Cinnamon French Toast | Perfectly Spiced & Buttery

Name: Thick Cinnamon French Toast | Restaurant-Style at Home
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; ¾ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer custard); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 TBSP sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 8 slices of day-old brioche (challah, or Texan toast (¾ to 1 inch thick)); Butter or neutral oil for frying

restaurantrecipes November 1, 2025 Recipes, American, Blog, Breakfast, Family favorites, Quick meals Leave a comment

Thick Cinnamon French Toast | Restaurant-Style at Home

French toast doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be done right. This cinnamon French toast uses thick slices of brioche or challah, soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and fried until golden brown. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels a little indulgent without being complicated. Ideal for slow weekends, holiday mornings, or when you just want to make something that feels special. Whether you serve it with fresh berries or maple syrup, this version is about balance: crispy outside, soft inside, warm and spiced.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

4 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half for richer custard
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 TBSP sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
8 slices of day-old brioche challah, or Texan toast (¾ to 1 inch thick)
Butter or neutral oil for frying

Method

Make the custard.

In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and salt until fully combined. Let it sit for a minute so the cinnamon disperses evenly.

Soak the bread.

Place 1–2 slices of bread at a time in the custard. Let them soak for about 20–30 seconds each side (thicker or dry bread can go longer, but don’t let them fall apart).

Preheat the pan.

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1–2 tsp of butter or oil. It should sizzle but not smoke.

Cook French toast.

Fry the soaked slices 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Don’t crowd the pan. Work in batches and adjust the heat if it's browning too fast.

Serve immediately.

Serve it hot with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a pat of butter, and real maple syrup. For extra texture, try a sprinkle of crushed pecans or a spoonful of whipped cream.

Video

Notes

Bread makes or breaks French toast. Use thick, day-old slices of brioche, challah, or Texas toast for the best results. Thin or fresh bread soaks up too much custard and turns soggy. Also, cinnamon tends to clump, so whisk it thoroughly into your egg mixture. A quick reheat of the pan and even soaking of the bread are small steps that guarantee crisp edges and a custardy center every time.

Holiday French toast recipe ideas

Spring:

Top French toast with macerated strawberries and lemon zest for a bright brunch option. A light honey drizzle or whipped ricotta keeps it fresh.

Summer:

Serve with grilled peaches or berries compote and a scoop of vanilla yogurt. This makes a great, easy summer brunch recipe without being too heavy.

Fall:

Add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the custard and top it with sautéed apples or pear slices. This version of cinnamon French toast is perfect for cozy fall weekends and Thanksgiving breakfasts.

Winter:

Use eggnog or whole milk with vanilla and cinnamon for a holiday French toast twist. Add candied nuts and orange zest for richness and warmth.

What goes with cinnamon French toast

With Protein: Pair with bacon, breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs for a full brunch plate.

Sweet Toppings: Maple syrup is the classic, but cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, or fruit syrups (like blueberries or peaches) add variety.

Savory Twist: Add a pinch of salt and serve with cream cheese or whipped feta and a drizzle of honey, a contrast that makes the dish pop.

For entertaining: Serve stacked or in slices on a platter with toppings in small bowls; a great setup for a build-your-own French toast bar.

How to make crispy French toast: Tips & Tricks

Use Thick-Cut, Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without getting mushy. Brioche, challah, or Texas toast are ideal.

Let the custard soak in: Don’t rush the soak. 20–30 seconds per side is usually right. Too short, the inside stays dry.

Preheat the pan fully: Use medium heat and allow your skillet or griddle to get hot before cooking. This ensures golden brown, crisp edges.

Butter/Oil Balance: Butter gives flavor, but burns easily. Add a splash of oil to raise the smoke point or wipe and refresh between batches.

Avoid Stacking While Hot: If making for a group, keep slices in a single layer on a rack in a warm oven. Stacking makes them soggy.

Nutritional Info (Per 2 slices)

Calories: 280
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use challah or brioche for cinnamon French toast?

A: Absolutely, challah and brioche are ideal for French toast. They’re slightly sweet, eggy, and sturdy enough to soak up custard without falling apart. Thick slices work best for even cooking and that soft, custardy center.

Q: How long should I soak the bread for French toast?

A: Around 20–30 seconds per side is usually perfect. For thicker or dry slices (like day-old brioche or challah), you can go up to 45 seconds. The goal is to be soaked but not soggy; the bread should hold its shape.

Q: What milk should I use for French toast custard?

A: Whole milk or half-and-half works best for a rich, creamy custard. You can use 2% if needed, but avoid skim milk. It lacks the fat to give you that luscious texture. For dairy-free options, full-fat oat or almond milk is a decent substitute.

Q: How do I get crisp edges on French toast without burning them?

A: Use medium heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. A light layer of butter or oil will help toast the edges. Cast-iron or nonstick pans work well. If the butter starts to burn, wipe the pan clean and add fresh fat.

Q: How to serve cinnamon French toast for a crowd?

A: Preheat your oven to 250°F and place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a single layer to keep warm as you cook. Serve buffet-style with toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, and whipped cream in bowls or pitchers.

Q: Can I make French toast ahead of time or freeze it?

A: Yes! Cook and cool the slices completely, then freeze between sheets of parchment paper. Reheat in a toaster or 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Great for meal prep or hosting brunch without stress.

Restaurant Recipes Real Recipes. Clear Steps. Made to Work Every Time.

Cinnamon French Toast | Perfectly Spiced & Buttery