bite-sized pieces of thick-cut brioche enveloped in a custardy egg mixture, pan-cooked to a golden brown, then rolled in a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating just like your favorite churro. These little morsels combine the best of both worlds, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any sweet snack craving. They are easy to make, wonderfully decadent, and guaranteed to bring a smile with every warm, sugary bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this French Toast Churro Bites Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of the brioche to the aromatic cinnamon, every element works harmoniously to delight your taste buds.
- 6 slices thick-cut brioche or Texas toast: These thick cubes provide the soft, fluffy base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs bind the mixture and add richness for that classic French toast custard.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Milk keeps the egg mixture moist and tender while cooking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that elevates every bite.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for custard): Infuses the batter with spicy warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: The main ingredient for the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Ensures every bite is perfectly churro-inspired and crisp.
- 3 tablespoons butter: For frying; adds beautiful browning and richness.
- Maple syrup or chocolate sauce (optional): The perfect dipping companions, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Make French Toast Churro Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. This custard mixture is where all the flavor begins. The cinnamon lends that classic churro warmth, while the vanilla makes every bite heavenly. Make sure it’s well combined; the smoother, the better for soaking those bread cubes.
Step 2: Combine the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This combination creates the signature churro crust that gives the French Toast Churro Bites their addictive crunch and flavor. Set it aside so it’s ready to coat the bites fresh from the pan.
Step 3: Cut and Prep the Bread Cubes
Cut your thick brioche or Texas toast into 1-inch cubes. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for dipping and frying. For an extra crispy exterior, you can lightly toast these cubes beforehand, which also helps them soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
Step 4: Cook the Bites
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted and sizzling, dip each bread cube into the custard mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the cubes carefully into the hot skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, turning to ensure all sides are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Remove the cooked bites from the skillet and immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar coating. This step is key because the warmth of the bites helps the sugar stick and form that signature churro-like outer layer. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh for maximum crispness.
How to Serve French Toast Churro Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Top your French Toast Churro Bites with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar for a pretty presentation. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add a delightful contrast to the sweet, crispy bites.
Side Dishes
Serve these bites alongside fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt for a balanced breakfast. They also pair wonderfully with savory sides like crispy bacon or sausage if you want a little sweet and salty mix on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your French Toast Churro Bites on skewers with alternating fruit pieces like strawberries and bananas. Or create a dipping station with maple syrup, chocolate sauce, and honey to let everyone customize their bites just how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—which can be rare—allow the bites to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored properly, they will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Freezing
You can freeze these bites by laying them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring them to a resealable freezer bag. They will keep well for up to one month, making them a convenient option for a make-ahead sweet treat.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen or refrigerated bites into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps retain their crispness much better than microwaving, which tends to soften the coating.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche is preferred for its fluffiness and slight sweetness, Texas toast or even challah bread can work wonderfully in this French Toast Churro Bites Recipe. Just ensure your bread is thick-cut and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes. You can substitute the bread with a gluten-free variety as long as it holds up well to soaking and frying. Adjust cooking times slightly to avoid burning, as some gluten-free breads can toast quicker.
Can I bake these bites instead of frying?
Definitely! For a lighter, less greasy option, bake the coated bites at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp. This method still gives you delicious texture and flavor without the extra butter.
Do I have to use cinnamon sugar for coating?
While cinnamon sugar is what makes these bites truly mimic churros, you could experiment with other coatings like powdered sugar or even a spiced sugar blend including nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire process takes about 25 minutes from start to finish — 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. It’s pretty quick, making it perfect for weekend brunches or a special breakfast treat.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this French Toast Churro Bites Recipe enough if you want to surprise your family or guests with something delightful, fun, and utterly delicious. Each bite delivers that perfect combination of soft inside and crispy, cinnamon-sugary outside, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your favorite bread and get ready for a little piece of morning magic that feels like a carnival in your mouth. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
French Toast Churro Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Toast Churro Bites are a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring bite-sized pieces of thick brioche bread coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a churro-inspired flavor. Quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast or brunch, these golden, crispy bites can be enjoyed with maple syrup or chocolate sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Batter
- 6 slices thick-cut brioche or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking and Serving
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Maple syrup or chocolate sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix the coating: In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside for coating the cooked bites.
- Heat the skillet: Warm a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
- Dip the bread cubes: Working in batches, dip the brioche cubes into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off before placing the cubes onto the heated skillet.
- Cook the bites: Cook the bread cubes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning to ensure all sides become golden brown and the bread is cooked through inside.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: Remove the cooked bites from the skillet, then immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated for a sweet, churro-like finish.
- Serve: Serve the French Toast Churro Bites warm, accompanied by maple syrup or chocolate sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For crispier bites, lightly toast the bread cubes before dipping them into the egg mixture.
- For a less greasy alternative, after coating, bake the bites at 400°F (205°C) for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
- These bites are best enjoyed immediately after cooking to maintain their crisp texture.
