Golden Custard French Toast

My roommate sophomore year made French toast every Sunday morning without fail. The smell would drift under my door and wake me up before my alarm. She taught me the real secret isn't some fancy technique but using bread that's seen better days. Now those golden slices mean weekend comfort.

I once made this for breakfast after a particularly rough breakup. My friend sat at my counter eating slice after slice and told me this version was better than any restaurant we'd ever visited. Sometimes food just knows how to fix things.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs: Room temperature eggs whisk into a smoother custard that coats the bread evenly
• 1 cup whole milk: Creates that rich interior without making the bread too heavy
• 2 tbsp heavy cream: Optional but adds that restaurant style texture
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Helps the exterior caramelize while keeping the inside creamy
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Use the good stuff since vanilla shines through simple recipes
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth but skip if you prefer pure vanilla flavor
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and wakes up all the flavors
• 8 slices day-old brioche or challah: Sturdy bread soaks up custard without collapsing
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter creates those crispy edges everyone fights over
• Maple syrup and fresh berries: The finishing touches that make it feel special

Instructions

Whisk up your custard base:

Combine the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until completely smooth.

Get your pan ready:

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt one tablespoon of butter until it foams slightly.

Soak each slice just right:

Dip bread into the custard for about three seconds per side. You want it saturated but not falling apart.

Cook to golden perfection:

Fry each slice for two to three minutes until the bottom turns deep golden. Flip carefully and cook the other side until equally browned.

Keep them warm while you cook:

Transfer finished slices to a plate and repeat with remaining bread, adding more butter as needed.

Finish with your favorite toppings:

Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and scatter fresh berries on top.

Save

My daughter now requests this on snow days. We stand at the stove together taking turns flipping and arguing who gets the first slice off the pan. The recipe has become part of our winter ritual.

Making It Your Own

Grated orange zest in the custard adds brightness that cuts through the richness. A splash of rum or bourbon in the egg mixture transforms this into an adult brunch worthy dish.

Serving Suggestions

Thick cut bacon or sausage links balance the sweetness perfectly. If you're feeling fancy, macerated strawberries with a little sugar make an incredible topping.

Getting Ahead

You can mix the custard the night before and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick whisk in the morning before dipping.

• Cut bread into sticks for French toast dippers kids love
• Freeze cooked slices between parchment and reheat in the toaster
• Leftover custard makes fantastic bread pudding the next day

Save

Some mornings just call for something sweet and comforting. This French toast never lets me down.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for French toast?

Day-old brioche, challah, or thick white bread work beautifully. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart, while still achieving that perfect crispy exterior and soft interior.

→ How do I prevent my French toast from becoming soggy?

Dip each bread slice quickly into the custard mixture - just a few seconds per side. Avoid letting the bread soak too long, and cook immediately over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

→ Can I make French toast dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk alternatives like oat, almond, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for cooking.

→ Why should I use day-old bread?

Day-old or slightly stale bread has a firmer texture that holds up better during dipping and cooking. Fresh bread can become too soft and may fall apart when soaked in the custard mixture.

→ What temperature should I cook French toast at?

Medium heat works best. This allows the bread to cook through evenly while developing a golden-brown crust without burning the exterior before the interior is fully cooked.

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

Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This keeps them warm and crispy while you finish cooking the remaining bread without losing that perfect texture.