This simple and easy Cinnamon French Toast uses basic ingredients like bread, milk, eggs, and cinnamon and is cooked in a little bit of butter for a quick, sweet breakfast ready in about 20 minutes.
Cinnamon French Toast
Cinnamon French toast is a breakfast classic: simple, quick, and comforting. This version uses everyday ingredients — eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon — and is cooked in butter so the edges develop a golden, slightly crisp finish while the center stays soft and warm. It’s excellent for weekday mornings, leisurely weekend brunches, or a cozy “brinner.”
The whole recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and it’s easy to scale up for more people or prepare ahead for freezing.
What’s the Best Type of Bread for French Toast?
Use a bread that can soak up the egg mixture without falling apart. Ideal choices are brioche, challah, French bread, sourdough, thick-cut white bread, or cinnamon swirl bread. Slightly stale or day-old bread is often best because it soaks up the custard more evenly and yields a creamier interior.
Why is My French Toast Soggy?
Soggy French toast is usually the result of one or more issues with bread choice, batter balance, or cooking technique. Here are the common causes and how to fix them:
- Your bread. Thin, flimsy slices soak up too much liquid and won’t crisp. Choose a denser, thicker bread to hold the custard without falling apart.
- Too much milk. If the custard has too much milk compared to eggs, the mixture won’t set properly. Eggs are what coagulate and create structure; keep the ratio balanced.
- Pan not hot enough. A properly preheated pan helps the exterior set immediately and prevents the egg from leaking into the bread’s crumb. Preheat the skillet over medium heat before adding butter.
- Wrong heat level. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the center cooks. If it’s too cool, the toast will absorb liquid without developing a crisp exterior. Medium heat usually gives 3–4 minutes per side for a golden result; adjust slightly as needed.
Should the Center be Soft?
Yes. The center of properly cooked cinnamon French toast should be soft and warm but not runny. It should hold together when cut and have a creamy texture that contrasts with the lightly crisped edges.
Toppings for Cinnamon French Toast
Toppings elevate French toast and let you tailor it to different tastes. Classic and creative options include:
- Fresh fruit: berries, banana slices, or stone fruit
- Fruit salad or compote
- Jams, jellies, or preserves
- Nut butters like peanut butter or hazelnut spread
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Honey or maple syrup
- Chopped nuts or toasted seeds
- Powdered sugar, chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, or caramel
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast for a Crowd
To serve a group, cook batches and keep finished slices warm on a baking sheet lined with parchment in a 200°F oven. This keeps them at a safe temperature without drying them out. Alternatively, cook to order and serve directly from the skillet so the toast is at its crispiest.
How to Freeze Cinnamon French Toast
French toast freezes well and makes a convenient make-ahead breakfast:
- Cook according to the recipe and cool to room temperature.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. If stacking, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freeze flat, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Reheat from frozen in a skillet with a bit of butter or in a toaster until warmed through and crisped to your liking.
Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices Texas toast or other thick-sliced bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or honey or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for cooking
Instructions
- In a flat-bottomed dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until melted and foaming.
- Working one or two slices at a time, place each slice of bread into the egg mixture and flip so both sides are well coated. Let excess drip off briefly.
- Place the coated bread in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and set. Add more butter as needed between batches.
- Serve immediately with your preferred toppings, or keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition facts do not include additional toppings.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little butter or in the toaster until warmed through.
- Freezer Directions: Cook and cool to room temperature, freeze flat between layers of parchment, then store in a sealed bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or toaster until hot and crisp.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 157 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 19 g |
Protein: 6 g |
Fat: 6 g
More Sweet Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread — great toasted or made into French toast
- Homemade Funfetti Pancakes — festive pancakes for special occasions
- Nutella Banana Muffins — a chocolate-and-banana favorite
- Blueberry Banana French Toast Bake — an overnight casserole loaded with fruit
- Perfect Blueberry Muffins — classic muffins with a crispy streusel
Tip: For the best texture, use slightly stale bread and let each slice drip briefly after dipping so it holds the custard without becoming oversaturated. Adjust the cinnamon and sugar to taste, and experiment with different breads and toppings to make this Cinnamon French Toast your own.
UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in February 2017 and later updated with new photos and tips.