Cinnamon French Toast is a breakfast that invites you to slow down and savor the morning. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a warm, spiced custard and pan-fried until golden and crisp. It’s comforting, simple, and ready in about 15 minutes.
Love French toast? Try a classic French toast or a stuffed version for variety.
Why you’ll love this easy recipe!
There’s something irresistible about a stack of cinnamon French toast straight from the skillet on a leisurely morning. Pair it with orange juice and a good cup of coffee and you’ve got a simple, satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Highlights
- Ready from start to finish in about 15 minutes
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla
- Crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy center
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Simple ingredients needed
The full ingredient list is in the recipe card below, but here are the pantry staples and easy substitutions you can use.
- Eggs – provide richness and help the custard cling to the bread.
- Milk – thins the eggs to the right custard consistency; any milk works (whole, 2%, cream, or plant-based milks like oat, soy, or almond).
- Ground cinnamon – the primary spice; increase if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor.
- Ground nutmeg – adds a subtle warm depth; a little goes a long way.
- Vanilla extract – rounds out the spices and enhances sweetness.
- Salt – a pinch balances the flavors.
- Bread – use thick-sliced bread such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast. Day-old or slightly stale bread soaks up custard without getting soggy.
- Toppings – classics include butter, maple syrup and fresh berries, but see the toppings section for more ideas.
How to make it
The full written recipe is in the recipe card below. Here’s a quick overview of the process with tips to get great results.
- Make the custard. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until combined.
- Soak the bread. Dip each slice into the custard, letting each side soak for a few seconds so it absorbs enough without becoming too fragile.
- Cook. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Cook the soaked slices until golden brown on each side, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Serve with syrup, fresh fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Recipe Tips
- Use day-old bread – slightly stale slices absorb custard without getting mushy.
- Whisk the eggs well – aerating the mixture helps produce lighter, fluffier French toast.
- Cook immediately after dipping – letting soaked bread sit can make it fall apart.
- Preheat the pan – a hot skillet gives a nice caramelized crust.
Toppings
Keep it simple with butter, maple syrup, and fruit, or try these variations:
- Add protein with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Top with sliced banana, berries, apples, pears, or peaches.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds, or add nut butter for healthy fats.
- For a decadent finish, add whipped cream, powdered sugar, or chocolate chips.
Serving suggestions
This French toast works as the centerpiece of brunch or as a sweet side. Pair with:
- Breakfast potatoes or hash browns
- Sausage, bacon, or ham
- Eggs or savory alternatives like tofu scramble
- A light quiche or vegetable frittata for a balanced spread
If you make this recipe, feel free to come back and leave a comment or share a photo — it’s always fun to see how people customize it.
Cinnamon French Toast
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 6 slices bread, thickly cut
Instructions
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In a large shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and salt, then whisk to combine.
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Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
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Dip bread slices in the custard, soaking each side briefly so they absorb enough without falling apart.
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Cook the slices in the skillet until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness.
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Serve with syrup, fruit, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate.