Honey Vanilla Brioche French Toast Recipe
Indulge in this delightful Honey Vanilla Brioche French Toast recipe, featuring soft brioche bread soaked in a sweet honey-vanilla custard and pan-cooked to golden perfection. Perfectly warm, lightly sweetened, and topped with fresh berries and honey or maple syrup, this breakfast favorite combines rich flavors and a tender texture for a luxurious morning treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf of brioche bread (or challah)
Custard Mixture
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup honey (plus more for drizzling over French toast)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- a pinch of kosher salt
Toppings (Optional)
- Fresh berries for topping
- Honey or warmed maple syrup for topping
Instructions
- Prepare custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Slice brioche: Cut your brioche loaf into 1-inch thick slices, ensuring even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large, heavy-bottom skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. French toast requires gentle heat to cook through without burning, so patience is key.
- Melt butter: Once the skillet is warm, add butter and allow it to fully melt, coating the pan surface.
- Soak bread slices: Gently dip one brioche slice into the custard mixture, pressing down until fully submerged. Flip and submerge again for about 2 seconds or until bubbles cease to appear, ensuring thorough soaking without sogginess.
- Cook first side: Lift the slice and let excess custard drip off. Place it carefully in the skillet. Repeat with more slices until the pan holds 3-4 pieces. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
- Flip and cook other side: Flip the slices and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the other side is equally golden and the bread is cooked through.
- Repeat cooking: Continue the soaking and cooking process with remaining bread slices. To keep cooked French toast warm, place finished slices in a low oven (around 200°F/93°C) until all pieces are done.
- Serve: Arrange warm French toast on plates. While still hot, drizzle generously with honey or warmed maple syrup.
- Add toppings: Optionally, top with fresh berries, butter, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor a comforting, sweet breakfast classic.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old brioche or challah bread which absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Cooking on medium-low heat helps the French toast cook evenly inside without burning the exterior.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 93°C) while finishing the rest to serve all slices warm.
- Experiment with toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh fruit, nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream for variety.
- Use real vanilla extract for the richest flavor; vanilla bean paste is another excellent option.
