If you’re dreaming of a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, buttery brioche slices soaked in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, honey, and vanilla, then cooked to golden perfection. Each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend indulgence or surprising someone special, this French toast will brighten your morning with cozy, comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe is simpler than you might think. Each component plays a crucial role: the brioche bread offers a tender, buttery base, while the eggs and milk work together to create that silky custard soak. Honey adds natural sweetness, cinnamon brings warmth, and a touch of vanilla brightens the whole dish with its aromatic charm.
- 4 slices brioche bread: Choose thick, fresh slices for the fluffiest, most decadent texture.
- 2 large eggs: The foundation of the custard soak, binding and enriching the bread.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps to achieve a smooth custard consistency.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens naturally and adds a floral depth to the custard.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy note that complements the honey beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with its sweet, fragrant touch.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For golden, crispy edges during cooking.
- Powdered sugar: To dust over the finished French toast as a pretty, sweet garnish.
- Extra honey: For drizzling and adding an irresistible glossy finish.
How to Make Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, honey, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl. This flavorful custard soak is the magic that transforms simple slices of brioche into a luscious breakfast treat. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth custard that will soak evenly.
Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Warm up a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. The butter not only prevents sticking but also helps craft those perfectly golden, slightly crispy edges that are essential for classic French toast appeal.
Step 3: Soak the Brioche Slices
Dip each brioche slice into the custard, letting it soak up the mixture on both sides. Don’t rush! But also allow any excess custard to drip off before transferring the bread to the hot skillet to avoid sogginess. This step ensures every bite bursts with that comforting custard flavor.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the soaked brioche slices in your skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color with slightly crispy edges – that’s the sign your Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe is coming to life!
Step 5: Finish Cooking Remaining Slices
Remove the cooked slices and set them aside to keep warm. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan and repeat the soaking and cooking process with the rest of your brioche slices. This keeps the butter fresh and ensures every piece gets that perfect sear.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Beautiful
Once all slices are cooked, serve them warm right away. Drizzle extra honey over the top and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet, inviting finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe truly shine, adorn it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that classic snowy look. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add a bright pop of color and a juicy freshness that balances the sweetness beautifully. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds wonderful texture and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this French toast with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a delightful contrast of flavors. A fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt with honey can bring a refreshing note that rounds out the meal perfectly. These sides keep the experience balanced, so you’re savoring every bite without feeling overwhelmed.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the slices and layering them with cream cheese or mascarpone for a French toast sandwich that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. For a brunch party, arrange each slice on a platter with garnishes and a drizzle station of honey, syrup, and fresh fruit for a DIY breakfast bar. Presentation makes all the difference when sharing this cozy dish with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of your Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, preserving that lovely custard flavor and soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
To enjoy your French toast later, freeze the cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, your Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe can be saved for up to a month without losing quality, ready to reheat whenever you crave a special breakfast.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover or frozen French toast is in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through. This method keeps the outside crispy and the inside tender, reviving that fresh-cooked vibe without sogginess. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread chewy.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche for this recipe?
While brioche is ideal for its buttery texture and sweetness, you can substitute challah, Texas toast, or even thick-cut white bread if needed. Just keep in mind that brioche offers a richer, softer result.
What if I don’t have honey? Can I use another sweetener?
You can replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even granulated sugar, but honey adds a unique floral sweetness that balances the cinnamon perfectly in this recipe.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Make sure to soak the brioche briefly and let excess custard drip off before placing it in the pan. Cooking on medium heat also helps the toast develop a crispy exterior without absorbing too much liquid.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap whole milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for cooking. The flavors will still be delightful.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for a crowd?
Yes! You can prepare the soaked brioche slices in advance and refrigerate them briefly before cooking. Alternatively, cook ahead and keep warm in the oven. Just reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe is truly a celebration of breakfast done right: sweet, cozy, and full of love. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of biting into those perfectly golden slices soaked in fragrant custard and drizzled with honey. It’s an easy way to turn any morning into something special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to start the day!
Print
Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Description
A delightful twist on classic French toast, this Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast features rich, buttery brioche bread soaked in a sweet and spiced egg mixture, then cooked to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a perfect comforting breakfast treat rich in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 4 slices brioche bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Extra honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined to create a sweet, spiced custard base.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
- Dip the bread: Dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, making sure to thoroughly coat both sides. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the bread onto the heated skillet.
- Cook the first batch: Cook the soaked brioche slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust and crisp edges, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cook remaining slices: Remove the cooked French toast slices from the skillet and set them aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, letting it melt, then repeat the dipping and cooking process with the rest of the bread slices.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm. Drizzle with extra honey and sprinkle with powdered sugar to add sweetness and an attractive finish.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old brioche bread as it soaks up the custard better without falling apart.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative like almond or oat milk if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and honey according to your taste preference.
- Serve with fresh fruit or maple syrup for an added layer of flavor and texture.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
