Brown Sugar French Toast: As if traditional French toast wasn’t good enough… combining it with the deliciousness of brown sugar takes it to a whole new level.
With simple ingredients and 30 minutes, breakfast will be on the table and a newfound love of French toast will be served.
If you want to try more variations of this easy breakfast recipe, check out my Stuffed French Toast as one idea. Or you could make some EASY Cinnamon French Toast Sticks that work for breakfast or as a sweet treat for the whole family at any time.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balanced sweetness: The brown sugar in this recipe lends a sublime sweetness that isn’t overpoweringly sugary; it’s just right.
- Ideal for special occasions: Whether it’s a classy brunch, a festive holiday breakfast, or a treat-yourself decadent breakfast on a regular day, this Brown Sugar French Toast serves as a luxurious treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients Needed
This French toast is made with easy-to-find ingredients. Here are a few notes on some of the key ingredients. See the recipe card below for the measurements.
- Brioche Bread – Opt for a thick-cut brioche for this recipe. Its rich, buttery flavor and soft, fluffy texture make it the perfect choice for French toast. Plus, it absorbs the egg mixture well, which results in a decadently soft and creamy interior while the outside gets beautifully crispy.
- Eggs – For the most flavorful French toast, use the freshest eggs you can find. Farm-fresh or organic eggs often have more vibrant yolks which can subtly enhance the taste of your dish. Also, ensure that your eggs are properly whisked to create a smooth, lump-free mixture for soaking the bread.
- Light Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar is your go-to sugar for this recipe due to its deep, rich flavor that’s not too overpowering. It caramelizes beautifully, giving the toast that irresistible golden-brown crust. Remember to store brown sugar in a cool, dark place to prevent it from clumping or hardening.
Substitutions
Sometimes substitutions are necessary because of ingredients that are unavailable or needed for dietary restrictions. Here are some suggestions that can help:
- Brioche Bread – While brioche is the best bread for this recipe, don’t stress if you can’t find it at the local supermarket. A good quality Challah or a dense white bread can step into its shoes nicely. It’s all about finding a type of bread that can hold its own when soaking up our delicious egg mixture.
- Half and Half – If you’ve used the last of your half and half in your morning coffee, fear not! You can replace it with a mixture of milk and heavy cream in a 1:1 ratio. Or, for a dairy-free version, try using almond milk, coconut milk, or coconut cream instead.
- Vanilla Extract – Ran out of vanilla extract? You can use maple syrup or honey as a replacement to add that hint of sweetness. If you want to keep the vanilla flavor, try using a small amount of vanilla bean paste or even the scraped insides of a vanilla pod.
- Light Brown Sugar – If you’ve run out of light brown sugar mid-recipe, you can use dark brown sugar instead. It has a slightly more intense molasses flavor, but will still give your French toast that delicious caramelized crust. Alternatively, a mixture of white sugar and molasses can work as a DIY replacement.
- Cinnamon – Just realized there’s no cinnamon in your pantry? You can substitute it with nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different, but equally yummy twist! If you’re out of spices entirely, a little bit of maple syrup can lend a sweet, comforting note to your French toast.
Variations
Looking for ways to mix up this delightful breakfast staple? Here are some creative twists you can try:
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: For the chocoholics out there, add a handful of chocolate chips to the egg mixture before soaking the bread. It’s like having dessert for breakfast!
- Tropical Paradise: Transport your taste buds to a tropical island by adding shredded coconut and sliced pineapple as toppings. Or, blend a ripe banana into the egg mixture for a tropical twist.
- Berry Bonanza: Fresh berries are a fantastic addition to this French toast. You can either scatter a handful over the top just before serving or simmer them into a delicious compote while your toast is cooking. Either way, it’s berry delicious!
- Autumn Spice: Add some autumnal flavor to your French toast by incorporating pumpkin spice into the egg mixture. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of extra spice. Hello, fall!
- Savory Switch: Not all French toast has to be sweet. Try making a savory version by adding grated cheese and chopped herbs to the egg mixture, then topping your finished toast with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chives. It’s a brunch game-changer!
How to Make Brown Sugar French Toast
This French toast recipe is broken into 2 components:
- Prepare the mixture
- Cook the toast
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!*
STEP 1: Mix the eggs. Combine eggs and half-and-half in a shallow bowl, whisking until smooth. (Images 1-2)
STEP 2: Add the spices. Stir in vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, ensuring these ingredients blend well with the egg mixture. (Image 3)
STEP 3: Add butter to the skillet. Melt butter in a heated skillet or griddle, making sure the entire bottom surface is covered.
STEP 4: Dip the bread. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides and allow any excess to drip off before moving to the frying pan. (Image 4)
STEP 5: Cook the toast. Cook each soaked bread slice in the hot, buttered pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Adjust cooking times based on the heat level of your pan. Add more butter to the pan if required.
STEP 6: Add toppings. Serve the cooked French toast with your preferred toppings such as butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries. Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar French Toast!
Recipe Pro Tips
- Don’t rush the soak: For exceptionally flavorful and moist French toast, let your thick slices spend some quality time in the egg mixture. A good 15-20 second dip per side should do the trick. But remember, we don’t want the bread to be overly soggy, so don’t leave it in there for too long!
- Low and slow is the way to go: Resist the temptation to crank up the heat. Cooking your French toast on medium-low heat ensures a crispy outside while allowing the inside to cook through. Patience is key here!
- Use the right tools: For easy flipping, use a wide spatula. It may seem like a minor detail, but trust me, it can make your French toast cooking experience so much smoother.
- Fresh is best: If you’re using fresh fruit as toppings, add them right before serving to maintain their freshness and vibrant colors. It’s all about that perfect Instagrammable moment, ladies!
- Change it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, try different types of bread like sourdough or a multi-grain loaf. Each bread brings its own unique flavor and texture to the French toast, making breakfast time an exciting adventure.
- Make ahead: For the best results for those super-busy mornings, save time by preparing the egg mixture the night before. Just give it a quick whisk in the morning before you dip your bread. Voila – a stress-free, delicious breakfast in no time!
Recipe FAQs
The most common mistake is using too much heat, which can burn the outside of the toast while leaving the inside uncooked. Remember to cook on medium-low heat for optimal results!
Absolutely! In fact, slightly stale bread can actually make better French toast. It tends to soak up the egg mixture better without falling apart, giving you a lovely, custardy center.
Yes, you can! Simply swap out the bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf. The rest of the recipe remains the same. Remember, the key to great French toast lies in the soak, so make sure to give your gluten-free bread
slices enough time to absorb the egg mixture.
Definitely! To make vegan French toast, replace the eggs with a mashed ripe banana or a flax egg. Use plant-based milk instead of half and half, and ensure your bread is vegan.
If your French toast turns out soggy, it could mean that your bread was overly soaked or the heat was too high during cooking. Next time, try reducing the soaking time and cooking on medium-low heat.
If you’re out of butter or prefer a healthier option, you can use coconut oil or a non-stick cooking spray. Both work well to prevent the toast from sticking to the pan and add a slightly different flavor profile.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar French Toast
For a balanced and hearty breakfast, serve your Brown Sugar French Toast with a side of lean proteins such as breakfast sausage baked in the oven. A refreshing side of fruit salad can also complement the sweetness of the toast perfectly.
If you’re a fan of dairy, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side – it’s a great source of protein and calcium and pairs wonderfully with the warm, cinnamon-infused French toast. And to top it all off, why not add a freshly brewed cup of your favorite coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice?
❄️ Storage
Leftovers: Storing uneaten Brown Sugar French Toast is a breeze! Simply let it cool down completely, then place the slices in a zip-top bag or airtight container and pop it into the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just give it a quick zap in the microwave or warm it up in an oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through.
To Freeze: You can definitely freeze it too! Arrange the cooled french toast slices on a baking sheet, pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours until each slice is frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. This method ensures that the slices don’t stick together, and you can just grab however many slices you want when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheat: Frozen French toast can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, you don’t even need to thaw – just pop them straight into the oven or toaster oven until they’re hot and crispy again. Now, isn’t that a breakfast lifesaver for those hectic mornings!
🍳 More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
Want to try something else that’s a little different for breakfast? How about making a Breakfast Waffle Charcuterie Board? Or you could stick with the bread theme and make everyone a Hawaiian Breakfast Sandwich for a tasty start to the day.
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Recipe
Brown Sugar French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf thick sliced Brioche bread
- 5 eggs
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter
- Optional: powered sugar
- Optional: maple syrup, whipped cream, strawberries/blueberries
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl combine eggs and half and half. Whisk until combined.
- Add vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt and whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add butter to heated skillet or griddle and spread to ensure bottom is fully covered.
- Place one piece of bread in the egg mixture, flipping over to cover both sides.
- Allow excess egg mixture to drip off before placing in pan.
- Add bread to hot, buttered pan and cook on medium heat for 1-2 minutes
- Flip over and cook onsecond side 1-2 minutes. Time will vary depending on how hot your pan is.
- Add additional butter to skillet as needed.
- Serve with toppings of your choice such as butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or berries.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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