Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of French toast and churros, you’re going to love this recipe. The heart-shaped bites add a playful and romantic touch, making them ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or just because you want to treat yourself. The churro coating gives these bites a sweet, cinnamon-sugar crunch that perfectly complements the soft, buttery interior of the French toast. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
For the French Toast Bites:
- 6 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah work best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
For the Churro Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for dipping
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Heart Shapes:
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from each slice of bread. Save the scraps for another use, like croutons or breadcrumbs.
Prepare the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Cook the French Toast Hearts:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Dip each bread heart into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then place the hearts onto the hot skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Add more butter to the skillet as needed between batches.
Make the Churro Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- While the French toast hearts are still warm, toss them in the churro coating until evenly covered.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the French Toast Churro Bites warm with your favorite dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Variations
- Use different bread: While brioche and challah work best, you can experiment with other bread types like sourdough or even a gluten-free option.
- Add fruit: Top your French toast bites with fresh strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Spicy churro coating: For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep any leftover French toast churro bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days for longer shelf life.
- Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat until warm and crispy. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, but they may lose their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of brioche or challah?
Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, though brioche and challah give the best texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Be sure to dip the bread quickly in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before cooking.
Can I freeze the French toast bites?
Yes, you can freeze the French toast bites for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to an airtight container.
How do I make these dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter for cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
For best results, it’s recommended to serve them fresh, but you can make them ahead and store them in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
What are some good dipping sauces for these bites?
Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, maple syrup, and whipped cream are all excellent choices for dipping.
How can I make these less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the churro coating or skip the cinnamon-sugar entirely and serve them with savory toppings, such as scrambled eggs or avocado.
Can I use a different shape for the bites?
Yes, you can cut them into any shape you like, such as circles or stars, depending on your occasion or preferences.
How do I make the churro coating stick better?
Ensure the French toast is still warm when you coat it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, as the heat will help the sugar stick.
Can I make the batter the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before using it the next morning.
Conclusion
These French Toast Churro Bites in heart shapes are a delightful combination of two beloved treats—French toast and churros. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Sweet, crispy, and fun to eat, these bites are a perfect breakfast or dessert that you can customize with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
