Cinnamon French Toast is a beloved breakfast dish that never goes out of style. It’s the kind of meal that immediately evokes feelings of comfort and warmth, making it ideal for leisurely weekends, special occasions, or even as a treat during the week. This version of French toast is infused with a combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
The beauty of cinnamon French toast lies in its simplicity. You start with thick slices of bread, soak them in a rich custard mixture made of eggs, milk, and spices, and then cook them to golden perfection. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, warm interior that’s deliciously comforting. Whether you serve it with a drizzle of syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a side of fresh berries, cinnamon French toast is versatile and always satisfying.
French toast is a breakfast classic for a reason. It’s easy to make, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it sweet or savory, with syrup or without, French toast has a timeless appeal. This recipe takes that classic dish to the next level by adding a burst of cinnamon and vanilla, infusing every bite with deliciously aromatic flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon French Toast is a recipe that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a simple dish that can easily be elevated with a few extra ingredients to make it extra special. The sweetness of cinnamon perfectly complements the rich, egg-soaked bread, creating a dish that’s warm and comforting. This recipe is perfect for all occasions, whether you’re making it for a busy weekday breakfast or serving it at a leisurely weekend brunch. It’s quick to prepare, with minimal effort involved, yet it feels indulgent and special.
The versatility of cinnamon French toast makes it a favorite among many. You can enjoy it as is, topped with syrup or powdered sugar, or add extra toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nuts. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread, as the slightly stale slices soak up the egg mixture beautifully, giving you a dish that’s both delicious and economical.
For those with dietary restrictions, cinnamon French toast can be easily adapted. You can use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version or substitute almond milk for dairy-free options. The recipe is highly customizable to suit your personal tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
To make cinnamon French toast, you will need a few simple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires pantry staples, so it’s a dish you can whip up at a moment’s notice.
For the French Toast:
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (preferably a day or two old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for cooking
For Toppings (optional):
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- A drizzle of honey
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl or dish, crack the eggs and beat them well with a fork or whisk. Add the milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. The cinnamon will create a beautiful aroma and infuse the custard with its warm, comforting flavor.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Take your slices of bread and dip each piece into the custard mixture. Let the bread soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side, allowing it to absorb the egg mixture. Be careful not to let the bread get too soggy; just enough so that it becomes coated but still holds its shape. If the bread is too soft, it may break apart during cooking.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt, swirling it around to coat the bottom of the pan. The butter will help create a golden, slightly crispy exterior on the French toast while adding a rich flavor.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, place the soaked bread slices in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. You can cook several slices at once, depending on the size of your skillet, but be sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow the bread to cook evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Top
Once the French toast is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on serving plates. You can stack the slices for a beautiful presentation or serve them individually. Top with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chopped nuts. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also add an extra layer of flavor.
Variation
Cinnamon French toast is a versatile dish that you can customize in a variety of ways. Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:
- Stuffed French Toast: Add a filling of cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves between two slices of bread for a decadent twist on the classic.
- Fruit Toppings: Top your French toast with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar will enhance the flavor and add sweetness.
- Nut Butter: Spread almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter between the slices of French toast for a nutty, protein-packed variation.
- Savory French Toast: For a savory twist, omit the sugar and cinnamon, and top the French toast with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty breakfast.
- Vegan French Toast: Use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk), and flax eggs (a combination of ground flaxseed and water) to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Cooking Notes
- Bread Choice: The best bread for French toast is thick, sturdy bread that can absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. Brioche, challah, or French bread are excellent options. Stale bread works particularly well because it absorbs the mixture better.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness in your custard mixture based on your preferences. You can add more sugar or a bit of honey for a sweeter version or leave it out for a more savory dish.
- Non-stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet or griddle is ideal for making French toast as it ensures that the bread cooks evenly without sticking to the pan.
- Cooking Time: Be sure not to overcook your French toast. The bread should be golden and slightly crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside. If the bread gets too dark, lower the heat slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon French toast is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more special with these serving ideas:
- Serve with Maple Syrup: The classic pairing for French toast is a generous drizzle of maple syrup. The sweetness of the syrup enhances the cinnamon flavor and adds moisture to the dish.
- Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds richness and lightness to each bite.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, add a refreshing and vibrant contrast to the sweet, warm French toast.
- Chopped Nuts: Add some crunch with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. The texture contrast is delightful.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the French toast for extra sweetness and flavor.
Tips
- Keep Warm: If you’re making a large batch of French toast, keep the finished slices warm by placing them in a low oven (about 200°F) while you cook the rest.
- Use a Griddle: If you have a griddle, it’s perfect for cooking several slices of French toast at once, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to play around with the spices. Nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom can add unique flavors to the custard mixture.
- Rest the Bread: After soaking the bread, let it rest for a minute or two before cooking to ensure it absorbs the custard properly.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 300 (per serving, 2 slices)
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 300mg
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 14g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While French toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat it in the oven or a toaster to keep it crispy.
Q: Can I use any type of bread?
A: Thick, sturdy bread works best, such as brioche, challah, or French bread. Thin or soft bread may become too soggy.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Simply substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter for cooking.
Q: Can I freeze leftover French toast?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked French toast slices. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then store in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.
Conclusion
Cinnamon French toast is the epitome of a comforting, satisfying breakfast. With its perfect balance of crispy and tender, sweet and warm flavors, it’s a dish that pleases both the palate and the soul. This recipe is easy to prepare, and with its endless variations, you can make it your own every time. Whether you enjoy it simple with syrup, or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, cinnamon French toast will always be a crowd-pleaser.
