If you’ve ever had French toast that’s crispy on the outside and soft, custardy on the inside, you know that it’s one of life’s greatest simple pleasures. Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning and filling your kitchen with the sweet, warm aroma of French toast, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and maybe even a dollop of whipped cream. It’s like being wrapped in a blanket of comfort and happiness. Well, let me tell you, this custard French toast recipe is here to make your breakfast dreams come true.
This recipe isn’t just your average French toast—it’s made with a rich custard that soaks deep into the bread, giving each slice an irresistible creaminess while still holding onto that perfect, crispy texture. You might be wondering, “Isn’t French toast a bit tricky to get just right?” And to that, I say—absolutely not! This custard French toast is easy enough to make on a regular weekday but fancy enough to serve at a weekend brunch. Trust me when I say you’ll be making this recipe on repeat.
Now, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. I first discovered it during a trip to a small café while I was on vacation in a sleepy little town. It was one of those hidden gems that had been passed down from generation to generation. When I took that first bite, I was hooked! The texture was unlike anything I had ever tried, and the flavor? Perfection. Ever since, I’ve been recreating it at home, tweaking it to perfection, and I’m so excited to share it with you today.
Why You’ll Love This Custard French Toast
You’re going to love this French toast for so many reasons! Let me break it down for you:
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the “custard” part scare you. It’s just a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, which is super simple to whip together.
- Deliciously Creamy: The custard creates a creamy interior while the outside gets golden and crispy. It’s the perfect balance of textures!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from the little ones to adults will love this dish. It’s sweet enough to satisfy your sugar cravings but not overly sugary.
- Versatile: You can top it with whatever you like—berries, whipped cream, syrup, or even a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.
Once you taste this custard French toast, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite in my house. We make it for birthdays, holiday breakfasts, and even just to treat ourselves on a lazy weekend morning. It’s an easy way to elevate a regular breakfast into something a little more special without much effort at all.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: This recipe serves 4, but it’s easy to double or halve depending on how many people you’re serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For this custard French toast, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (I love using brioche or challah for that extra richness, but any hearty bread will do!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (Don’t skip this! The vanilla gives the custard a lovely, aromatic depth.)
- 1 tbsp sugar (Just a little sweetness to balance everything out.)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter (For cooking—the butter will give the French toast that crispy, golden edge.)
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries
Now, let’s break down the role of each ingredient to show why it’s so essential:
- Eggs: The eggs are the base of the custard, giving it that smooth, velvety texture and richness.
- Milk: Whole milk provides the creaminess needed to soak into the bread. You can substitute with oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Bread: The key to great French toast is choosing the right bread. Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal because they soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Butter: Butter helps achieve that golden, crispy texture. Plus, it adds flavor and richness to each bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through this process together—don’t worry, it’s simple!
- Prepare the Custard
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Make sure it’s fully combined. The eggs will provide the structure, while the milk adds creaminess, and the sugar gives it just a touch of sweetness. Once you’ve whisked everything together, it’s time to soak your bread. - Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet or griddle on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt and begin to foam. Don’t let it burn—keep an eye on it, so it just turns golden. You’ll know the pan is ready when it’s sizzling, but not smoking. - Soak the Bread
Take your thick slices of bread and dip each side into the custard mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated. Let the bread soak for about 10 seconds on each side. If you’re using a dense bread like brioche, let it soak a little longer to absorb the custard. Be careful not to oversoak, or the bread might get too soggy. - Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked bread into the hot pan, cooking each slice for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. If your pan is crowded, you may need to do this in batches. As the bread cooks, you should hear a nice sizzle. You’re aiming for that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. - Finish and Serve
Once the French toast is perfectly golden and crisp, transfer it to a plate. Add the remaining butter to the pan if necessary and continue cooking the rest of the bread slices. Once all the French toast is cooked, top it with your favorite toppings. I love a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and some fresh berries.
How to Serve
This custard French toast is versatile, and you can serve it in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic with Syrup: Serve with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- With Berries: Add fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top for a burst of freshness.
- Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- With Ice Cream: For a special occasion, serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Side of Bacon or Sausages: For a more savory twist, serve alongside crispy bacon or turkey bacon (for a halal option) or sausages.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Thick, hearty bread is key to French toast. Try using day-old bread, as it holds up better during the soaking process.
- Adjust for Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter French toast, add a little extra sugar to the custard. You can also sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
- Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: If your bread is too soft, it can fall apart. Be sure to dip, but not soak it for too long.
- Use a Nonstick Pan: A nonstick skillet or griddle makes it easier to flip the French toast without it sticking.
Recipe Variations
This custard French toast is endlessly customizable. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a delicious gluten-free version.
- Vegan: Swap the eggs and milk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and plant-based milk.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Instead of bread, use leftover cinnamon rolls for a decadent twist. Simply slice them into pieces and soak them in the custard mixture before cooking.
- Stuffed French Toast: For an extra indulgent breakfast, try stuffing the French toast with cream cheese and fruit before cooking.
Freezing and Storage
If you have leftovers, you can easily store and freeze them:
- Storage: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Place cooked French toast on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the toaster or oven.
Special Equipment
- Nonstick Skillet: Ideal for cooking the French toast evenly without sticking.
- Shallow Bowl: A wide, shallow bowl helps to dip the bread evenly in the custard.
- Griddle: If you’re cooking for a crowd, a griddle allows you to cook multiple slices at once.
FAQ Section
- Can I use any bread for French toast?
Yes, but thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best for soaking up the custard. Avoid using thin or airy bread, as it might fall apart. - How can I make this recipe ahead?
You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just dip the bread in the morning and cook as usual. - Can I make French toast without eggs?
Yes! Try using a flax egg or chickpea flour for a vegan alternative. - What’s the best way to reheat French toast?
Reheat French toast in a toaster for a crisp result or in the microwave if you don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of crispiness.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this custard French toast recipe. It’s a guaranteed way to turn an ordinary morning into something a little more special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Let me know how your French toast turns out, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your breakfast creations. Happy cooking!