By Aqsa 
French toast is a beloved breakfast classic, but when you elevate it with buttery, pillowy brioche, it becomes an indulgent masterpiece. If you’re craving a rich, flavorful morning treat, look no further than Brioche French Toast. This dish is perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or simply when you want to enjoy a luxurious start to your day.
In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about making the best Brioche French Toast, including a detailed recipe, cooking tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Why Brioche?
Brioche is a French bread known for its soft, slightly sweet, and buttery texture. Unlike regular sandwich bread, brioche contains eggs and butter, making it the ideal choice for French toast. Its rich structure absorbs the custard mixture well without falling apart, giving you a perfectly crispy yet custardy bite.
Ingredients for the Perfect Brioche French Toast
Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s go over the ingredients needed:
For the French Toast:
2 thick slices of brioche bread – The thicker the slices, the better the texture.
1 egg – Helps bind and thicken the custard. (Use 1 tbsp oil if vegan)
½ tsp cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
1 tbsp sugar – Sweetens the custard mixture slightly.
½ cup (125ml) double cream – Creates a rich and velvety custard.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
For the Toppings:
4 tbsp cashew butter – Adds a nutty, creamy element.
2 big scoops whipped or thick double cream – For extra indulgence.
2 tbsp sugar – A little extra sweetness to balance flavors.
1 tsp cinnamon – A finishing touch of spice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brioche French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, cinnamon, sugar, double cream, and vanilla extract. This mixture will coat the brioche, giving it a rich and creamy texture when cooked. If you’re making a vegan version, substitute the egg with a tablespoon of oil.
Step 2: Soak the Brioche
Dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side. The goal is for the bread to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy or falling apart.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add a little butter. Once the butter has melted, place the soaked brioche slices in the pan. Fry each side for about 1 minute, or until golden brown and crispy. The key is to cook it slowly enough to allow the custard to set while getting a beautiful caramelized crust.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Stack the French toast slices on a plate and top with cashew butter, whipped cream, a sprinkle of sugar, and cinnamon. The combination of creamy and nutty toppings enhances the flavors beautifully.
Tips for the Best Brioche French Toast
Use stale brioche – Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard better, preventing it from becoming too mushy.
Don’t soak for too long – If left in the custard too long, the brioche may become overly soft and difficult to cook.
Cook on medium heat – High heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Use high-quality vanilla extract – A good vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
Experiment with different toppings – Try adding fresh fruits, caramelized bananas, or maple syrup for variety.
Delicious Variations
Brioche French Toast is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Chocolate Brioche French Toast
Add chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the finished toast.
Mix a little cocoa powder into the custard for a deeper chocolate flavor.
2. Berry Bliss French Toast
Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
3. Caramelized Banana French Toast
Slice a banana and caramelize it in butter and brown sugar.
Serve it over the French toast for a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
4. Nutella & Hazelnut French Toast
Spread Nutella between two slices and cook it like a French toast sandwich.
Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for a crunchy texture.
5. Savory Brioche French Toast
Skip the sugar and vanilla in the custard.
Serve with crispy bacon, avocado, and poached eggs for a savory twist.
Perfect Pairings for Brioche French Toast
To elevate your breakfast experience, consider pairing your Brioche French Toast with:
Freshly brewed coffee or espresso – The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness.
A glass of orange juice – A citrusy touch adds freshness.
Mimosa or Bellini – If you’re serving this for a special brunch.
Greek yogurt with honey – A tangy, creamy contrast to the rich toast.
Healthier Alternatives
If you want to make a lighter version of Brioche French Toast, here are some modifications:
Use whole wheat brioche – For added fiber and nutrients.
Replace double cream with almond or oat milk – A lighter dairy-free alternative.
Use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup – Instead of refined sugar.
Top with fresh fruit instead of whipped cream – Adds natural sweetness and vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Brioche French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the French toast and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toast it in a pan or oven until warm.
2. Can I freeze Brioche French Toast?
Absolutely! Let the cooked French toast cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet.
3. What is the best way to reheat French Toast?
The best way is to reheat in a pan or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the toast soggy.
4. Can I use a different type of bread?
While brioche is the best choice, you can also use challah, sourdough, or Texas toast. However, the texture and flavor may vary.
5. How do I prevent my French Toast from being too soggy?
Make sure to:
Use thicker slices of bread.
Avoid over-soaking the bread in the custard.
Cook at a medium heat to allow the inside to cook through properly.
Final Thoughts
Brioche French Toast is the ultimate breakfast treat—rich, buttery, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it with classic toppings like cinnamon and sugar or go all out with Nutella and caramelized bananas, this dish never disappoints.
Try this recipe for your next brunch, and let us know how it turns out! What are your favorite toppings for French toast? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy cooking! 🍽️🥞
Must try Bakery-Style White Cake Recipe
Brioche French Toast Recipe
Indulge in rich, buttery Brioche French Toast with creamy custard, cinnamon, and decadent toppings. Perfect for a luxurious breakfast or brunch!
Type: Breakfast/Brunch
Cuisine: French
Keywords: Brioche French Toast, French Toast Recipe, Easy Breakfast, Brunch Ideas, Custard French Toast
Recipe Yield: 2 servings
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 thick slices of brioche bread
- 1 egg (or 1 tbsp oil if vegan)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup (125ml) double cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp cashew butter
- 2 big scoops whipped/thick double cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Recipe Instructions:
Prepare the Custard:
Soak the Brioche:
Cook the French Toast:
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add a little butter. Once the butter has melted, place the soaked brioche slices in the pan. Fry each side for about 1 minute, or until golden brown and crispy. The key is to cook it slowly enough to allow the custard to set while getting a beautiful caramelized crust.