Short description

This Brioche French Toast features thick, golden slices of rich brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and cooked to crispy, buttery perfection. It’s a luxurious breakfast or brunch dish, especially when topped with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thick, fluffy texture: Brioche is ideal for French toast—it’s buttery, rich, and soaks up custard beautifully.
Classic flavor combo: Cinnamon and vanilla deliver cozy, familiar notes with a creamy egg base.
Quick and easy: Minimal ingredients and prep time, ready in about 15 minutes.
Elegant yet simple: Perfect for weekend brunches or breakfast-for-dinner with all the toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brioche bread (¾ to 1 inch thick slices)
Large eggs
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted butter (for frying)
Optional: Powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup

Directions

Prep the bread – Slice brioche into thick slices. If very fresh, let slices sit out for 30 minutes to dry slightly.
Make the custard – In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Soak the bread – Dip each brioche slice in custard for 30–40 seconds per side until saturated but not soggy.
Cook the toast – Heat butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Fry soaked slices for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Serve warm – Top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup as desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 2 people (4 slices)
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~8 minutes (2 batches)
Total time: ~13–15 minutes

Variations

Caramelized banana topping: Sauté sliced bananas in butter and brown sugar for a gourmet twist.
Stuffed French toast: Add a cream cheese or Nutella filling between slices before dipping.
Coconut crusted: Dip custard-soaked slices in shredded coconut before frying for a crispy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Toast or bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Freeze: Cool slices, then freeze in a single layer before bagging. Reheat from frozen in toaster or oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use other breads besides brioche?

Yes—challah, Texas toast, or French bread also work well.

2. Why is day-old brioche better?

It absorbs the custard without falling apart, giving a richer texture.

3. Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Yes—prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Whisk before using.

4. How do I avoid soggy French toast?

Don’t soak too long, and use thicker bread slices that are slightly dried out.

5. Can I use only milk instead of cream?

Yes—use all milk if preferred. It’ll be slightly less rich but still delicious.

6. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely—just adjust toppings to their taste and skip optional additions like whipped cream.

7. Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes—bake at 375 °F (190 °C) on a greased sheet for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

8. How do I know when it’s cooked through?

It should be golden on both sides and slightly firm in the center—not wet or jiggly.

9. What syrup goes best with this?

Classic maple syrup is best, but flavored syrups like vanilla or berry also pair well.

10. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—substitute plant-based milk and butter alternatives, though flavor may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Brioche French Toast is a timeless, comforting dish that turns a few simple ingredients into a decadent breakfast. With its custard-soaked center and crisp golden edges, it’s a perfect base for toppings and makes any morning feel special. Enjoy it fresh, or prep ahead for an easy and delicious start to your day.

Ezabella

Brioche French Toast