Classic Brioche French Toast with Warm Spices
Easy homemade French toast recipe with brioche, eggs, and warm spices. Ready in 18 minutes with tips for perfect golden-brown results.
Health Scores
Ingredients
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread, cut 3/4-inch thick
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Maple syrup for serving
- Fresh berries for serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, orange zest, and salt in a shallow bowl until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
- 2
Heat a large griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until evenly preheated.
- 3
Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the griddle and allow it to melt completely, coating the entire cooking surface.
- 4
Working quickly, dip each brioche slice into the custard mixture for 2-3 seconds per side, ensuring it's moistened but not oversaturated.
- 5
Place 3-4 custard-coated bread slices onto the hot buttered griddle in a single layer.
- 6
Cook the bread slices for 3-4 minutes until the bottom becomes deep golden brown with caramelized edges.
- 7
Flip each slice carefully and cook the opposite side for another 3-4 minutes until equally golden and crispy.
- 8
Transfer the cooked French toast to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while finishing remaining batches.
- 9
Add the remaining butter to the griddle between batches and repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining bread slices.
- 10
Serve the warm French toast immediately while still crispy, drizzled with pure maple syrup and scattered with fresh berries.
- 11
Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired, and serve alongside fresh whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk and heavy cream | Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk mixed with 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt | Reduces saturated fat and adds protein while maintaining creaminess |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup | Reduces refined sugar intake and provides natural sweetness with minerals |
| Brioche or challah bread | Whole wheat or sprouted grain bread, cut thick | Increases fiber content and reduces blood sugar spike |
| Unsalted butter for cooking | Coconut oil or ghee | Provides healthier fat options with higher smoke points and different micronutrient profiles |
| 3 large eggs | 2 large eggs plus 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water | Reduces dietary cholesterol while maintaining binding and custardy texture |
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 315 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 98mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 13g |