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Creamy French Toast Recipe Easy Homemade Cozy Breakfast Delight

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A rich and silky French toast recipe featuring a creamy custard with cream cheese for a cozy and indulgent breakfast that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 to 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread (about 1 inch thick)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 ounces (about 57 grams) softened cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for frying
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup or honey, fresh berries or sliced bananas, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 large eggs with 1 cup (240 ml) of whole milk or half-and-half until well combined.
  2. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend in 2 ounces (about 57 grams) of softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix again until evenly incorporated.
  4. Lay out 6 to 8 thick slices of day-old brioche or challah in a shallow baking dish.
  5. Pour the custard over the bread slices, turning each slice a couple of times to fully coat. Let the bread soak for about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring it is saturated but still holds its shape.
  6. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat (about 300°F or 150°C).
  7. Place soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Flip gently with a spatula to avoid tearing. Cook in batches if necessary, adding more butter as needed.
  8. Transfer cooked slices to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep warm and prevent sogginess while finishing the rest.
  9. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

Notes

Do not soak the bread too long to prevent it from becoming mushy; about 2-3 minutes per side is ideal. Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Use butter generously for a golden crust and cook in batches if needed. If custard thickens before soaking, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy French toast, easy breakfast, homemade French toast, cozy breakfast, custard French toast, brioche French toast, challah French toast