Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate brunch treat that feels both decadent and comforting, you’re in the right place. This Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is an absolute game changer. I absolutely love how rich and custardy the bread turns out, all wrapped up in that sweet, crunchy, caramelized cinnamon sugar that makes every bite a little celebration in your mouth. Stick with me here—I promise you’ll want to make this again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing quality ingredients is key here because everything shines through in this simple custard French toast. I like using thick-cut brioche because it holds up to soaking without falling apart, and the vanilla extract adds that warm, homey note that elevates the whole dish.

• Egg Yolks: Using yolks instead of whole eggs gives the custard extra richness and creaminess that I just adore.
• Vanilla Extract: The vanilla infuses the custard with subtle sweetness and aroma that makes you want to dive right in.
• Half and Half: It’s the perfect balance between milkiness and creaminess, soaking into the bread without being too heavy.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious texture and makes the custard feel almost like dessert.
• Cinnamon Sugar: You’ll make your own blend here; it’s key for that cinnamon sweetness that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.
• Thick Cut Brioche Bread: The best choice for this recipe because its richness and density soak up the custard well while staying sturdy.
• Vegetable Oil: For cooking – it helps get the toast golden without burning the sugar too quickly.
• Unsalted Butter: Added with oil in the pan for rich flavor and that classic buttery finish.
• Maple Syrup: To drizzle generously on top – it’s the finishing touch that makes the dish complete.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or mood. The custard base is super flexible, so you can play around with flavors without losing that perfect custard french toast vibe.

• Spiced Up: When fall rolls around, I add a pinch of nutmeg and ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar mix, giving it that cozy warm spice that fills the whole kitchen.
• Dairy-Free Twist: I’ve swapped half and half and heavy cream for coconut milk a few times, and it makes a lovely tropical take that still feels rich and satisfying.
• Fruit Infusion: Sometimes I layer the custard-dipped toast with thinly sliced apples or pears before cooking for a fruity surprise inside.
• Gluten-Free Bread: I’ve had luck with sturdy gluten-free artisan bread – just make sure it’s thick and fresh to hold the custard.

How to Make Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar Magic

The cinnamon sugar is the star of the show here. I mix a cup of sugar with a tablespoon of cinnamon, but I like to sneak in a little nutmeg and salt sometimes to add depth — about 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt if you have it on hand. I keep this in a small shaker jar because dusting the cinnamon sugar on the toast while it cooks is an essential step that creates that beautiful caramelized crust.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard to Perfection

In a large bowl, whisk together four large egg yolks, a tablespoon of vanilla extract, two cups of half and half, one cup heavy cream, and two tablespoons of that cinnamon sugar you just prepared. This takes a minute or two until it’s frothy and well combined. The custard should smell incredible—sweet, creamy, and a little spicy from the cinnamon.

Step 3: Soak the Thick Brioche Slices

Heat a 10-12 inch skillet over medium-low heat and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil plus half a tablespoon of unsalted butter—this combo helps you get a nice sear without burning the sugar. Dip each brioche slice into the custard for about 20-30 seconds, turning it three to four times so it’s completely saturated but not soggy. Trust me, the thickness of the brioche means it will soak up just the right amount of custard.

Step 4: Cook and Caramelize the Cinnamon Sugar

Place two soaked slices in the pan at a time. Immediately dust the top with cinnamon sugar. Let it cook until the bottom side is golden and crisp—this usually takes a few minutes. Flip the toast so the sugared side is down, then dust the now-cooked side with more cinnamon sugar. When this sugar-carpeted side is golden and caramelized, flip the slices again briefly to caramelize the original side once more. If needed, turn the heat up a notch to medium after flipping the first time to get that sugar to caramelize nicely without burning. Remove from the pan once both sides are crisp, caramelized, and beautifully golden. Repeat with all slices.

Step 5: Serve It Up Warm and Glorious

Top each slice with a little extra dusting of cinnamon sugar, a pat of unsalted butter, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. The balance of buttery, sweet, and that perfect crunch will make you swoon.

How to Serve Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about simplicity here—after caramelizing that cinnamon sugar crust, I like adding just a pat of butter to melt on top and a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle. If you want to get fancy, a few fresh berries or sliced bananas add color and freshness without overshadowing the toast’s rich flavors.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a salty contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a citrus-y yogurt parfait balances the richness perfectly. Honestly, this Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with a big cup of coffee or fresh-pressed juice.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut the French toast slices into triangles and stack them on a fancy platter with cinnamon sugar dusted all around for a rustic-chic look. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint can turn this into a brunch centerpiece that wows guests effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French toast reheats beautifully. I store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cool the toast completely before storing to keep that caramelized crunch intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they thaw well. When you want some, just transfer to the fridge overnight or pop them in the toaster or oven directly—just watch closely so the sugar doesn’t burn.

Reheating

To keep the beautiful caramelized cinnamon sugar crispness, I reheat the toast in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat. Microwaving makes it soggy, so avoid that if you want to keep the delightful crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Custard French Toast with Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Recipe has become one of my favorite weekend rituals. The way the custard soaks into the brioche and the caramelized cinnamon sugar crust forms is pure magic. I love sharing this with my family and seeing their eyes light up with every bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate—rich, warm, and utterly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own special breakfast tradition!

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