Save Golden, fluffy slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, pan-fried to perfection and topped with a vibrant mix of fresh berries and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
I first served this to my family on a chilly weekend morning and we all fell in love with the comforting flavors and the bright burst of berries on top.
Ingredients
- Custard: 4 large eggs, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, Pinch of salt
- Bread: 8 slices brioche or challah bread (about 2 cm thick)
- For Cooking: 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Toppings: 200 g (1 1/2 cups) mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries), 120 ml (1/2 cup) pure maple syrup, Optional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2:
- Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt.
- Step 3:
- Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, letting it soak for 10–15 seconds per side. Allow excess to drip off.
- Step 4:
- Place soaked bread slices on the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed.
- Step 5:
- Arrange French toast slices on plates. Top generously with fresh berries, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Save One of my fondest family moments was making this recipe together on a lazy Sunday morning and sharing stories over breakfast.
Notes
Try adding lemon zest to the custard for a refreshing twist. Pairs well with a light sparkling wine or fresh orange juice.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Whisk, Shallow baking dish, Nonstick skillet or griddle, Spatula
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Milk (Dairy), Wheat (Gluten from bread). Check bread ingredients for potential traces of nuts or soy.
Save 
This French toast brings comfort and joy to any morning with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Thick slices of brioche or challah bread are ideal as they soak custard well and crisp nicely when cooked.
- → Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
Yes, the custard can be whisked a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to soak the bread.
- → How do I achieve a golden crust when cooking?
Use a preheated nonstick skillet with butter, cooking each side 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- → Are there suggested variations to the toppings?
Fresh berries combined with pure maple syrup provide balance, but powdered sugar or lemon zest enhance flavors nicely.
- → Is this suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, substitute dairy milk and butter with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.