French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes

Looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or any special occasion? These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are the perfect treat to bring a little sweetness into your day. With a crispy, golden crust dusted with cinnamon sugar and a soft, custardy center, these bites are the ultimate combination of French toast and churros—an irresistible breakfast or snack for you and your loved ones.

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Celebrations

The heart-shaped French toast churro bites are not only delicious but also visually adorable, making them perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or breakfast in bed.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and a quick cooking method, these churro bites are easy to whip up, even on a busy morning. The batter is prepared in minutes, and frying takes just a few minutes more.

3. Crispy and Soft

These bites have the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, custardy centers. They’re light yet indulgent, with just the right amount of cinnamon sweetness to keep you coming back for more.

4. Customizable Toppings

You can top these churro bites with your favorite additions, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, or a drizzle of chocolate. It’s easy to personalize them to your taste!

5. Great for Any Meal

While they’re perfect for breakfast or brunch, these French Toast Churro Bites can also be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They are versatile and delightful any time of the day.

Ingredients

• For the French Toast Churro Bites:
  • Bread (preferably day-old or thick slices like brioche or challah)
  • Eggs
  • Whole milk (or milk of your choice)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Variations

• Flavored Sugar: Add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar coating for a unique twist.
• Stuffed Churro Bites: For a fun surprise, stuff the bread with a bit of Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese before frying.
• Baked Option: If you prefer to bake instead of fry, place the heart-shaped bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Vegan Version: Use a non-dairy milk like almond milk and an egg replacer to make these churro bites vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This will be your custard mixture for dipping the bread.

Step 2: Cut the Bread

Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut slices of bread into heart shapes. You can also use a knife to cut out heart shapes if you don’t have a cookie cutter.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

Dip each heart-shaped piece of bread into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Let any excess mixture drip off.

Step 4: Fry the Churro Bites

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of butter or oil over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the dipped bread pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the French toast churro bites are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Once the bites are cooked, immediately transfer them to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and toss to coat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the heart-shaped French Toast Churro Bites warm with your favorite toppings. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup are all perfect additions.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use bread that’s at least a day old. Fresh bread can become too soggy when dipped in the custard mixture.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Fry the bites in batches for the best results.
• Let the Custard Sit: If you have time, let the custard mixture sit for a few minutes before dipping the bread. This helps the cinnamon flavor infuse the liquid.
• Adjust Sugar Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar coating to your taste—more sugar will give you a sweeter bite, and more cinnamon will add extra warmth.

How to Serve

These heart-shaped churro bites are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat. Serve them with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a dessert version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover churro bites, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or in a hot skillet to regain some crispiness.

Freezing

To freeze the churro bites, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Reheating

Reheat the churro bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While brioche or challah works best for a soft and fluffy texture, any thick, hearty bread like French bread or Texas toast will work too.

2. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a plant-based egg replacer like flax eggs or mashed banana for a vegan version.

3. Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. How can I make these less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture, or simply serve with a drizzle of syrup instead of coating them in sugar.

5. Can I freeze the dough?

While the dough can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the cooked churro bites rather than the raw ones. Simply freeze the cooked bites and reheat when ready to serve.

6. Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just whisk it again before using.

7. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, any plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, will work as a substitute for whole milk.

8. How do I make the churro bites extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, cook the churro bites in a bit more butter or oil, and make sure the pan is hot before adding the bread.

9. Can I make these without cinnamon?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can skip it in the custard and cinnamon-sugar coating and still enjoy these delicious bites.

10. How long should I fry the bites?

Each side should be fried for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to burn the sugar coating by keeping an eye on the temperature of the pan.

Conclusion

These French Toast Churro Bites in Heart Shapes are the perfect combination of sweet, crispy, and soft, making them an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day, brunch, or any special occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re a fun and delicious way to show someone you care. Whether you enjoy them with your favorite toppings or just as they are, these churro bites are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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