There’s nothing quite like waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. This incredible cinnamon French toast recipe transforms a simple breakfast into a memorable weekend treat. Forget flat, soggy slices—we’re making French toast that’s luxuriously custardy on the inside with a perfectly golden, slightly crispy cinnamon-sugar crust on the outside. It’s the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the table, smiling.
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and foolproof, using pantry staples to create something truly special. Get ready to master the art of the perfect breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: We use cinnamon in both the custard and the final crust for a double dose of warm spice in every single bite.
- Perfect Texture: Learn the secret to achieving that ideal balance of a soft, creamy center and a beautifully crisp, golden-brown exterior. No more soggy French toast!
- Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it the perfect choice for a lazy Sunday morning, a special brunch, or even “breakfast for dinner.”
The Secret to the Best Cinnamon French Toast
The magic of this recipe lies in a simple two-step cinnamon process. First, we infuse the rich egg custard with ground cinnamon, ensuring the flavor soaks right into the bread. But the real game-changer is the cinnamon-sugar sprinkle we add just before pan-frying. This creates a delicate, caramelized crust that provides a delightful texture and a flavor reminiscent of a warm cinnamon roll or a fresh churro. It’s a small step that makes a world of difference.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread: Thick-cut, slightly stale bread is your best friend here. It soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs: They form the rich, custardy base of our batter.
- Milk & Cream: A combination of whole milk and a splash of heavy cream creates a custard that’s rich but not overly heavy.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show! We use it in the batter and for the crust.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the custard and helps create that caramelized crust.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and a beautiful aromatic quality.
- Butter: For pan-frying. It adds unbeatable flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Choosing the Best Bread
The type of bread you use is crucial for the final texture. You want something sturdy and thick that can stand up to the egg custard. Slices should be at least ¾ to 1-inch thick.
| Bread Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Brioche | This is the top choice for a reason. Its high egg and butter content creates an incredibly rich and tender result. For an even more decadent version, try this rich brioche bread. |
| Challah | A classic choice! Similar to brioche, it’s a rich, eggy bread that soaks up the custard beautifully. |
| Texas Toast | Its pre-sliced, extra-thick nature makes it a convenient and sturdy option that won’t get soggy. |
| French Bread | A day-old baguette or French loaf, sliced thickly, works wonderfully and provides a slightly chewier texture. |
Pro Tip: Using slightly stale (day-old) bread is ideal. Drier bread absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming mushy.
How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon French Toast
Making this recipe is as simple as whisk, dip, and fry. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Cinnamon French Toast Recipe (Perfectly Crispy & Custardy)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large shallow dish (like a pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- In a small, separate bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Working one slice at a time, briefly dip the bread into the egg custard, allowing it to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. The bread should be fully saturated but not falling apart. Let any excess drip off.
- Immediately after dipping, lightly sprinkle one side of the wet bread with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat. Place the bread slices in the skillet, cinnamon-sugar side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the center is cooked through. Sprinkle the top side with more cinnamon-sugar before flipping.
- Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed. Serve immediately with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries.
Notes
Tip 2: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches to ensure each slice gets a beautiful, even golden-brown crust.
Tip 3: Keep cooked slices warm on a wire rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the rest.
Ready to see it all come together? The finished stack is a thing of beauty, waiting for a generous pour of maple syrup.
Expert Tips for No-Fail French Toast
- Don’t Over-Soak: This is the #1 cause of soggy French toast. A quick dip of 15-20 seconds per side is all you need for most breads. The bread should be saturated but not falling apart.
- Medium-Low Heat is Key: Cooking on heat that’s too high will burn the outside before the custard in the center has a chance to cook. Medium-low heat allows the inside to set perfectly while the outside becomes beautifully golden-brown.
- Use a Mix of Butter and Oil: For the best flavor and a higher smoke point, use a combination of unsalted butter and a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) in your skillet.
- Keep Slices Warm: To serve everyone at once, place cooked slices on a wire rack set on a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F or 95°C) while you cook the remaining batches. This keeps them warm and prevents them from steaming and getting soft. This technique is a lifesaver when making a big French toast casserole too.
Fun Variations & Topping Ideas
While this cinnamon French toast is delicious on its own with maple syrup, feel free to get creative! It’s the perfect canvas for all sorts of delicious additions.
| Category | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit | Sliced bananas, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), or sautéed apples. |
| Sweet Sauces | Caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or a simple fruit compote. |
| Creamy Toppings | Whipped cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent brunch. |
| Crunchy Add-ins | Toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds. |
For a similar but even simpler version, you can’t go wrong with a classic French toast or our family-favorite easy French toast recipe (coming soon).
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best parts about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
- To Store: Let the French toast cool completely. Store slices in an airtight container or zip-top bag, separated by parchment paper, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: The best way to maintain a crispy texture is to use a toaster or a toaster oven. You can also reheat them in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes until warm and re-crisped. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soft.
- To Freeze: Place cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs About Making Cinnamon French Toast
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat is in a toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soft.
The key is to not over-soak the bread. A quick dip of 15-20 seconds per side is plenty. Also, cook on medium-low heat to ensure the custard cooks through without the exterior burning, which prevents a raw, soggy center.
The best bread is thick-cut (¾ to 1-inch) and slightly stale. Rich, eggy breads like brioche and challah are top choices for a soft, custardy result. Texas toast and thick-cut French bread are also excellent, sturdy options.
Milk provides the necessary moisture for the custard. Adding heavy cream increases the fat content, resulting in a richer, more decadent, and more custardy texture. Our recipe uses a combination for the perfect balance.
The Ultimate Weekend Breakfast Awaits
This cinnamon French toast recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The warm spices, rich custard, and crispy crust create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will make any morning feel special. It’s simple enough for a weekday but impressive enough for a holiday brunch.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or tag a photo on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
