French Toast with Cinnamon and Vanilla
A classic American breakfast favorite: thick slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, then pan-fried until golden with a tender, creamy center. Reliable, approachable, and perfect for weekend mornings or a quick “breakfast-for-dinner.”
French toast is a smart, time-tested way to turn simple pantry staples—bread, eggs, and milk—into something comforting and special. The cinnamon and vanilla are more than flavor: they perfume the custard and help the kitchen smell like a diner breakfast counter. Use slightly stale bread for the best texture, and cook gently so the center sets without the outside over-browning.
Total Time
25 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Custard Soak
- •4 large eggs
- •1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer toast)
- •2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- •2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Bread
- •8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast; preferably day-old)
For the Pan
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more as needed
- •1 tablespoon neutral oil (optional, helps prevent butter from burning)
To Serve (Optional)
- •Maple syrup
- •Powdered sugar
- •Fresh berries or sliced bananas
Instructions
- 1
Make the custard: In a wide, shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and the cinnamon is evenly dispersed.
- 2
Soak the bread: Dip each slice into the custard, letting it soak 10–15 seconds per side (slightly longer for very stale bread). Lift and let excess drip back into the dish.
- 3
Heat the skillet: Warm a large nonstick or well-seasoned skillet (or griddle) over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter (and a little oil if using) and swirl to coat.
- 4
Cook: Place soaked bread in the skillet in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and the center feels set (not wet). Adjust heat as needed; medium to medium-low prevents scorching while the custard cooks through.
- 5
Repeat: Add remaining butter as needed between batches, wiping out any burnt bits if necessary to keep the toast tasting clean.
- 6
Serve: Serve hot with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and/or fruit.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.