So Tasty! Six Years On, and It’s Still a Crowd Favorite: Cinnamon Toast French Toast
Ever wondered if you could make breakfast so good, people would actually ask for it again and again? Like, beg you to make it? Maybe you think French toast is just… French toast. Well, get ready to have your mind blown! This isn’t just any French toast. This is Cinnamon Toast French Toast, and it’s about to become your new secret weapon for happy mornings (and happy crowds!).
Table of Contents
Overview: Why This Cinnamon Toast French Toast is Special
Okay, so what makes this Cinnamon Toast French Toast so amazing? It’s all about taking something already yummy (French toast!) and giving it a super boost of flavor and fun. Imagine crispy, golden French toast with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. Yep, that’s it! It’s like eating dessert for breakfast, but totally okay because… well, because it’s delicious and everyone loves it!
Time needed: About 20 minutes (super quick!)
Difficulty level: Easy peasy (even kids can help!)
This recipe is perfect for:
- Weekend brunch: Impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Weekday mornings: Yes, even on busy weekdays! It’s fast enough to make before school or work.
- Special occasions: Birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve a treat!
Essential Ingredients: The Magic Makers
Let’s talk ingredients! You probably already have most of these in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Cinnamon Toast French Toast:
- Bread: This is the star! You want bread that’s a little bit sturdy so it soaks up the egg mixture without getting soggy. Think:
- Brioche: Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for French toast.
- Challah: Rich and eggy, another great choice.
- Texas Toast: Thick slices that are great for soaking.
- Sourdough: Adds a bit of tang, if you like that!
- Even regular white bread or whole wheat bread works! Just make sure it’s not too thin. Stale bread is actually best for French toast – it soaks up the custard better!
- Eggs: These are what make the French toast fluffy and rich. They bind everything together.
- Importance: Use fresh, large eggs for the best texture.
- Substitution: For a vegan option, you can try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Milk (or Cream): Adds moisture and richness.
- Importance: Whole milk or half-and-half will make it extra creamy.
- Variations: You can use:
- Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk: For a dairy-free version.
- Coconut milk: For a richer, slightly coconutty flavor.
- Cinnamon: This is what makes it Cinnamon Toast French Toast! Warm, sweet, and cozy.
- Importance: Ground cinnamon is classic.
- Variation: You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Sugar: Sweetness is key!
- Importance: Granulated sugar works great for the cinnamon sugar coating and in the egg mixture.
- Variation: Brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor to the cinnamon sugar.
- Butter: For cooking the French toast and making it golden brown and delicious!
- Importance: Butter adds flavor and helps with browning.
- Substitution: You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer, but butter tastes best!
- Vanilla Extract (Optional but Recommended!): A little vanilla makes everything taste better! It enhances all the other flavors.
Ingredient Table: Quick Glance
| Ingredient | Why it’s Important | Substitutions/Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | Base of the French toast, texture | Brioche, Challah, Texas Toast, Sourdough, White, Whole Wheat |
| Eggs | Fluffiness, richness, binding | Flax egg, Egg replacer (vegan options) |
| Milk/Cream | Moisture, creaminess | Almond milk, Soy milk, Oat milk, Coconut milk (dairy-free/variations) |
| Cinnamon | Warm, sweet flavor | Nutmeg, Cardamom (spice variations) |
| Sugar | Sweetness | Brown sugar (caramel flavor) |
| Butter | Flavor, browning for cooking | Coconut oil, Vegetable oil (substitutions) |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances flavors (optional but recommended) | Almond extract (different flavor profile) |
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Ready to make some magic? Follow these easy steps:
- Get your cinnamon sugar ready: In a shallow dish (like a pie plate or a wide bowl), mix together:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Mix it well and set aside. This is going to make our French toast super special!
- Make the egg mixture (custard): In another shallow dish, whisk together:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using)
- A pinch of salt (just a tiny pinch!)
Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This is the yummy bath our bread will take!
- Dip the bread: Take one slice of bread at a time and dip it into the egg mixture.
- Tip: Let each side soak for about 15-20 seconds so it really soaks up the custard. But don’t soak it too long or it will get soggy!
- Cooking Technique: Make sure to coat both sides of the bread evenly.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating Time! After dipping it in the egg mixture, immediately press both sides of the bread into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure it’s nicely coated!
- Cook the French toast: Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cooking Tip: Let the skillet get hot before you add the French toast. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles in the pan.
- Cooking Technique: Place the cinnamon sugar-coated bread slices in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed.
- Cook each side until golden brown: Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Tip: Keep an eye on the heat! If it’s browning too quickly, turn the heat down a little. We want it golden brown, not burnt!
- Preparing Technique: Gently flip the French toast with a spatula when it’s ready to be turned.
- Repeat! Keep going until all your bread slices are cooked into delicious Cinnamon Toast French Toast! Add more butter to the skillet as needed between batches.
- Serve immediately: French toast is best served warm right away!
Assembly: Making it Look Amazing
Okay, your Cinnamon Toast French Toast is cooked – now let’s make it look as good as it tastes! Here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Classic Stack: Pile those slices high on a plate!
- Toppings Galore: Set out a bunch of yummy toppings so everyone can customize their own. Some ideas:
- Fresh fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, sliced peaches – yum!
- Syrup: Maple syrup is classic, but you can also try flavored syrups like caramel or chocolate.
- Whipped cream: Always a winner!
- Powdered sugar: A simple and pretty dusting.
- Chocolate chips or sprinkles: For extra fun, especially for kids!
- Nut butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella for a richer flavor.
- Pretty Presentation: Arrange the French toast slices nicely on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries and mint sprigs for a fancy touch.
Presentation Tips Table: Level Up Your French Toast Game
| Presentation Style | Description | Topping Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Stack | Simple, piled high slices | Maple syrup, butter |
| Toppings Bar | Offer a variety of toppings for customization | Fruits, syrups, whipped cream, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, nut butters |
| Fancy Platter | Arranged slices, garnished | Powdered sugar, fresh berries, mint sprigs |
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Plan Ahead!
Want to make some of this ahead of time? Or have leftovers?
- Storage:
- Cooked French toast: Store leftover cooked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Egg mixture: It’s best to make the egg mixture fresh. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but whisk it again before using.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Toaster oven: Reheat in a toaster oven at a medium setting for a few minutes.
- Skillet: You can also reheat it in a skillet with a little butter over medium-low heat until warmed through. This helps to keep it crispy.
- Microwave (not recommended for crispiness): If you’re in a rush, you can microwave it, but it might get a bit soggy. Heat in short intervals until warm.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Cinnamon Sugar: You can definitely mix the cinnamon sugar ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
- Egg mixture: As mentioned, you can make the egg mixture up to 24 hours in advance.
- Fully Cooked and Freeze: For longer storage, you can fully cook the French toast, let it cool completely, and then freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or toaster oven.
Recipe Variations: Spice it Up!
Want to get creative? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Cinnamon Toast French Toast: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a chocolatey twist!
- Orange Zest Cinnamon Toast French Toast: Add the zest of one orange to the egg mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Toast French Toast: Add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice to the cinnamon sugar and serve with sautéed apples on top.
- Stuffed Cinnamon Toast French Toast: Make a sandwich with cream cheese and fruit preserves between two slices of bread before dipping and cooking.
- Savory Cinnamon Toast French Toast (Wait, What?!): Okay, maybe skip the sugar in the egg mixture and cinnamon sugar coating for a savory version. Use herbs and spices in the egg mixture and serve with eggs and bacon! (Okay, maybe this one is a bit out there, but hey, why not experiment?)
Conclusion: Time to Get Toasting!
So there you have it! The secret to Cinnamon Toast French Toast that everyone will rave about. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s oh-so-delicious. Don’t be afraid to try out the variations and make it your own. Get in the kitchen, grab your bread and cinnamon, and get toasting! Your taste buds (and your crowd) will thank you!
Ready to make breakfast amazing? Try this Cinnamon Toast French Toast recipe this weekend and let me know how it goes in the comments below! What are your favorite toppings?
FAQs: Your Cinnamon Toast French Toast Questions Answered
- Is Cinnamon Toast French Toast healthy?
French toast is a treat, but it can be part of a balanced diet! It provides carbohydrates and protein. Using whole wheat bread and serving it with fruit adds fiber and vitamins. You can also use less sugar and milk alternatives to make it lighter. It’s definitely a more fun and arguably more appealing way for kids (and adults!) to get some energy in the morning compared to just plain toast.
- How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is super quick – about 5 minutes! Cooking time is around 15 minutes. So, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes for a delicious breakfast!
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if needed (though most naturally are!).
- Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! As mentioned earlier, brioche, challah, Texas toast, sourdough, white bread, whole wheat bread – they all work! Stale bread is actually preferred for French toast.
- What are good toppings for Cinnamon Toast French Toast?
So many options! Fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, nuts, nut butters, jams, jellies – get creative!
- How do I keep Cinnamon Toast French Toast from getting soggy?
Don’t soak the bread for too long in the egg mixture. Cook it in a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan. Reheating in the oven or toaster oven helps to crisp it up again.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love Cinnamon Toast French Toast! It’s sweet, fun to eat, and easy for them to help make (with supervision, of course!).
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