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Crispy Classic French Toast Recipe with Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Topping

crispy classic french toast - featured image

A crispy French toast recipe with a tender custardy inside and a perfectly balanced cinnamon sugar topping, ideal for cozy mornings and easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Thick slices of day-old brioche or challah (or Texas toast or sturdy white bread)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or 2% or plant-based milk like oat or almond)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil)
  • Cinnamon sugar topping: 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk until smooth.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk again until fully combined and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  3. Slice the bread into 3/4-inch thick pieces. If using fresh bread, lightly toast slices to dry them out a bit.
  4. Dip each slice into the custard, soaking about 20 seconds per side. Pat gently with a paper towel if too wet.
  5. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet or heavy nonstick pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt completely without browning.
  6. Place soaked bread slices in the pan without crowding. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crisp.
  7. Transfer cooked French toast to a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F/90°C) to keep warm and crisp.
  8. Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
  9. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping generously over warm French toast just before serving.

Notes

Use day-old brioche, challah, or Texas toast for best texture. Soak bread about 20 seconds per side to avoid sogginess. Cook on medium heat to get a golden crust without burning butter. Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven to maintain crispness. For vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed egg and use plant-based milk and coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast, crispy French toast, cinnamon sugar, breakfast, brunch, easy recipe, custardy French toast