Toast: Cinnamon Sugar French

Sunday breakfast is a big deal in our house

I’ve probably mentioned it a time or twenty over the last 16 years. Each one of us will chime in with a request and lately we’ve had a lot of fried egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos and bacon and scrambled eggs. I boycotted eggs this past weekend and the moment Haileigh suggested French toast, I knew what I was going to make.

Years ago (2014), I had dreamt of cinnamon sugar crusted French toast. Thick slices of brioche with a crispy cinnamon and sugar crust… have mercy. There was fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup and a dependable dollop of whipped cream as well. Full transparency, it wasn’t a dream per se, but it was one of those times when you’re in a comforting state of half awake and half asleep. Usually when this happens I count backwards or repeat a chant I learned in yoga to fall back asleep. Apparently that morning I brainstormed a recipe. So I quickly jotted it down in my notes app and before I knew it, I was back asleep.

All these years later, and I still make this method on occasion. It’s dependable for Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas – or whenever you’re craving a simple, sweet and decadent breakfast.

To cook this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Set out:

• cinnamon sugar – Use my recipe for the reliable cinnamon and sugar ratio.
• milk – Use any milk of your choice!
• eggs – Adds richness and flavor.
• vanilla – Lends distinct flavor and enhances the other flavors in the dish.
• sea salt – Balances the sweetness in this dish.
• brioche – Or use challah or Texas toast
• butter – Or use coconut oil for the griddle.

for serving (optional):

• salted butter
• maple syrup
• whipped cream
• raspberries

Make The Cinnamon Sugar:

In a bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Here’s my recipe for dependable cinnamon sugar.

Make The French Toast:

In a shallow baking dish, add 1 cup milk, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a pinch of fine salt.

Whisk well until thoroughly combined.

Quickly dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture. Drain off any excess egg mixture and arrange the slices on a wire rack that’s set into a rimmed baking sheet.

Repeat this step with remaining pieces of brioche.

Then generously sprinkle spoonfuls of the cinnamon sugar over top of the slices. Make sure you get it as close to the edge as possible.

Flip and repeat on the second side.

Preheat your griddle to 325°-350℉ (or 160°-180℃).

Grease the griddle with butter or coconut oil.

Lay the bread onto the griddle. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until crust forms on the bottom side of the bread.

Carefully flip and continue to cook, about 3 more minutes, or until golden brown.

*You may need to adjust the temperature on your griddle to avoid burning the sugar before the middle cooks.

Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and keep warm in a low 200℉ (90℃) oven while you repeat with buttering the griddle and cooking the remaining French toast.

I like to cut my cinnamon sugar crusted French toasts in half diagonally for pretty little triangles. Other than that, all that’s left to do is spread these gems with butter…

…and drizzle with real maple syrup

I also like to add a dollop of whipped cream, fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

What To Serve With French Toast:

• bacon, regular or maple sausage links or patties or turkey breakfast sausage.
• fresh fruit and/or berries
• coffee or tea
• for brunch, serve with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt and hash browns.

How Long Will French Toast Last In The Fridge:

Got leftover French toast? Save it and enjoy it later in the week! Store the French toast in an air-tight container or resealable bag/stasher bag (to avoid drying out or absorbing fridge odors) and refrigerate for up to 3 to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet of for a few minutes in the air-fryer.

Can French Toast Be Frozen?

Certainly! Flash freeze the French toast first on a rimmed baking sheet for 30 minutes, portion serving amounts into resealable baggies (or stasher bags) and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Enjoy! And if you give this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!