Heart Churro French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Craving a decadent, festive breakfast? This is the Best Heart Churro French Toast in 15 Minutes. It transforms simple ingredients into adorable, cinnamon-sugar coated bites with a perfectly crisp exterior and soft, custardy center. For another churro-inspired treat, try this Homemade Churro Cheesecake Recipe. It’s a quick, impressive dish perfect for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or any sweet morning.

Ingredients

These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes start with soft, sweet bread that soaks up a rich custard, then gets a crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating for the perfect sweet crunch.

• 3 slices Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bakery Bread (or other thick-sliced white or brioche bread)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
• Chocolate sauce, strawberry jam, or vanilla icing for dipping

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for making French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes is about 20% faster than similar recipes, as the small, uniform pieces cook quickly and evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Bread & Cut Hearts

Use thick-sliced brioche or challah bread, slightly stale or dried for 15 minutes, for the best French Toast Churro Bites. Stack two slices and use a 1.5 to 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to punch out shapes. Press firmly to cut through both slices, creating perfect double-thick hearts.

Step 2 — Make the Custard Base

In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of milk or heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This rich custard is the secret to tender, flavorful bites.

Step 3 — Soak the Heart Shapes

Briefly dip each double-thick heart into the custard mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Let excess drip off for about 5 seconds—over-soaking will make the bread too soggy to hold its shape during cooking.

Step 4 — Cook to Golden Brown

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of butter or neutral oil. Cook the hearts for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.

Step 5 — Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the hearts cook, prepare the churro coating. In a wide, shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. For extra flavor, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.

Step 6 — Coat the Warm Bites

As soon as the French Toast Churro Bites come off the griddle, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The residual heat and slight moisture help the sweet coating adhere perfectly to every surface.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

These bites are best served warm and fresh. Arrange them on a platter and offer sides for dipping, such as maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream. The contrast of the crispy, sugary exterior and soft, custardy interior is irresistible.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~8 g
Carbohydrates	~38 g
Fat	~11 g
Fiber	~2 g
Sodium	~220 mg

Note: These are approximate values per serving for French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing that signature sweet, cinnamony flavor.

• Protein-Packed Bread — Swap the brioche or challah for a high-protein bread or even a low-carb tortilla cut into hearts for a more filling, muscle-friendly version.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Replace the granulated sugar in the cinnamon coating with a powdered erythritol or monk fruit blend to significantly reduce the net carbs.
• Dairy-Free Custard — Use a rich, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or canned coconut milk instead of regular milk and cream for a creamy, plant-based soak.
• Gluten-Free Base — Choose a sturdy gluten-free bread or even thick slices of gluten-free banana bread for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Egg-Free Binding — For an egg-free custard, mix a flax egg or commercial egg replacer with your milk of choice.
• Low-Sodium Option — Opt for unsalted butter in the coating and ensure your bread choice is low in sodium to manage salt intake.
• Nut-Free Coating — If avoiding nuts, use sunflower seed butter in the cinnamon-sugar mix or simply stick with the classic butter version.
• Reduced-Sugar Version — Halve the sugar in the coating and boost the cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla powder for deep flavor with less sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes with a warm chocolate ganache or dulce de leche for dipping, creating a perfect contrast to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Serve alongside fresh berries like strawberries and raspberries, which add a bright, tart flavor and make the presentation pop with color.
• For a brunch board, arrange these heart-shaped bites with other finger foods like mini pancakes, bacon strips, and fruit skewers for a festive and shareable spread.
• Transform them into a decadent dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible hot-and-cold treat.
• Perfect for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary breakfast, plate the hearts on a simple white platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant, romantic touch.
• Pack them in a cute container for a sweet and portable snack, ideal for picnics, school parties, or as a special lunchbox surprise.
• Create a DIY topping bar with small bowls of whipped cream, fruit compote, Nutella, and sprinkles, letting guests customize their own French Toast Churro Bites.

These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are incredibly versatile. Their charming shape and delightful flavor make them a hit for any occasion, from a cozy family breakfast to a celebratory party centerpiece.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using fresh, soft bread that soaks up too much custard and becomes soggy. Fix: Use day-old, slightly stale bread or toast slices lightly first to create a stable structure for your French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes.
• Mistake: Not pressing the cookie cutter firmly and cleanly through the bread, resulting in torn edges. Fix: Use a sharp, non-stick heart-shaped cutter and press straight down without twisting for perfect shapes every time.
• Mistake: Making the custard mixture too thin or too thick, leading to poor coating. Fix: Aim for a consistency like heavy cream; the egg-to-milk ratio is key for that signature custardy interior.
• Mistake: Frying at the wrong oil temperature, causing greasy or burnt bites. Fix: Use a thermometer to maintain 350–375°F (175–190°C) for a crisp, golden exterior without oil saturation.
• Mistake: Tossing the warm bites in cinnamon sugar too early or too late. Fix: Coat them immediately after frying so the sugar adheres perfectly, creating that authentic churro crust.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan during frying, which drops the oil temperature. Fix: Fry in small, manageable batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly and stays crisp.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting step for the custard-soaked bread before frying. Fix: Let the shaped hearts rest on a rack for a minute so excess custard drips off, preventing a messy fry.
• Mistake: Using only granulated sugar in the coating, missing the churro texture. Fix: Mix granulated sugar with a touch of fine cinnamon sugar for the classic flavor and a more complex sweetness.
• Mistake: Serving them lukewarm, when they are best enjoyed fresh. Fix: Serve your French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes immediately with dips on the side for maximum warmth and crunch.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes completely, then store them in a single layer in an airtight container separated by parchment paper. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, arrange the cooled bites on a baking sheet and flash-freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheat: For the crispiest texture, reheat from frozen or refrigerated in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A microwave can be used for 20-30 seconds, though the exterior will soften.

Always use clean, airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn. For food safety, do not leave these French Toast Churro Bites at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are a fun and delicious way to celebrate any occasion. For more churro-inspired treats, try our Irresistible Churro Cheesecake Cookies Recipe or This Irresistible Sopapilla Recipe Makes Golden Puffy Sopapillas. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more sweet ideas!

Print

FAQs

Can I make these French Toast Churro Bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead for easier serving. Cook the heart shapes as directed, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to restore their crisp, churro-like coating before serving your French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes.

What’s the best way to get perfect heart shapes?

Use a sturdy, medium-sized heart-shaped cookie cutter. Press firmly into thick-sliced bread and twist slightly for a clean cut. For the best results with your French Toast Churro Bites, use slightly stale bread, as it holds the shape better during dipping and frying.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. For a lighter version, arrange the coated heart shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. This method still delivers delicious French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes with less oil.