Description
Brown sugar French toast is one of our all-time favorite breakfast and brunch recipes. Slices of bread are dipped in brown sugar and cinnamon then sprinkled with more brown sugar before pan-frying to a perfect crispy, golden brown.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 Tbsp. brown sugar, divided
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/2 tsp. fresh grated nutmeg, divided
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 pinch table salt
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more for cooking
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 8 (1/2-inch thick) slices bread, such as white, wheat or honey oat (see note)
- maple syrup, whipped cream, orange slices and berries, for serving
Instructions
- Stir together 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in a shallow dish or pie pan. Add orange zest, vanilla and salt. Pour on hot melted butter and whisk until smooth. Add eggs and whisk. Add milk and whisk mixture until smooth to create a custard. Dip slices of bread in the custard, flipping to coat well. Transfer to a sheet tray or clean plate.
- Heat more butter in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium. Just before cooking, sprinkle some of the brown sugar and spice mixture on bread slices. Then, working in batches, add 2 to 3 slices to skillet and cook, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side (see note). Repeat with remaining bread and sugar mixture. Serve French toast with whipped cream, maple syrup, berries and orange slices.
Notes
- This recipe will work with just about any sliced bread, including brioche, challah and sourdough.
- Be sure to adjust heat as needed when cooking the French toast as the sugar coating may burn. Try to keep the heat around medium and lower the heat it if the pan gets to hot.
- Keep leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Sautee
- Cuisine: American