Churro French toast bites (gluten free, vegan option)
Churro French Toast Bites! (Gluten-Free, Vegan & Nut-Free with Non-Vegan Option)
Craving churros but looking for a healthier alternative? Look no further! These Churro French Toast Bites are the perfect bite-sized treat that packs all the classic churro flavors with a simple, wholesome twist. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar goodness. Whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy breakfast, a fun snack, or a weekend dessert, these bites are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, this recipe is gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free. I’ve even included a non-vegan variation for those who prefer a more classic French toast experience!
Why You’ll Love These Churro Bites
Not only do these French toast bites bring all the comforting flavors of churros, but they’re also healthier and incredibly easy to make! No deep frying here—these bites are baked to perfection in the oven (or an air fryer, if you prefer), making them a lighter option without compromising on taste. They come together with minimal ingredients you likely already have on hand, and the recipe is adaptable to suit your dietary needs.
If you’re looking for a fun brunch recipe or something to enjoy on a lazy weekend morning, this is it. The sweet cinnamon sugar coating makes every bite irresistible, and when paired with a creamy chocolate dip, it’s simply heavenly. The best part? These Churro French Toast Bites can be made in less than 30 minutes, so you can satisfy those churro cravings in no time.
Healthier Alternative
While traditional churros are fried and made with refined flour and sugar, these French toast bites use gluten-free bread and a batter that’s both vegan-friendly and nut-free. The option to use coconut sugar or raw cane sugar in the cinnamon coating adds a more natural sweetness compared to processed sugars. Plus, the chocolate dip is made with dairy-free chocolate and coconut milk, keeping things light yet indulgent. For those looking for a protein-packed version, the non-vegan option with eggs provides a protein boost that makes these bites perfect for a post-workout treat or a more filling breakfast.
Churro French toast bites !
Ingredients
French Toast Batter:
- 1 loaf of bread, 6-7 slices, gluten-free
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut yogurt or canned coconut milk
- 5 tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Non vegan option
- 1/2 C non dairy milk or yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 C yogurt or coconut milk or dairy free milk of choice
- 1/3 C coconut sugar
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or raw cane sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Chocolate Dip:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp full-fat coconut milk
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Bread:
- On a cutting board, cut the bread slices into small squares and set aside.
Make the Batter:
- Vegan Version: In a large bowl, mix the coconut yogurt (or coconut milk), tapioca starch, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Non-Vegan Option: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk of choice, coconut sugar , and vanilla extract until well combined.
Coat the Bread:
- Add the bread squares to the batter. Use tongs to stir and ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
Bake the Bites:
- Spread the coated bread squares evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with coconut or olive oil spray. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Remove the bread squares from the oven and let them cool slightly. In a shallow bowl, mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon. Toss the warm bread squares in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Make the Chocolate Dip:
- In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut milk together in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Serve:
- Serve the bites warm with the chocolate dip on the side. Enjoy!
