Cinnamon French Toast is a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug! Soft bread gets dipped in a sweet mixture of eggs and cinnamon, then grilled to golden perfection.
This dish is all about comfort and sweetness, with a lovely cinnamon aroma that fills the kitchen. I like to serve mine with maple syrup and fresh fruit—so yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding everything together. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for each egg) or commercial egg replacers.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor, but you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or any preferred milk. Just note that it may slightly alter the taste.
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or challah works best. If you can’t find these, any thick slices of white bread or sourdough will do. Just avoid very soft breads as they might get too soggy.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a must for flavor. For a twist, try Cardamom or nutmeg, but start with less than 1 tsp, as these can be stronger.
Vanilla Extract: This adds lovely flavor; however, feel free to omit it if you’re in a pinch. Some use vanilla bean paste for an even richer taste.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture When Cooking French Toast?
Getting that crispy outside and soft inside is key! Here are steps to help you nail the texture:
- Heat Control: Start with medium heat; too high can burn the toast before it’s cooked inside. A consistent medium is perfect for even cooking.
- Soak Time: Let each slice soak for about 10-15 seconds. This ensures the bread absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Cooking Method: Use enough butter or oil in the skillet. This creates a nice crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Flipping: Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes before flipping. This ensures a crispy crust!
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll serve up delicious French toast every time!
How to Make Delicious Cinnamon French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- Butter or oil, for cooking
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries (raspberries and blueberries), for garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon French Toast will take about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by around 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying this tasty breakfast in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until everything is mixed well. This mixture will create the perfect custard-like coating for your French toast.
2. Heat the Pan:
Place a large skillet or griddle on the stove over medium heat. Once it’s warmed up, add a little butter or oil to coat the surface. This will help achieve a nice golden color on your toast.
3. Soak the Bread:
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side so it absorbs enough of the custard without getting too soggy.
4. Cook the Bread:
Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the heated skillet. Cook the slices until they turn golden brown on one side (about 3-4 minutes), then flip them over and cook the other side until perfectly golden and cooked through.
5. Keep Them Warm:
Once cooked, transfer the slices to a plate and keep them warm while you repeat the process with the remaining bread. If needed, add more butter or oil to the skillet before each batch.
6. Serve it Up:
To serve the French toast, stack the slices on a plate. Drizzle some maple syrup over the top, dust with powdered sugar, and add a dollop of whipped cream. Finish off with fresh berries for a beautiful and delicious garnish.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s warm, and enjoy the cozy, sweet flavors of your homemade Cinnamon French Toast!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are recommended for their thickness and richness, you can use any thick bread you have on hand, such as sourdough, French bread, or Texas toast. Just avoid very soft breads, as they may become too soggy while soaking.
How Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the whole milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. The flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What If I Want to Prepare This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the egg mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before soaking your bread. However, it’s best to cook the French toast fresh just before serving to preserve that lovely texture!
How Do I Store Leftover French Toast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet for a crispy finish!