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French Toast is one of those breakfast staples that sounds simple… until you realise how many sad, soggy versions exist in the wild. We have all been there. Pale slices. Eggy centres. A pan that looks hot but somehow still lets everything soak instead of crisp.

After plenty of weekend testing, too much coffee, and more bread than I care to admit, this French Toast finally hits that sweet spot. Crisp edges, soft custardy centres, and flavour that actually tastes like breakfast and not scrambled eggs pretending to be dessert.

Side view image of The Best French Toast drizzled with maple syrup.

Why People Love This French Toast (And Keep Making It)

This is not just another french toast recipe floating around the internet. It is built to work every single time.

  • The custard is balanced, not eggy. The ratio of eggs to milk creates a creamy interior without that sulphur smell that ruins first bites.
  • The bread choice matters here. Using the right french toast bread gives structure, absorbs flavour properly, and still crisps on the outside.
  • Golden, not greasy. Cooking over medium heat with butter gives colour without burning or soaking the slices in fat.
  • Fast enough for weekdays, special enough for weekends. This easy french toast comes together quickly but still feels like the best french toast when it hits the plate.

The Stars of the Show (Not Every Single Thing)

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Labeled flatlay image of French toast ingredients arranged in small bowls on a neutral surface. The items include slices of brioche bread, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup, each clearly marked with red text labels.

This easy French toast comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients. The secret is using the right bread and flavorings to create a perfectly rich and custardy bite every time.

  • Brioche Bread: Thick, buttery slices soak up the custard without falling apart, making it the ideal French toast bread.
  • Eggs: Essential for binding and adding richness to the custard mixture.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create that soft, fluffy texture inside.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

Optional Add-Ins and Smart Swaps (If You’re Feeling Fancy)

These are completely optional, but they let you tweak the recipe without breaking it.

  • Orange Zest: A little zest added to the custard brightens everything and pairs beautifully with maple syrup.
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch deepens the flavour and adds warmth without overpowering the cinnamon.
  • Half-and-Half Instead of Milk: For an extra rich, almost dessert-level centre when you want something indulgent.
  • Plant-Based Milk: Almond or oat milk works well if you want a dairy-free version, just choose unsweetened.

How To Make The Best French Toast

  1. Preheat Pan: Place a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  1. Make Custard: In a large shallow dish, whisk the eggs. Add milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, then whisk again until fully combined.
  1. Soak Bread: Quickly dip one slice of French toast bread into the egg mixture for 2 to 3 seconds per side, allowing it to soak but not get soggy.
  1. Cook and Serve: Place soaked bread onto the hot pan. Fry until golden on one side (about 3 minutes), flip, and cook the other side. Repeat with remaining slices.

Pair your French Toast with a warm cup of Nutella Hot Chocolate for a cozy, chocolatey complement. Add a savory touch with Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs, perfectly soft and creamy to balance the sweetness.

For an extra treat, serve alongside Cappuccino French Toast with Coffee Cream—a coffee-infused twist that’s perfect for brunch lovers. If you want a savory breakfast try my Huevos Rancheros.

Tips That Actually Make a Difference

  • Use bread that is slightly dry. Fresh bread absorbs too quickly and turns soggy. If your bread is fresh, leave it out for 20 minutes before dipping.
  • Do not oversoak. A quick dip on each side is enough. The bread should absorb custard but still feel sturdy when lifted.
  • Medium heat is your friend. Too hot and the outside burns before the centre cooks. Too low and you lose colour and crispness.
  • Wipe the pan between batches. Burnt butter bits will stick to the next slices and mess with flavour. A quick wipe keeps everything clean and golden.
  • Finish with fresh butter. Adding a small knob between batches keeps the french toast rich and evenly browned.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I Use Heavy Cream Instead of Milk?

Yes, you can use heavy cream or half and half, but milk is preferred. It’s lighter, browns more evenly, and helps avoid soggy centers or overcooked edges.

Can I Use a Sweetener Instead of Sugar?

Absolutely. You can use white, raw, or light brown sugar, or a natural granulated sweetener like Swerve or Natvia. Just avoid liquid sweeteners and follow packet instructions for measurements.

What’s the Best Bread for French Toast?

French toast bread like brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread works best. They’re sturdy, soak up the custard beautifully, and cook up golden and fluffy.

French Toast with maple syrup, butter and strawberries.

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4.84 from 12 votes

French Toast

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
The Best French Toast is super easy to make with the perfect balance of flavours soaked into sweet brioche slices! With a hint of vanilla and cinnamon and crispy pan fried edges, this is one French Toast recipe the whole family goes crazy for.
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Ingredients 
 

  • 8 slices brioche bread sub with any bread if desired
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or superfine/caster sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon butter for griddle
  • 1/2 tablespoon jam jelly, butter, maple syrup or honey, to serve

Instructions 

  • Preheat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Whisk eggs in a large, shallow dish. Add the milk, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon; whisk well to combine.
  • Lightly grease pan with a little butter or cooking oil, spreading evenly over the surface with a spatula.
  • Working quickly, dip one slice of bread into the egg wash, allow to soak for 2-3 seconds; flip and dip the other side, soaking again for a further 2-3 seconds.
  • Fry until golden browned on underside, (about 3 minutes), then flip and cook until golden browned, (about another 3-4 minutes). You can cook 2 toasts at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
  • Repeat with remaining bread slices.
  • Serve warm with desired toppings.

Notes

Tips:
  • Use regular milk if you would like your bread to brown evenly and don’t want your brioche bread to be too heavy. 

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 446IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!

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Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

4.84 from 12 votes

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17 Comments

  1. AISHA says:

    5 stars
    I just used your French toast recipe for a late breakfast and it was excellent. My 6 year old loved it.

  2. Ryan says:

    5 stars
    Best French toast I’ve ever had..I’ve made many various recipes and had many orders of French toast out at breakfast places. But. The texture and bite of this french toast is heavenly.

    1. Abenathi says:

      5 stars
      Best French toast ever!!!… I ate it with some homemade caramel and strawberries.. Heavennn

  3. Vanessa says:

    5 stars
    Hi! Love all your recipes 🙂
    I’m having trouble cooking the French toast . It never seems to fully cook on the inside and ends up with soggy parts on the inside and if I leave it cooking too long I cook the outside too much.. Is it maybe the type of bread ? I used thick white bread slices
    Any tip helps!

    1. Karina says:

      Hi Vanessa. It sounds like you need to lower the heat to prevent them from overcooking on the outside, while giving them time to cook through and set on the inside. I hope that helps!

    2. Ayesha says:

      I slightly toast my bread before dipping into the batter – stops me from having this problem!

  4. Shantay says:

    5 stars
    Your recipes never disappoint. This was just what I was looking for. Thanks for another great recipe.

  5. Evelyn C. says:

    5 stars
    Thank you for including potassium in your Nutrition lists. Those who must limit or increase potassium in their diets appreciate this information and are much more likely to use your awesome recipes!

  6. Evelyn C says:

    4 stars
    Thank you for including potassium in your Nutrition Facts lists. Those who must limit or increase potassium in their diets appreciate the information.

    1. Karina says:

      I am glad that it helps you! I am wanting to help as much as possible when I can. Thank you so much for following along with me! XO

  7. Ivory says:

    5 stars
    These look mouthwatering. Yum!

  8. JimC says:

    5 stars
    I like adding a touch of nutmeg!

    1. Karina says:

      Great Idea! Love it! Thanks for sharing!

  9. Tom Lindholtz says:

    5 stars
    Tip: looking at your photo of the egg wash; note that it has little floating clumps of cinnamon. Cinnamon is so dry it will not easily incorporate into a liquid. Unless…. In the bowl I’m going to mix my egg wash in, i first place a small amount of salad oil; the amount depending on how many servings and how much cinnamon, but usually ~ 1/2 tsp. Sprinkle the cinnamon on top of the oil and let it soak in for a couple seconds. Then add the rest of your ingredients and whisk. The cinnamon blends in very nicely and uniformly.

  10. Len says:

    4 stars
    I have been eating French toast most of my life and cooking it since I was about 14. I’ve done it with white bread and challah but never with brioche. I followed your recipe exactly, including medium hot pan, time for dipping and cooking time. I added only cinnamon and vanilla (which I add to pancakes all the time). It was excellent and even a guy can do it.

    1. Jean says:

      I am 82 years old my family since 1940 always made French toast .
      I personally make it and I put a little Brandy in the mix or Rum or Grand Marnier and when done dust the top with powdered sugar and add some more cinnamon.use a pancake grill to saute. Very simple