Creamy Custard French Toast
Soft on the Inside, Golden on the Outside
Creamy custard French toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a rich vanilla custard, then gently cooked until golden on the outside and irresistibly soft and creamy inside. Every bite melts in your mouth, making this dish perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or special mornings.
Unlike basic French toast, this version focuses on a luxurious custard texture, delivering a dessert-like experience that still feels comforting and familiar.
What Makes Custard French Toast Special?
The secret lies in the custard-to-bread ratio and slow cooking. Using eggs, cream, and milk creates a silky interior similar to baked custard, while careful pan-frying ensures a crisp exterior without drying out the center.
Key Features
-
Thick, creamy interior
-
Lightly crisp, golden crust
-
Rich vanilla flavor
-
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
Ingredients (Serves 4)
-
8 thick slices brioche or challah bread (day-old preferred)
-
4 large eggs
-
1 cup whole milk
-
½ cup heavy cream
-
¼ cup sugar
-
1 tbsp vanilla extract
-
½ tsp ground cinnamon
-
Pinch of salt
-
Butter, for cooking
Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream.
How to Make Creamy Custard French Toast
1. Prepare the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Soak the Bread
Place bread slices in a shallow dish.
Pour custard mixture over bread and let soak for 30–60 seconds per side, allowing the bread to absorb the custard without falling apart.
Tip: Thicker bread holds custard better and stays creamy inside.
3. Preheat the Pan
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Add a small amount of butter and let it melt gently.
4. Cook Slowly
Place soaked bread onto the pan.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Lower heat if browning too quickly—slow cooking is essential for a custardy center.
5. Serve Immediately
Transfer to plates and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Custard French Toast
-
Use brioche or challah for best results
-
Avoid high heat to prevent burning
-
Let custard fully soak into bread
-
Cook low and slow for creamy centers
-
Keep cooked slices warm in the oven if cooking in batches
Variations
Baked Custard French Toast
Arrange soaked bread in a baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes.
Vanilla Bean Version
Use vanilla bean paste for deeper flavor.
Orange Custard French Toast
Add orange zest to the custard for a citrus note.
Dairy-Free
Use coconut milk and plant-based cream.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy custard French toast pairs beautifully with:
-
Fresh berries
-
Maple syrup or honey
-
Crispy bacon or sausage
-
A dusting of powdered sugar
Make-Ahead Tips
-
Custard can be prepared the night before
-
Bread can soak briefly before cooking
-
Cooked French toast can be kept warm in a low oven
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of milk and cream creates a rich custard that cooks gently inside the bread, while butter and controlled heat produce a golden, crisp exterior. The result is a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Creamy custard French toast is a breakfast classic elevated to indulgent perfection. Soft, rich, and comforting, it’s the kind of dish that turns any morning into something special.
Perfect for brunch tables, holiday mornings, or whenever you crave something luxurious and homemade.