Churro French Toast Ice Cream Sandwich

Get ready for a dessert that brings together the best of all worlds — warm, cinnamon-spiced churro flavor, the comfort of French toast, and the creamy coolness of ice cream. This Churro French Toast Ice Cream Sandwich is rich, indulgent, and an absolute treat for your senses. Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and filled with melty, dreamy ice cream — it’s the kind of bite that makes you close your eyes and smile.

Behind the Recipe

The idea for this recipe came on a summer afternoon when I couldn’t decide between having a cold dessert or something warm and comforting. So I thought, why not both? I had a stale baguette, some eggs, cinnamon sugar, and a tub of vanilla ice cream. A little experimentation later, these churro-style French toast rounds were sandwiching scoops of ice cream — and my taste buds never looked back.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

This dessert is a playful fusion of three iconic treats: churros from Spanish and Latin American cuisine, classic French toast, and the all-American ice cream sandwich. Churros, traditionally fried and rolled in cinnamon sugar, are known for their crispy shell and fluffy inside. French toast, on the other hand, is beloved for its custardy richness. Marrying the two creates a base that’s both crunchy and tender — perfect for holding a scoop of your favorite frozen treat.

Why You’ll Love Churro French Toast Ice Cream Sandwich

This dessert is everything you didn’t know you needed in your life — bold, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Versatile: Use any flavor of ice cream or frozen yogurt to suit your cravings.

Budget-Friendly: Made with basic pantry staples and leftover bread.

Quick and Easy: Comes together fast with simple steps and ingredients.

Customizable: Try different breads, spices, or fillings to mix things up.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will be obsessed with every bite.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the French toast ahead and assemble when ready to serve.

Great for Leftovers: Store the French toast rounds and build sandwiches on demand.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Here’s how to get that perfect balance of crisp and creamy in every bite:

1. Use day-old baguette: Slightly stale bread holds its shape better and soaks up the egg mixture without getting soggy.
2. Slice evenly: Keep your bread slices the same thickness so they cook at the same speed.
3. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon sugar: Roll the French toast while it’s still warm so the coating sticks perfectly.
4. Let ice cream soften slightly: This makes it easier to scoop and helps it bond with the toast.
5. Serve immediately: Assemble and serve quickly to enjoy the best contrast of warm and cold.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Just a few kitchen staples and you’re ready to go:

Mixing Bowl: For whisking the egg mixture.

Whisk or Fork: To blend eggs, milk, and spices.

Nonstick Skillet or Griddle: For evenly cooking the French toast slices.

Spatula: To flip the toast without breaking it.

Small Plate or Bowl: To hold the cinnamon sugar coating.

Ice Cream Scoop: Makes portioning ice cream easy and neat.

Ingredients in Churro French Toast Ice Cream Sandwich

Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor, texture, and contrast. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Large Eggs: 2. Acts as the base for the custard, binding and enriching the toast.
2. Milk: ¼ cup. Softens the egg mixture and helps soak into the bread.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional). Adds subtle sweetness to the French toast.
4. Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon in the custard, plus more in the coating. Brings that signature churro flavor.
5. Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
6. French Baguette: ½ loaf, sliced into 12 half-inch rounds. The perfect base — crisp outside, soft inside.
7. Butter: 2 tablespoons, divided. For frying the French toast to golden perfection.
8. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: ¼ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Gives that churro-like crust.
9. Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt: As needed. Creamy filling that contrasts the warm, crispy toast.

Ingredient Substitutions

No worries if you’re missing a few ingredients — here’s how to swap:

French Baguette: Try brioche, challah, or even sandwich bread cut into rounds.

Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or half-and-half for a richer version.

Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple sugar add a slightly different depth.

Butter: Swap for ghee or a neutral oil like coconut or canola.

Ice Cream: Use frozen yogurt, non-dairy options, or gelato for different textures.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cinnamon Sugar: This combo is the heart of churro flavor. When you coat hot French toast in it, the sugar slightly melts and creates a magical crisp layer.

French Baguette: Using baguette adds chewiness inside while keeping the exterior crisp and caramelized — a great balance for holding in melty ice cream.

Instructions for Making Churro French Toast Ice Cream Sandwich

Making this dessert is easier than you think. Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar (if using), cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, letting it soak briefly on both sides.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Place soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining butter and bread slices.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   While warm, toss each cooked slice in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let the toast slices cool for 5–10 minutes before assembling to avoid melting the ice cream too quickly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto one slice and top with another to create a sandwich. Serve immediately with napkins — things might get messy in the best way.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

It’s all about contrast. The exterior is crisp and coated in cinnamon sugar, giving it that churro crunch. Inside, the toast is custardy and soft. Add in smooth, cold ice cream and you’ve got hot-cold, crispy-creamy perfection in every bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

These little tips will take your sandwiches to dessert legend status:

• Use slightly softened ice cream for easy scooping and better sandwiching.
• Don’t over-soak the bread — a quick dip is enough.
• Chill the cooked toast rounds if prepping in advance to prevent melting.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common missteps:

• Don’t use fresh bread — it’ll get mushy. Slightly stale works best.
• Avoid letting the French toast sit too long before coating in sugar.
• Don’t assemble too early — the ice cream will melt and the toast will lose crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 sandwiches
Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values and depend on ice cream used.

Preparation Time

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

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the French toast slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven before assembling. Ice cream sandwiches are best assembled just before serving, but can be pre-built and frozen for 30–60 minutes to firm up if serving at a party.

How to Serve Churro French Toast Ice Cream Sandwich

Serve these beauties stacked on a platter with extra cinnamon sugar dusted over top. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra hit of dessert drama. They’re perfect on their own or as a decadent end to a brunch spread.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into even more delicious treats:

• Crumble a sandwich into a milkshake for a churro-french toast ice cream blend.
• Break the French toast into chunks and bake into a dessert casserole with extra ice cream scooped on top.
• Reheat toast rounds and serve with fresh berries and whipped cream as a quick dessert.

Additional Tips

• Chill your plate before assembling to help slow melting.
• Want extra crunch? Toast the coated French toast briefly under the broiler before sandwiching.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon sugar for a sweet-salty flavor boost.

Make It a Showstopper

Stack sandwiches high on a dessert stand with layers of parchment in between. Garnish with fresh mint or serve with small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. Add mini flags or skewers to keep everything tidy for a party presentation.

Variations to Try

• Choco-Churro: Add cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar mix and use chocolate ice cream.
• Berry Bliss: Add fresh raspberry jam between the toast and ice cream.
• Salted Caramel Swirl: Use salted caramel ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Nutella Dream: Spread a thin layer of Nutella on the toast before adding the ice cream.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter, egg substitute, and vegan ice cream.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use sandwich bread instead of baguette?
A1: Yes, but make sure it’s sturdy and not too soft to hold the ice cream.

Q2: What kind of ice cream works best?
A2: Vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel flavors pair beautifully, but anything goes!

Q3: Can I freeze assembled sandwiches?
A3: Yes, freeze for 30–60 minutes max for best texture.

Q4: Do I have to use cinnamon sugar?
A4: It’s highly recommended, but you can experiment with cocoa sugar or spiced sugar.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Yes, just use gluten-free bread that holds its shape.

Q6: Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
A6: Yes, but you’ll miss some crispiness — toast in a hot oven or air fryer instead.

Q7: Can I skip the sugar in the custard?
A7: Absolutely. The cinnamon sugar coating adds enough sweetness.

Q8: Can I make the toast rounds bigger or smaller?
A8: Definitely — just adjust the cook time accordingly.

Q9: What if my toast is too soft?
A9: Chill before assembling, or give it an extra fry time for crispness.

Q10: Can kids help make this?
A10: Yes — it’s a fun, hands-on recipe with lots of dipping, rolling, and scooping.

Conclusion

These Churro French Toast Ice Cream Sandwiches are pure dessert joy — crunchy, creamy, spicy, and sweet. Whether you’re making them for a fun family night or as a surprise treat, they bring a touch of whimsy and a whole lot of flavor to the table. Just be warned: once you serve them, they’ll be requested again and again.

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