Thick slices of buttery brioche, bathed in a sweet, velvety egg custard (My trick to getting a creamy custard is beating the sugar and eggs before adding the milk), transform into the ultimate French toast—golden, tender, and irresistibly rich. Finish it off with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, Nutella drizzle or your favorite warm syrup, it is an effortlessly elegant breakfast.

My platter is a tale of two French toasts! for that one person who loves that deep, caramelized crisp char, I cook the toast a little longer on medium-high heat,  and the kids who love that golden-hue, I keep the heat at medium-low and cook it slowly, flipping when it reaches that perfect light golden brown.

For the perfect brioche, Trader Joe’s offers a wonderfully thick-sliced loaf at a great price. To achieve a custard with a luscious, creamy texture that clings beautifully to the bread, whole milk is the way to go. A touch of vanilla and sugar enhances the brioche’s natural sweetness, while a pinch of cinnamon (if you fancy it) adds a bit of cozy, aromatic warmth especially around the holidays. Every bite is a little taste of indulgence—crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside, and utterly delicious. 

For an added layer of nutty crunch, slivered almonds (also from Trader Joe’s) take this French toast to the next level. Before cooking, press one side of each custard-soaked slice into toasted slivered almonds before cooking it. 

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk ( you can add about 1/4 cup more depending on the size of your eggs)
• 3-4  tablespoons white sugar (adjust as necessary)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 loaf thick-sliced brioche from Trader Joes (about 10 slices)
• 1 stick of butter (for frying)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh berries, for serving
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together eggs, and sugar, unitl sugar is dissolved and it turns slightly thick, then add milk and vanilla, whisk until well combined. If you love a little spice, stir in cinnamon at this stage.
2. Swish a butter stick to melt a little butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Dip a slice of brioche into the custard, turning it to coat both sides, and seep into the bread.
4. Once the butter is foamy, add the coated brioche to the skillet.
5. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
6. Repeat with the remaining bread, adding more butter as needed.
7. Transfer the cooked French toast to a platter
8. Serve with  fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of melted chocolate spread.

Here are two videos to get you strated:

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Let me know in the comments or by tagging me—are you team golden and fluffy or team deeply caramelized with a little char? And don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!