Cinnamon Sugar Churro French Toast Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the crispiest topping, use a generous amount of cinnamon sugar and dot the butter evenly over the top. You can also sprinkle a little extra sugar on top just before baking.

If you like a softer top, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove it to brown.

To make this dish even more churro-like, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the custard, or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

You can also serve it with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping, just like churros. Leftover bake can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Variations

• Berry Churro Bake: Scatter 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) over the bread before pouring the custard. The berries add a tart contrast to the sweet cinnamon topping.
• Chocolate Churro Bake: Fold 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the bread cubes before adding the custard. The chocolate melts into pockets of richness, making it a dessert-worthy treat.
• Orange-Scented Churro Bake: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the custard along with the vanilla. The citrus brightens the flavor and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.
• Maple-Pecan Churro Bake: Replace half the granulated sugar with maple syrup in the custard, and sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the top along with the cinnamon sugar. Toast the pecans beforehand for extra crunch.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

Freezer

Freeze the baked and cooled French toast bake for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to crisp the top. For best results, use the oven.

Store leftover French toast bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

Assemble the bake completely (without baking), cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Serving ideas

Serve the French toast bake warm, cut into squares, and dusted with extra cinnamon sugar.

It's wonderful with maple syrup, honey, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add a bright contrast to the rich custard.

For a brunch spread, pair it with crispy bacon or sausage, a fresh fruit salad, and coffee or mimosas. This bake is also delicious as a dessert—try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cinnamon Sugar Churro French Toast Bake

Prep 15 minCook 40 minTotal 55 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the French bread cubes in the dish, filling it evenly; you may need to press them down slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece is moistened. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it soak up the custard. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a deeper soak.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (if not already mixed). Scatter the butter pieces evenly over the soaked bread. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top, covering all the bread.
4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and puffed, and the custard is set in the center. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
5. Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. The custard will continue to set as it cools. Cut into squares and serve warm, with extra cinnamon sugar or maple syrup if desired.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

410

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

19 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.