Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast is the breakfast treat you’ll want to savor on lazy weekends or celebrate on special mornings. Thick, golden slices of pillowy brioche bread are soaked in a rich custard scented with honey and cinnamon, then pan-fried until crisp and irresistibly fragrant. Imagine serving up a platter full of warm slices dusted with powdered sugar, topped with fresh berries, and drizzled with even more honey — it’s truly a morning masterpiece that looks just as good as it tastes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to unforgettable French toast is using top-notch, simple ingredients that shine in every bite. Each component here adds something unique, from creamy richness to a pop of color. Here’s what makes this Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast so special:
- Brioche bread: Its buttery, tender crumb creates a delightfully plush base that soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- Large eggs: These form the foundation of your custard, giving it structure and beautiful golden color.
- Whole milk: Adds creamy texture and helps the custard absorb evenly into the bread.
- Heavy cream: For extra decadence, a splash in the custard ensures every slice is ultra-luxurious.
- Honey: Lends gentle sweetness and a floral aroma that elevates every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors with a subtle, comforting note.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers cozy spice that’s a hallmark of any classic French toast.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes all the sweet flavors sing, balancing them perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: For luscious, golden-brown edges and that irresistible toasty finish.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting before serving creates a beautiful, sweet finish.
- Extra honey: Drizzle this over the top for a glossy, sweet boost right at the table.
- Fresh berries: Juicy and vibrant, they add a wonderful contrast in flavor and color.
How to Make Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard
Start out by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. You want this mixture to be totally smooth and well-blended, as it’s the heart and soul of the Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast. The combination of honey and cinnamon not only perfumes your kitchen but ensures each slice has a deeply comforting flavor.
Step 2: Heat Your Skillet
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and drop in a tablespoon of unsalted butter. As it melts, let it coat the pan until it’s gently sizzling. This is what creates those gorgeously golden edges and a gentle crispness that makes the French toast stand out.
Step 3: Soak the Brioche
Take each thick slice of brioche and dip it into the egg custard mixture. Allow it to soak for about 10 to 15 seconds per side — enough time to soak in all that goodness without getting soggy. Lift each slice out, letting any excess custard drip off to avoid a too-wet texture.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Carefully place the custard-soaked brioche slices onto the hot, buttered skillet. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and just slightly crispy on the outside. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed to keep everything beautifully browned.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Arrange your golden Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast on a platter. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar, drizzle with more honey, and finish with a mountain of fresh berries. Serve while warm to capture that perfect combination of crisp edges and custardy, fluffy centers.
How to Serve Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast
Garnishes
Go all out with your toppings! A generous dusting of powdered sugar not only adds classic sweetness but also crowns each slice with a snowy finish. Drizzle with extra honey for irresistible shine and depth, then add a handful of plump, juicy berries for color, freshness, and a lovely tang that balances the sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast truly shines when paired with classic breakfast sides. Serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast, or add a creamy Greek yogurt parfait with fruit and granola on the side. If you love something simple, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a rich cappuccino is the ultimate accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it brunch-worthy by stacking the slices high and alternating layers of whipped cream and berries. Cut your French toast into strips for dunking in maple syrup or honey, perfect for kids or sharing. For special occasions, try arranging the slices in a fan shape on a platter and sprinkle with edible flowers for an elegant, eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place sheets of parchment or wax paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together and becoming soggy.
Freezing
To freeze, let the French toast slices cool completely, then line them on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, preserving all that honey-cinnamon flavor.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or pop them in the toaster for a few minutes to regain their crispy edges. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread chewy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While brioche is the champion for its rich, tender crumb, challah or even thick-cut white bread will work well and absorb the flavorful custard beautifully.
How do I prevent my French toast from getting soggy?
Be sure to soak each slice just until saturated (around 10 to 15 seconds per side), and always let the excess custard drip off before cooking; thin slices or over-soaking can lead to a mushy outcome.
What’s the best way to keep French toast warm for a crowd?
Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 200°F (93°C) oven. This keeps them warm and prevents them from getting soggy while you finish the batch — perfect for brunch parties!
Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk up the custard a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, then give it a good stir or brief whisk before dipping the bread when you’re ready to cook.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy free?
With a few swaps, yes! Use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk and heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free butter alternative. The results will still be delicious, with that signature honey-cinnamon warmth.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a breakfast that feels like a true treat without requiring fancy techniques, this Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast is your answer. Its irresistible flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture are sure to impress everyone at your table, so don’t wait for a special occasion — give this recipe a try and share some golden, honey-drenched joy!
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Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent and comforting flavors of this Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast. Made with rich brioche bread soaked in a sweet custard mixture and cooked to golden perfection, this breakfast treat is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Brioche French Toast:
- 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Serving:
- powdered sugar for dusting
- extra honey for drizzling
- fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each slice of brioche into the egg mixture, soaking for about 10–15 seconds per side. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust the French toast with powdered sugar, drizzle with honey, and serve topped with fresh berries.
Notes
- Brioche bread makes this French toast extra rich and fluffy, but challah is a great alternative.
- For a more custardy texture, let the bread soak longer in the egg mixture.
- To keep cooked slices warm, place them in a 200°F (93°C) oven until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
