Classic Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Vanilla Custard and Maple Butter

Thick slices of brioche bread soaked in rich vanilla custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection and generously coated with aromatic cinnamon sugar. This ultimate French toast combines the creamy richness of custard-soaked bread with the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar, creating a breakfast masterpiece that's crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside. Served with whipped maple butter and pure maple syrup, it's the perfect indulgent start to any morning or elegant brunch centerpiece.

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JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

French Toast Mastery Secrets for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Custard Texture

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect Custard Creation Mastery:
Master the technique of creating smooth, rich custard for optimal bread soaking.
Bread Soaking Excellence:
Learn the skill of properly soaking bread for perfect custard penetration without breaking.
Pan-Frying Perfection:
Perfect the method of achieving golden exterior while maintaining custardy interior.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
Master the art of applying cinnamon sugar for maximum flavor and beautiful appearance.
Presentation Strategy:
Learn elegant plating techniques with garnishes for restaurant-quality breakfast presentation.
Classic Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Vanilla Custard and Maple Butter - secondary view

The Art of Perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Creation and Breakfast Elegance

Perfect Custard Creation Mastery
Master the technique of creating smooth, rich custard for optimal bread soaking.
Bread Soaking Excellence
Learn the skill of properly soaking bread for perfect custard penetration without breaking.
Pan-Frying Perfection
Perfect the method of achieving golden exterior while maintaining custardy interior.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Master the art of applying cinnamon sugar for maximum flavor and beautiful appearance.
Presentation Strategy
Learn elegant plating techniques with garnishes for restaurant-quality breakfast presentation.
French Toast Mastery Secrets for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Custard Texture
Bread Choice: Day-old brioche or challah absorbs custard better without falling apart.
Soaking Time: Don't over-soak bread - 30 seconds per side is perfect for absorption.
Temperature Control: Medium heat prevents burning while ensuring custard cooks through.
Sugar Timing: Apply cinnamon sugar while French toast is hot for better adherence.
Serving Speed: Serve immediately for best texture contrast between crispy exterior and custardy interior.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare custard mixture the night before for quicker morning assembly.
Classic Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Vanilla Custard and Maple Butter - tertiary view

Classic Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with Vanilla Custard and Maple Butter

Thick slices of brioche bread soaked in rich vanilla custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection and generously coated with aromatic cinnamon sugar. This ultimate French toast combines the creamy richness of custard-soaked bread with the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar, creating a breakfast masterpiece that's crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside. Served with whipped maple butter and pure maple syrup, it's the perfect indulgent start to any morning or elegant brunch centerpiece.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
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Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the Perfect Bread:
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8 thick slices brioche or challah bread
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Day-old bread preferred for better absorption
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For the Vanilla Custard:
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6 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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Pinch of cardamom
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For the Cooking Process:
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4 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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For the Maple Butter:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/4 cup pure maple syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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For the Flavor Enhancers:
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1 teaspoon orange zest
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1/4 teaspoon almond extract
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1 tablespoon rum (optional)
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For the Toppings:
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Pure maple syrup, warmed
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Fresh berries
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Whipped cream
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For the Garnish:
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Fresh mint sprigs
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Sliced almonds, toasted
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Orange zest
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For the Crispy Elements:
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2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
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Extra cinnamon for dusting
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For Special Equipment:
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Large shallow dish
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Large skillet or griddle
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Wire cooling rack
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Fine mesh strainer

Instructions

01
Slice bread into thick 1-inch pieces if not already pre-sliced.
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Let bread sit out overnight or toast lightly to remove excess moisture.
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Whisk eggs thoroughly in large shallow dish until smooth.
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Add milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt to beaten eggs.
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Whisk custard mixture until completely smooth and well combined.
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Strain custard through fine mesh to remove any lumps.
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Mix cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, and cardamom in shallow plate.
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Heat butter and oil in large skillet over medium heat.
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Dip each bread slice in custard, letting it soak for 30 seconds per side.
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Allow excess custard to drip off before placing in hot skillet.
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Cook French toast for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on first side.
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Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Immediately dredge hot French toast in cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Coat both sides generously while toast is still warm.
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Transfer to wire rack or keep warm in 200°F oven.
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Meanwhile, prepare maple butter by whipping softened butter until fluffy.
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Gradually add maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to whipped butter.
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Continue beating until light and airy, about 3 minutes.
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Arrange cinnamon sugar French toast on warmed serving plates.
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Top with dollop of maple butter and dust with powdered sugar.
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Drizzle with warm maple syrup and add fresh berries.
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Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh mint sprigs.
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Serve immediately while toast is still warm and crispy.
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Provide extra maple syrup and cinnamon sugar on the side.
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Dust final presentation with extra cinnamon for aromatic appeal.