Churro French Toast Roll-Ups: A Beginner-Friendly Treat

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and caramel filling your kitchen. The combination of crispy toast, gooey caramel, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating is enough to make anyone excited to start their day. Churro French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on classic French toast and traditional churros, bringing together the best of both worlds.

Print

This recipe is perfect for beginners because it requires minimal ingredients, simple techniques, and delivers impressive results with little effort. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your breakfast game without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, these roll-ups are great for meal prep, easy to customize, and can even double as a fun dessert.

If you’ve ever found yourself intimidated by making traditional churros from scratch—dealing with piping dough and frying oil—this is an excellent alternative. You get that classic churro crunch with the ease of making French toast. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a sweet afternoon snack, or a late-night treat, these roll-ups will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients and Preparation

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples. You likely already have most, if not all, of these ingredients at home.

You will need:

• 8 slices of white bread – Soft white bread works best for rolling. Avoid using thick or crusty bread, as it won’t roll as easily.
• 8 tablespoons Cajeta (Mexican caramel sauce) – You can also use dulce de leche, Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jam if you prefer.
• 2 large eggs – These help bind the coating to the bread.
• 3 tablespoons milk – Adds a bit of richness and makes the egg mixture easier to dip into.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• 3 tablespoons butter – Used for cooking, giving the roll-ups a golden brown finish.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – This creates the classic churro-like coating.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon – The perfect complement to the sugar for that signature churro flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have white bread, you can use whole wheat or brioche. Brioche will make the roll-ups even richer.
• Instead of Cajeta, try chocolate hazelnut spread, almond butter, or a simple cinnamon-sugar butter spread.
• For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free butter alternative.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, sprinkle in some crushed graham crackers or nuts into the filling before rolling up the bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The magic of this recipe lies in how easy it is to prepare. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll get perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the bread: Start by cutting the crusts off all eight slices of bread. This allows the bread to roll up more smoothly and creates a softer texture. Once trimmed, use a rolling pin to flatten each slice into a thin, flexible sheet. This step is key to getting that signature roll-up shape.
2. Add the filling: Spread about one tablespoon of Cajeta onto each slice of bread, making sure to evenly distribute it while leaving a small border around the edges. If using an alternative filling like Nutella or jam, follow the same approach.
3. Roll them up: Carefully roll each slice of bread into a tight cylinder, pressing gently to help it stay sealed. If needed, you can use a little bit of the egg mixture as “glue” to keep the edges from unrolling.
4. Prepare the egg mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will act as the coating that gives the roll-ups their French toast texture.
5. Melt the butter: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt completely. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
6. Dip and cook: One by one, dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Let any excess drip off before placing them into the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, turning as needed, until they are golden brown and evenly cooked on all sides.
7. Coat in cinnamon sugar: In a separate shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. As soon as each roll-up is done cooking, remove it from the pan and immediately roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat completely.
8. Serve and enjoy: These roll-ups are best served warm while the sugar coating is still crisp. Enjoy them on their own, or pair them with extra Cajeta or chocolate sauce for dipping.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Cooking can sometimes come with small mishaps, but these tips will help ensure that your Churro French Toast Roll-Ups turn out perfect every time.

• Don’t skip rolling out the bread. Flattening the bread helps it stay rolled up and makes it easier to cook evenly.
• Use a medium heat setting. Cooking the roll-ups over high heat might cause them to brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
• Work in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan so that each roll-up gets a nice, even sear.
• Be quick with the cinnamon sugar. The sugar coating sticks best when the roll-ups are still warm from the pan, so coat them immediately after cooking.
• Make them ahead of time. If you want to prepare these in advance, you can assemble and refrigerate the roll-ups overnight. Simply dip and cook them fresh the next morning.

Serving Suggestions

These roll-ups are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further with some creative serving ideas.

• Dipping Sauces: Serve them with a side of warm chocolate sauce, maple syrup, or extra Cajeta for dipping.
• Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and creamy touch.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These roll-ups pair perfectly with a morning coffee or a cozy cup of hot chocolate.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, simply warm them in a toaster oven or pan over low heat to regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Why You Should Try This Recipe Today

Churro French Toast Roll-Ups are one of those recipes that instantly become a household favorite. They’re quick, easy, and customizable, making them great for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to delight.

For beginner cooks, this is a great way to build confidence in the kitchen. You’ll learn basic skills like rolling dough, making an egg wash, and cooking evenly in a pan. Plus, the step-by-step approach ensures foolproof results.

If you give this recipe a try, let us know in the comments how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? What was your favorite part? We’d love to hear about your experience. Happy cooking!