Golden Cinnamon Toast Stacks

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh French toast wafting through the kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. The crispy golden edges, the soft, pillowy center, and the rich sweetness that’s just the right balance of indulgence. French toast isn’t just a breakfast—it’s an experience, a cozy way to start your day, and something you’ll look forward to every single time.

What I love most about French toast is how simple it is to make, yet it feels so special. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a Sunday morning, French toast has a way of making any day feel a little more luxurious. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few basics from your kitchen, and you’re all set to create something that tastes like a million bucks.

I remember the first time I made French toast for my family. It was a Saturday morning, and I was determined to impress with something beyond the usual cereal or scrambled eggs. I had a loaf of bread, a couple of eggs, and a bit of cinnamon—voilà! French toast was born, and my family’s faces lit up with delight. Since then, it’s been a regular part of our weekend mornings, and it never fails to make everyone smile.

So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of crispy, fluffy, and delicious French toast, let’s get started! Trust me, you’ll never look at breakfast the same way again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this French toast recipe is the one you’ll want to make over and over again:

• Easy to Make: It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. You don’t need any special skills, and the ingredients are pantry staples. Even if you’re not much of a breakfast cook, you can totally nail this.
• Customizable: French toast is like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. You can tweak the flavor with different spices, top it with fresh fruit, or drizzle on your favorite syrup. It’s versatile enough to match whatever you’re craving.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a birthday, or a lazy Sunday, French toast adds a touch of elegance to any breakfast. It’s the perfect dish to serve to guests, and you’ll feel like a pro while making it.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a rich custard that soaks into the bread and transforms it into something truly magical. It’s the perfect balance of crispy, fluffy, and sweet.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: Serves 4 (about 8 slices of French toast)
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  Calories: 300
  Protein: 8g
  Carbs: 40g
  Fat: 12g
  Sugar: 12g

Ingredients

This French toast recipe requires just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 slices of bread: The bread is key! Choose a thick-sliced bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast for the best texture. You can even use day-old bread, which soaks up the custard perfectly.
• 2 large eggs: The eggs create the custard base that gives the French toast its richness. They’ll help the bread soak up the flavorful mixture and set that beautiful golden color while cooking.
• 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is ideal for richness, but you can also use almond, oat, or any other milk you prefer.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and sweetness to the custard. It’s an essential flavor that makes all the difference.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds that comforting spice flavor we all know and love. You can add more if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor!
• Pinch of salt: Just a little pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Butter: For cooking the French toast in the pan. Butter adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy, golden brown exterior.

Optional toppings:

• Maple syrup: You can’t go wrong with a drizzle of pure maple syrup. It’s the classic topping for a reason.
• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, bananas, or blueberries are great additions for a fresh contrast to the richness of the toast.
• Powdered sugar: For a sweet finishing touch, dust a little powdered sugar on top.
• Whipped cream: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream takes French toast to the next level.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

1. Prep the bread: Start by selecting your bread. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for a few minutes to dry out a little bit. Day-old bread is ideal for French toast since it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy, but fresh bread will work too. If you’re using thicker slices like brioche or challah, cut them about 3/4 inch thick for the best texture.
2. Make the custard: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the mixture is well combined. The eggs are the key to the custard, so you want them fully incorporated with the milk and spices.
3. Heat the pan: Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt and get slightly bubbly, but not browned. You want the heat to be just right—too high, and the toast will burn before it cooks through; too low, and it won’t get crispy enough.
4. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, making sure it’s coated on both sides. Let it soak for a second or two, but don’t leave it too long, or it may get too soggy. Gently press the bread into the custard to help it soak up the mixture.
5. Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread in the hot pan, and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the heat—if the pan’s too hot, the French toast will burn on the outside before cooking through. If you need to adjust the temperature, feel free to lower it a bit to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve immediately: Once the French toast is golden and crispy on both sides, transfer it to a plate and keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

How to Serve

Here are some delicious ways to serve your French toast:

• Classic: Serve with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a side of fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas.
• Berry Compote: Top your French toast with a homemade berry compote for a fresh, fruity twist.
• Nutty: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds over the French toast for added crunch.
• Stuffed French Toast: For a fancier version, try stuffing your French toast with cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter before cooking it.

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice for the perfect breakfast spread!

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter is what makes French toast golden and crispy. Use enough butter to coat the pan generously, and don’t be afraid to add more in between batches.
2. Use Thick-Cut Bread: Thick slices of bread, like brioche or challah, soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart. If you’re using thinner bread, be careful not to soak it too long, as it may become soggy.
3. Watch the Heat: If your pan is too hot, the French toast will burn before cooking through. Keep the heat medium-low, and adjust as needed. You want a nice, even golden color.
4. Customize Your Toppings: French toast is versatile—add toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
5. Make it Ahead: If you’re making French toast for a crowd, cook it in batches and keep it warm in the oven at 200°F until you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegan French Toast: Substitute the eggs with a mixture of chickpea flour and water or use a store-bought egg replacer. Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
2. Stuffed French Toast: For an indulgent twist, spread a layer of cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter between two slices of bread before dipping them in the custard. This creates a decadent stuffed French toast that’s sure to impress.
3. Savory French Toast: Skip the cinnamon and vanilla, and instead, use a pinch of salt and some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the custard. Serve with scrambled eggs and bacon for a savory twist.
4. Gluten-Free French Toast: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of French toast. You can also try using almond flour in place of regular flour for a grain-free version.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve your French toast with crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast. A simple side salad with arugula and lemon vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the toast.
• Beverages: Pair your French toast with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a mimosa, or a classic glass of orange juice.
• For Kids: Serve French toast in smaller pieces with a side of fruit for a kid-friendly meal they’ll love.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the toaster for a quick and easy breakfast.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked French toast! Let the pieces cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the slices in the toaster or oven at 375°F until crispy.

Special Equipment

• Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle: A non-stick surface ensures your French toast won’t stick and allows for easy flipping.
• Whisk: A good whisk is key for getting the eggs, milk, and spices well combined.
• Tongs or Spatula: Use tongs to flip the French toast without messing up the golden crust.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use any type of bread? Yes, but thicker, sturdier breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best. They soak up the custard without falling apart.
2. How do I keep the French toast warm while cooking in batches? Place cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and keep it in the oven at 200°F to stay warm.
3. Can I make French toast ahead of time? Yes! You can prep and cook the French toast ahead of time, then store it in the fridge or freeze it for later.

Conclusion

French toast is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s an experience that can turn an ordinary morning into something special. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with rich flavor. Whether you prefer classic French toast with syrup or want to try something new with toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruit, the possibilities are endless.

I hope you enjoy making this French toast as much as I do! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creations!