Cinnamon French toast
Cinnamon French toast is bread soaked in a spiced egg mix and fried until golden. The outside is crisp and the inside is soft and custardy. It takes 15 minutes and works well with day-old bread. Top it with banana and honey.
- 15 minTotal time
- 2Servings
- 430kcal / serving
- 14 gProtein
The science: why this works
Why a quick dip is enough
The bread soaks up the egg mix through tiny air pockets. A 10 second dip per side fills it without turning it to mush. Too long and the slice falls apart, too short and the middle stays dry.
Learn: What eggs do in cake →Why the egg must be fully set
Egg proteins firm up as they heat, turning the soaked bread from wet to custard-like. Cooking 3 minutes per side sets the egg all the way through. Raw egg in the middle makes the toast soggy and unsafe.
Learn: Proteins set when they heat →Why butter and medium heat give a golden crust
Butter carries flavor and helps the surface brown evenly. Milk sugars and egg proteins in the coating brown through the Maillard reaction. Medium heat browns the outside without burning the butter before the middle sets.
Learn: Browning butter →Cinnamon French toast
15 minutes · 2 servings · French · Breakfast
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
Method
Tips for the best result
- Use slightly stale bread, which soaks up the egg mix without falling apart.
- Use a wide, shallow bowl so the slices lie flat while they soak.
- Wipe the pan between batches if the butter starts to darken too much.
Swaps
- Swap the banana for sliced strawberries or apple for a different fruit topping.
- Swap the honey for maple syrup for a classic breakfast flavor.
- Swap the milk for oat milk to make it dairy-light, and use oil in place of butter if needed.
Storing and reheating
French toast keeps in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven until hot all the way through, reaching 165°F (74°C), to bring back the crisp edges.
Cinnamon French toast: questions
What bread is best for French toast?
Thick-sliced bread that is a day or two old works best because it soaks up the egg without falling apart. Brioche, challah and plain sandwich bread all work. Very thin or fresh bread can turn soggy.
How do you keep French toast from getting soggy?
Dip each slice for only about 10 seconds per side and cook until the egg is fully set. Medium heat gives time for the middle to cook while the outside browns. Do not stack hot slices on top of each other.
How do you know when French toast is done?
It is done when both sides are deep golden and the middle feels firm with no wet spots when pressed. This takes about 3 minutes per side. Egg should be fully set for food safety.
Can I make French toast without milk?
Yes, you can use water or any plant milk. The toast will be a little less rich but still works. The eggs do most of the work.
