creamy custard french toast

🍞 Creamy Custard French Toast Recipe

✅ Servings:

4–6 people (makes about 8–10 slices, depending on bread size)

📝 Ingredients

For the Custard Batter:

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• ½ cup whole milk

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (or light brown sugar for deeper flavor)

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)

• ¼ tsp salt

• Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional, for a fresh twist)

For the French Toast:

• 8–10 slices of bread, ideally ¾ to 1 inch thick
  Best types:

  • Brioche

  • Challah

  • Texas Toast

  • French Bread (slightly stale is best!)

• 2–3 tbsp butter for frying (plus more as needed)

• Optional oil for frying: add 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) to butter to prevent burning

Toppings (optional but amazing):

• Maple syrup

• Powdered sugar

• Fresh berries

• Whipped cream

• Toasted nuts

• Caramelized bananas

🧑‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until fully beaten.

2. Add the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and optional citrus zest.

3. Whisk until smooth and well combined — the mixture should resemble a loose custard.

🔪 Tip: Pour the custard into a shallow dish (like a casserole dish or pie plate) to make dipping easier.

Step 2: Dip the Bread

1. Preheat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium to medium-low heat.

2. While the pan is heating, dip the bread slices one at a time into the custard mixture.

   • Let each slice soak for about 20–30 seconds per side. Thick slices may need a bit longer.

   • Don’t oversoak or the bread may fall apart (especially if it’s very soft).

3. Let excess custard drip off before placing on the hot pan.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

1. Add 1 tbsp butter (plus optional splash of oil) to the preheated pan or griddle.

2. Once melted and foamy, place the soaked bread slices on the pan.

3. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

   • Adjust heat as needed so the custard cooks through without burning the surface.

4. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet, or a warm oven (200°F/95°C) to keep warm while cooking the rest.

Step 4: Serve

Plate the French toast hot and serve with your favorite toppings:

• Classic: Maple syrup + powdered sugar

• Fresh: Berries + whipped cream

• Decadent: Caramelized bananas + toasted pecans + drizzle of chocolate or caramel

• Savory twist: Add a sprinkle of flaky salt, or serve with bacon on the side

🧊 Make-Ahead / Storage Tips

• Custard Mixture: Can be made the night before and refrigerated.

• French Toast Slices: Can be kept warm in a 200°F oven for 20–30 minutes.

• To Freeze: Let cooked French toast cool, then freeze in layers (with parchment paper between) in a zip-top bag. Reheat in toaster or oven.

🔁 Variations

• 🥥 Coconut Cream Custard: Use coconut milk and a splash of coconut extract.

• 🍫 Chocolate Twist: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder + 2 tbsp sugar to the custard.

• 🍎 Apple Pie Version: Add sautéed cinnamon apples on top and a dusting of powdered sugar.