Transform your morning with our Cinnamon French Toast recipe! It’s a delightful combination of honey and cinnamon, enhanced with your preferred twist of vanilla, orange, or almond extract.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And nothing can make your morning brighter than a delectable plate of Cinnamon French Toast! This recipe is everything you love about French Toast with a cinnamon twist to enhance the overall flavor! It’s soft and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp outer layer that melts in your mouth with each bite!
I love serving this recipe alongside my Loaded Sweet Potato Hash and Eggs or Potato Frittata for a hearty breakfast!
Table of Contents
History of French Toast
The origins of French Toast date back to ancient times, long before France adopted it as a national dish. The concept of soaking bread in a milk and egg mixture, and then frying it, can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The Romans called it “Pan Dulcis,” they would use this method to salvage stale bread.
The dish evolved over centuries and across cultures. In medieval Europe, it was commonly known as “pain perdu” or “lost bread” in France, and “Arme Ritter” in Germany, both names alluding to the practice of rejuvenating old, hard bread by soaking it and cooking it anew.
Reasons to Love This Bread
- French Toast has versatile flavors. You can choose from vanilla, orange, or almond extract to create a unique taste that caters to individual preferences.
- This bread has a combination of honey and cinnamon and offers a comforting, homey flavor.
- It complements a variety of toppings like fresh berries and whipped cream.
Recipe Ingredients
- Half and Half: Adds creaminess and richness to the egg mixture.
- Honey: Offers a natural sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- Flavoring: Use one or more of these extracts to customize the flavor of your French toast: Vanilla Extract, Orange Extract, or Almond Extract).
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Add Cream Cheese: To add a creamy twist, spread a thin layer of sweet cream cheese between two slices of bread before dipping them in the egg mixture. This cream cheese filling will create a delicious stuffed French toast with a creamy center.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast
Step #1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Step #2: In a pie dish (or other flat-bottomed dish with sides), combine the half-and-half, honey, salt, eggs, cinnamon and any dash of flavor you like. Whisk to incorporate.
Step #3: Dip the bread into the egg mixture for about 25-30 seconds per side. Place each soaked piece on a cooling or baking rack that is resting on a baking sheet to collect the drippings.
Step #4: Let the pieces sit for about 1-2 minutes.
Step #5: Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium-low heat in a non-stick pan.
Step #6: Place two pieces of soaked bread in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step #7: Transfer the fried toast to a baking sheet and rest in the oven for about five minutes.
Step #8: Repeat steps 3-7 until all 8 pieces have been cooked.
Step #9: Serve immediately and top with your favorite toppings. I topped ours with warmed maple syrup and powdered sugar. You can add fresh fruits like raspberries and blueberries, or top it with whipped cream, peanut butter, Nutella, or jelly.
Expert Tips
- Check for Doneness: French toast should be golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside with a soft, cooked interior.
- Don’t Soak Too Long: Dip the bread quickly in the egg mixture to avoid it becoming too soggy. About 25-30 seconds per side is ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use different types of skillets, but a non-stick skillet is highly recommended for ease of flipping and preventing the French toast from sticking. If using a cast iron or stainless steel skillet, make sure it’s well-seasoned or greased to avoid sticking.
Absolutely! Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the French toast before serving for added texture and nuttiness. You can also mix them into the egg mixture so they stick to the bread while cooking.
Storage Info
To store this cinnamon French Toast, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap each piece individually and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in a toaster or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until heated through.
More Delicious Recipes That You Will Love
Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 pretty thick - ½ inch slices of French bread (or other crusty bread, preferably stale)
- 1 cup of half-and-half - I had to use a mixture of skim milk and heavy cream because it was all I had
- 2 tablespoon of honey - easiest if it is warmed up a bit
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 3 large eggs - beaten
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Dash of flavor - try vanilla extract, orange extract, or almond extract
- 4 Tbsp. of butter
- Toppings - see ideas below
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- In a pie dish (or other flat-bottomed dish with sides), combine the half-and-half, honey, salt, eggs, cinnamon and any dash of flavor. Whisk to incorporate.
- Dip the bread into the egg mixture for about 25-30 seconds per side. Place each soaked piece on a cooling or baking rack that is resting on a baking sheet to collect the drippings.
- Let the pieces sit for about 1-2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium-low heat in a non-stick pan.
- Place two pieces of soaked bread in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the fried toast to a baking sheet and rest in the oven for about five minutes.
- Repeat steps 3-7 until all 8 pieces have been cooked.
- Serve immediately and top with your favorite toppings. I topped ours with warmed maple syrup and powdered sugar. You can add fresh fruits like raspberries and blueberries, or top it with whipped cream, peanut butter, Nutella, or jelly.
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I’ve never been a fan of French toast, but my husband loves it. This is the best I’ve ever had, and from now on, it’s the only recipe I’ll make!
Hi Linda!
My name is also Linda haha!
I just wanted to comment and say how awesome I think you and you’re recipes are! I found your website because I was looking for recipes that my characters could make in the book I’m writing and this one fit perfectly! And from there, I saw some other ones that now I can’t wait to try out!
Keep on slaying!
XO,
Linda.
Wet dog, yes!!!!! I’m glad I’m not the only one.