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Caramelized Simple French Toast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 45 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Description

This Caramelized Simple French Toast recipe offers a decadent twist on classic French toast using thick slices of challah or brioche bread soaked in a rich custard mixture and caramelized with sugar for a beautifully crisp, crunchy exterior. With a buttery, cinnamon-scented custard base and a perfect balance of soft inside texture and caramelized edges, this indulgent breakfast or brunch dish pairs excellently with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

  • 1 loaf challah or brioche bread (or 8-10 thick sliced white bread, about 3/4 inch or thicker)

Custard Mixture:

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 & 1/2 cups heavy cream or half & half
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For Cooking and Garnish:

  • Extra granulated sugar (for caramelizing, about 1 tablespoon total)
  • Butter (for frying, about 1 tablespoon per batch)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1 tablespoon per batch)
  • Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
  • Sifted powdered sugar (for garnish)
  • Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Choose your bread: Select a loaf of day-old challah or brioche bread for the best texture. If unavailable, use the thickest and softest white bread you can find, sliced at least 3/4 inch thick. Thick slices, around 1 1/4 inch or even up to 2 inches, provide the ideal base for soaking.
  2. Slice the bread: Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf into thick pieces, aiming for about 1 1/4 inch thickness to ensure a soft inside with a crunchy crust once cooked.
  3. Set the bread aside: Spread the sliced bread out to dry slightly; day-old bread naturally works well by absorbing the custard without becoming mushy.
  4. Prepare the custard mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 egg yolks, 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half & half), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and evenly mixed.
  5. Soak the bread: Pour the custard into a shallow dish. Place each slice of bread into the mixture, soaking each side for 10-20 seconds depending on thickness, until soft but still holding its shape. Set soaked slices aside on a baking sheet as you prepare the rest.
  6. Heat the pan: Warm an electric griddle or large 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, swirling to coat the surface evenly.
  7. Cook the French toast: Arrange the soaked bread slices on the pan with space between them. Cook on medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until the bottom side is light brown; this side cooks twice for caramelization.
  8. Caramelize the sugar: Sprinkle about 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar on the uncooked side of the bread while still in the pan. Flip the slice sugar side down, frying until the sugar melts and the toast turns golden (~2 minutes). Re-coat pan with butter/oil if needed. Then sprinkle sugar on the cooked side and flip again to caramelize that side.
  9. Keep warm: Preheat your oven to the ‘keep warm’ setting (around 170°F). Transfer the cooked toast to a wire rack over a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Optionally serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries. The caramelized crust offers a satisfying crunch that pairs well with simple jam or plain as well.
  11. Store leftovers: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for 3-5 days. Reheat by microwaving, toasting, or warming in a 350°F oven on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes.

Notes

  • Day-old bread is preferred as it soaks custard better without falling apart.
  • Thicker bread slices (1 to 1 1/4 inches or more) make for a richer, custardy interior.
  • Use an electric griddle or large skillet for even cooking and space to avoid overcrowding.
  • Caramelizing sugar on both sides creates a unique crunchy, sweet crust that enhances the flavor.
  • Maple syrup is optional; the caramelization adds enough sweetness and texture on its own.
  • For best texture, avoid pre-toasting the bread before soaking.
  • Reheating in the oven on a wire rack helps maintain crispiness.

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Find it online: https://everydaykitchenmeals.com/caramelized-simple-french-toast-recipe/