Imagine the warm, cozy vibes of French toast mixed with the crispy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros… now shape it into adorable little hearts and you’ve got yourself a breakfast treat that’s almost too cute to eat. Almost! French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are not only a fun twist on classic French toast, but they’re also a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for Valentine’s Day, a weekend brunch, or just because you deserve something delicious, these little bites are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Golden, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with cinnamon sugar—what’s not to love? And the best part? They’re easy to make, so you can have a special breakfast or dessert without any stress. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. These heart-shaped churro bites are the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. You’ll definitely want to make these again and again.
Why You’ll Love French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes
Perfectly Sweet & Cinnamon-y: The combination of the cinnamon-sugar coating and the soft, eggy French toast inside is everything you want in a breakfast bite. It’s sweet, comforting, and completely irresistible.
Fun & Festive: The heart-shaped bites make these perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or even a sweet surprise for someone you love. They’ll bring the smiles for sure!
Quick & Easy: No complicated steps here—just dip, fry, and coat. They come together in no time, making them perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will absolutely love these little bites, and you’ll love how simple they are to make. It’s a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen, too!
Versatile: Serve them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, and they’ll always be a hit. Plus, you can drizzle them with syrup, add whipped cream, or top them with fresh fruit for extra flair!
Ingredients
For the French Toast Churro Bites:
- Bread: Thick slices of your favorite bread, preferably a day or two old (like brioche or challah), will give the bites that perfect texture—soft inside and crispy outside.
- Eggs: The base for the custard mixture that gives these bites their rich flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk works best, but any milk you have on hand will do.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet depth to the flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon in the custard will give these churro bites a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Butter: For frying and adding richness to the bites.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Sugar: A good dose of sugar to create that sweet, golden crust.
- Ground Cinnamon: The key ingredient to giving these bites their churro-like flavor.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started and make these sweet, heart-shaped bites!
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a shallow bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside. This will be the delicious coating for your churro bites.
Step 2: Make the French Toast Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Add a dash of ground cinnamon and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Cut the Bread into Hearts
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut your bread slices into adorable heart shapes. If you don’t have a heart cutter, you can just use any shape you like, or simply cut them into smaller squares or strips—whatever you prefer!
Step 4: Dip and Fry the French Toast Hearts
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and melt a little butter. Dip each heart-shaped piece of bread into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated but not soaked. Then, carefully place the bread into the hot skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them gently to avoid losing that heart shape.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once the French toast hearts are perfectly golden, transfer them to the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss them gently until they’re coated evenly. The sugar should stick beautifully to the warm toast.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the heart-shaped churro bites while they’re still warm! You can drizzle them with syrup, top with whipped cream, or even sprinkle a little powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch. These bites are perfect for a fun, festive breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280 calories
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 5g
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
How to Serve French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes
- With Syrup: A classic pairing! Drizzle some maple syrup or caramel sauce over the top to add sweetness.
- With Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy finish.
- With Fresh Berries: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring a refreshing balance to the sweet, cinnamon-y bites.
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a little extra elegance, give these bites a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.
Additional Tips
- Bread Choice: The best bread for French toast is thick and a little stale. If your bread is too fresh, it might get too soggy. Let it sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit or toast it lightly before using.
- Frying: Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks through. If you’re making a big batch, you can keep the cooked pieces warm in the oven at 200°F while you fry the rest.
- Customization: Try experimenting with different spices in the custard, like nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique flavor twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?
A1: Yes! You can use any thick, sturdy bread you like, such as sourdough, challah, or even a loaf of cinnamon-raisin bread for extra flavor.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: These are best served fresh, but you can make the cinnamon sugar coating ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container. Then, just dip and fry the bread when you’re ready.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free bread of your choice, and the recipe will still work beautifully.
Q4: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A4: You can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as when fried, but they’ll still be delicious!
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore their crispiness.
Q6: Can I freeze these?
A6: Yes! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once they’re solid. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Q7: Can I add toppings?
A7: Definitely! Try adding fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of Nutella for an extra indulgent treat.
Q8: Can I make these without eggs?
A8: Yes! You can use a flax egg or a store-bought egg replacer to make these egg-free.
Q9: How do I make sure they’re crispy?
A9: Be sure to use enough butter in the pan and cook them over medium heat, flipping carefully to ensure they get crispy and golden on all sides.
Q10: How can I make these extra festive?
A10: For a fun twist, top your churro bites with sprinkles, colored sugar, or whipped cream for a more playful look.
Conclusion
These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crispy goodness. They’re so fun to make and even more fun to eat, making them a great choice for breakfast or as a special treat. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday, a special occasion, or just to make a regular day feel extraordinary, these heart-shaped bites are sure to steal the show. Enjoy every delicious, cinnamon-sugar-coated bite!
PrintFrench Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
These adorable heart-shaped French Toast Churro Bites are the perfect breakfast or dessert for a special occasion! Crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, these bites are coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, giving them a sweet, churro-like finish. Great for Valentine’s Day, brunches, or any time you want to add a little extra love to your morning!
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut, like brioche or challah)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for the batter)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frying)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. - Make the French Toast Batter:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. - Cut the Bread into Heart Shapes:
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut the slices of bread into heart shapes. (You can also cut them into squares or other shapes if you prefer.) - Dip the Bread:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Dip each heart-shaped piece of bread into the batter, making sure both sides are well-coated. - Fry the Bites:
Place the coated bread hearts into the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet. - Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar:
As soon as the French toast bites are done, immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. - Serve:
Serve the French Toast Churro Bites warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit if desired. Enjoy the crispy, sweet bites with a delicious crunch!
Notes
- For a fun variation, try adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- You can make these a day ahead and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving if you’re preparing for a brunch or special event.
- Use any type of bread you like, but thicker slices (like brioche) work best for creating a soft inside with a crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg