Café-Style French Toast
The secret behind café French toast: after frying the egg-dipped bread until golden, toss it in melted butter, sugar and a little cinnamon so it caramelizes into a crisp, glossy crust — then finish with chocolate, honey or caramel and your favourite fruit.
Café-style French toast brings the classic breakfast to your kitchen with a coffee-shop touch: thick slices of bread are dipped in an egg and milk mixture, then browned in butter until golden outside and soft inside. Served warm with your favourite topping, it makes a cosy breakfast or a quick dessert.
How to Prepare
Whisk the eggs with the milk and dip each bread slice until soaked on both sides.
Fry in a little butter over medium heat until golden on both sides.
In the same pan, add the butter, sugar and cinnamon and toss the toast in it until it caramelizes into a glossy, crisp crust.
Plate and decorate with chocolate, honey or caramel and your favourite fruit. Serve warm.
Made it? Rate this recipe
Use thick slices of slightly stale bread — they soak up the custard without falling apart and caramelize beautifully.
Ingredient Swaps
Any thick bread works, such as toast bread, brioche or slightly stale French bread for a better result. For flavour, the brown sugar can be swapped for white or a dash of vanilla added to the egg mixture. The milk can also be replaced with a plant-based milk as preferred.
Common Questions
Why is thick bread preferred?
Thick slices soak up the egg mixture without falling apart and stay soft inside.
How do I avoid French toast turning too soggy?
Dip the bread quickly without soaking it long, then brown it over medium heat.
What is the best topping to serve?
Honey, maple syrup or powdered sugar with fresh fruit all suit it.
Can the mixture be prepared ahead?
Yes, the eggs and milk can be whisked ahead and chilled until cooking time.
Is the cinnamon necessary?
No, cinnamon is optional and adds a warm flavour that can be adjusted to taste.
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