Cinnamon Vanilla French Toast

This classic French toast recipe transforms ordinary bread into a deliciously sweet breakfast treat that will make any morning feel special. The perfect balance of vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar creates that nostalgic flavor we all crave, while the egg mixture gives each slice a custardy interior with perfectly crisp edges.

I first made this recipe when my children were small, looking for a special weekend breakfast tradition. Years later, they still request it when they come home to visit, and now they make it for their own families.

Ingredients

• Eggs: Essential for creating that custard-like texture that makes French toast so irresistible
• Milk: Creates richness in the batter; choose whole milk for maximum flavor
• All-purpose flour: The secret ingredient that helps create a more substantial coating
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the batter
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Ground cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice flavor; choose Ceylon cinnamon for more complexity
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness; use pure extract, not imitation
• Thick bread slices: Brioche or Texas toast work beautifully as they absorb the batter without falling apart

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cooking surface:

Heat your griddle to 350°F or warm a skillet over medium heat. The right temperature ensures your French toast cooks evenly without burning. Give it at least 5 minutes to heat properly before cooking.

Create the batter:

Add eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla to a blender and blend until completely smooth with no flour lumps. The blender method creates the silkiest batter, but you can whisk by hand by first mixing the flour with eggs, then incorporating remaining ingredients.

Soak the bread:

Dip each bread slice into the batter, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. Let excess batter drip off for a second before placing on the cooking surface. The bread should be saturated but not soggy.

Cook to golden perfection:

Place the soaked bread on your preheated, lightly greased cooking surface. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottom develops a beautiful golden brown color. Flip carefully with a wide spatula and cook the second side until equally golden.

Serve immediately:

Transfer to warm plates and serve with your favorite toppings. Traditional options include maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a pat of butter. The French toast is best enjoyed hot off the griddle.

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My grandmother taught me to add just a touch of flour to the batter, which was her secret to achieving that perfect restaurant-quality French toast. It creates a slightly thicker coating that gets wonderfully crisp on the outside while keeping the inside custardy and rich.

The Perfect Bread Choice

The bread you select makes a significant difference in your final French toast. Thick-cut brioche offers a buttery richness that creates an almost dessert-like experience. Texas toast provides sturdy slices that hold up well to soaking. Challah brings a slight sweetness and beautiful texture. Whatever bread you choose, slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs more batter without becoming soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it slightly in a low-temperature oven for 10 minutes before making your French toast.

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Make It Your Own

This recipe provides an excellent base that you can customize in countless ways. Try adding orange or lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist. Sprinkle in some nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for more complex spice notes. For adults, a splash of bourbon or rum in the batter creates an elevated flavor profile. You can also stuff two slices with cream cheese or mascarpone before dipping for a decadent stuffed French toast variation. The possibilities are endless once you master this foundational recipe.

Serving Suggestions

French toast pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory accompaniments. For a traditional sweet breakfast, serve with pure maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a fruit compote. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into a dessert. For a savory twist, try serving with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A simple fruit salad on the side brings freshness to balance the richness of the dish. For brunch gatherings, create a French toast bar with various toppings so guests can customize their plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best for French toast?

Thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best as they absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal as it soaks up more flavor without becoming soggy.

→ Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the egg custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before using to ensure ingredients are well combined.

→ Why add flour to French toast batter?

The addition of flour helps create structure in the custard coating, resulting in a more substantial exterior that browns beautifully and prevents the toast from becoming too soggy.

→ What toppings pair well with French toast?

Beyond maple syrup and powdered sugar, excellent toppings include fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, fruit compotes, nut butters, honey, or even a dollop of yogurt for a tangy contrast.

→ How can I keep French toast warm while cooking multiple batches?

Place cooked French toast on a baking sheet in a single layer in a 200°F oven. This keeps the toast warm without drying it out while you finish cooking the remaining slices.

→ Can I freeze French toast?

Yes! Cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven until warmed through.