Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

If you love breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to adore this Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. Trust me, I’ve tried a ton of French toast recipes, and this one stands out with its rich custardy soak paired with that irresistible caramelized cinnamon sugar crust. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger over coffee and second helpings. So, grab your favorite skillet and let’s make something seriously delicious.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together — the rich creaminess from the egg yolks and dairy, the warm aromatic cinnamon sugar, and that amazing brioche bread, which is sturdy yet soft enough to absorb all that custard without falling apart. Pro tip: use really thick-cut brioche slices for best results.

• Egg Yolks: Using yolks instead of whole eggs makes the custard ultra-rich and velvety.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweet floral note that enhances the whole flavor profile.
• Half and Half: Balances creaminess without being too heavy.
• Heavy Cream: Boosts richness and helps make the custard luxuriously smooth.
• Cinnamon Sugar: The star of the show — gives the toast its signature sweet and spicy crunch.
• Brioche Bread: Thick-cut is key so it doesn’t soak up too much custard and fall apart.
• Vegetable Oil & Unsalted Butter: For cooking, combining these helps get golden crispy edges while keeping it moist.
• Maple Syrup: The classic finishing touch for drizzling over every bite.

Variations

One of the best things about this Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve played around with it and love how you can tweak bits to fit whatever mood or dietary needs you have.

• Gluten-Free Option: I swapped brioche for a sturdy gluten-free bread once — it still soaked up the custard well and crisped up beautifully.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon sugar mix gave it an amazing fall vibe that my family adored.
• Dairy Swap: I’ve tried using half coconut milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free twist — the custard is less rich but still delicious.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Serve topped with fresh berries or caramelized apples for a pop of freshness and sweetness.

How to Make Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cinnamon Sugar

This is where the magic starts! I like to mix 1 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and sometimes I add in ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and ½ teaspoon kosher salt — that little salt boost really balances the sweetness. Keep this cinnamon sugar in a sugar shaker or spice jar so you can dust and caramelize the toast effortlessly as you go.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Together

In a large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together your egg yolks, vanilla extract, half and half, heavy cream, and a couple tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar until it’s frothy and well combined. This custard will soak the bread and impart that luscious, creamy texture we’re after.

Step 3: Soak the Brioche

Heat your skillet over medium-low and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil plus half a tablespoon of unsalted butter for flavor and browning. Dip each thick-cut brioche slice into the custard, turning a few times for 20-30 seconds until saturated but not so soggy it falls apart. You’ll find that taking your time with this step makes the difference between dry or tender French toast.

Step 4: Cook and Caramelize the Cinnamon Sugar

Place two slices in the pan at once. Immediately dust the tops with cinnamon sugar. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then carefully flip the slices, placing the sugared side down. Dust the now-cooked side with more cinnamon sugar. After the second side is golden, flip again and allow the sugar to caramelize fully, turning your toast into a crispy, crackly, cinnamon-sugar masterpiece. If needed, increase heat to medium carefully to help the sugar caramelize but keep an eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Delicious

Once all slices are cooked and caramelized, serve immediately with an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar, a pat of butter, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. This is the moment you’ll see everyone’s eyes light up – seriously, it’s that good.

How to Serve Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Garnishes

I often keep it simple with a few dustings of cinnamon sugar and a pat of butter, but for special treats, powdered sugar and some fresh berries like sliced strawberries or blueberries add color and brightness. A dollop of whipped cream never hurts either if you’re serving brunch guests who love extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are crisp bacon or sausage links to balance the sweetness, and sometimes a side of scrambled eggs to add a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy green salad can also brighten the plate wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

One memorable brunch I hosted, I stacked the custard French toast slices, layering them with mascarpone cheese and fresh fruit between each slice like a cake—it was a showstopper! Also, cutting the French toast into bite-sized “French toast sticks” and serving with warm maple syrup for dipping is a fun option for kids or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which may be tricky!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover French toast by placing slices between parchment paper layers in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices keep well for about a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I find it best to use a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, which helps revive that caramelized sugar crunch. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it makes the toast soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe turns out every time—it’s become my go-to for special weekend breakfasts and holiday brunches. The crispy, caramelized coating paired with the custardy interior is so addictive, I find myself craving it more often than I’d like to admit! You’ll enjoy how easy it is to make yet how impressive it looks and tastes. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you deserve it. Can’t wait to hear how much you love it as much as I do!

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