If you’re looking to elevate your weekend brunch or surprise someone special with a truly unforgettable breakfast, this Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine thick, buttery slices of brioche soaking up a luscious mixture of eggs, honey, and warm cinnamon, then crisped to golden perfection on the stovetop. Each bite is a wonderful balance of rich, sweet, and comfortingly spiced flavors that come together in a way that feels both indulgent and friendly. This recipe is effortless, yet the result tastes like you put hours into it—perfect for sharing or savoring on your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to create that tender, flavorful, and beautifully golden French toast we all dream about. Each one plays a special role in building the depth, texture, and warmth of this dish.
- Brioche bread: Thick slices soak up the custard beautifully, yielding a soft yet crisp finish.
- Large eggs: Bind the custard mixture, adding richness and structure.
- Whole milk: Helps thin the egg mixture for perfect soaking without being too heavy.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that’s more complex and less overpowering than plain sugar.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that warm, aromatic spice that transforms this French toast into something special.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavor with a subtle floral note.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights other flavors.
- Butter: Essential for cooking—creates a crispy, golden crust and adds decadent richness.
- Powdered sugar and extra honey: Perfect finishing touches for sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, honey, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until everything is smoothly combined. This custard is the heart of the recipe, infusing the brioche with flavor and ensuring each bite is moist but not soggy.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Add Butter
Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. The butter is key for both a rich taste and a perfectly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread inside.
Step 3: Dip and Soak the Brioche
Dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, allowing both sides to soak up the delicious batter. Let any excess drip off before carefully placing the slices in the hot skillet. This soaking step is what gives the French toast its signature tenderness and flavor.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown
Cook each slice for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until you see a gorgeous golden crust forming. Flip carefully to avoid breaking the bread. The timing is important—it ensures a crisp outside with a creamy, custardy center.
Step 5: Repeat and Keep Warm
Remove the cooked slices to a plate and add the remaining butter to the skillet before repeating with the remaining bread. Keeping cooked French toast warm while finishing the batch ensures everything is served hot and fresh.
Step 6: Serve with Sweet Finishes
Serve your Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast warm, drizzled generously with extra honey and dusted with powdered sugar. These finishing touches add extra sweetness and just the right amount of flair.
How to Serve Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar doesn’t just add sweetness—it also gives your dish that café-quality look. Drizzling honey on top intensifies the natural flavors and provides a shimmering glaze that’s irresistible. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add freshness and creaminess to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to introduce a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad offers a juicy, refreshing balance, while a side of yogurt or cottage cheese can make your brunch feel even more wholesome and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the French toast slices like a mini tower, layering each with a little honey or cream cheese spread in between. Alternatively, place them in a large shallow bowl with garnishes arranged artistically around for an elegant brunch centerpiece. Little edible flowers or chopped nuts also bring fun textures and colors to the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay good for up to 2 days and can make a quick breakfast or snack without losing much of that freshly cooked charm.
Freezing
To enjoy this breakfast anytime, freeze individual slices by laying them flat on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer bag once frozen. This Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe freezes well and can be pulled out for a fast, indulgent meal in a snap.
Reheating
Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven to revive that crispy exterior without drying out the inside. Avoid microwaves when possible, as they can make the toast soggy. A quick 5-7 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its richness and soft texture, you can use challah, Texas toast, or even thick-cut white bread. Just be sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg, use plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, and swap butter for a vegan alternative. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk the custard mixture together a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before using to ensure everything is well combined and fresh.
Why is brioche bread preferred in this Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe?
Brioche is wonderfully soft with a slight sweetness and rich butter content, which creates an extra tender, custardy center with a crisp, golden crust—perfect for French toast.
Do I need to soak the bread for a long time?
Just a quick, thorough dip to coat the slices is enough. Soaking too long can make the bread overly soggy and prone to falling apart when cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to treat yourself or your loved ones to a breakfast that tastes like a special occasion without any fuss, the Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe is exactly that. The harmony of honey, cinnamon, and buttery brioche creates a mouthwatering experience that’s comforting and utterly addictive. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your brunch rotation.
Print
Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Cinnamon Brioche French Toast recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, utilizing rich brioche bread soaked in a luscious mixture of eggs, milk, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with extra honey and powdered sugar, this breakfast favorite is indulgent yet simple to prepare in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 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
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Extra honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, honey, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter to melt and coat the surface.
- Dip the brioche slices: Dunk each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Let any excess drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Cook the French toast: Place the dipped brioche slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until each slice is golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Repeat cooking: Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Repeat the dipping and cooking process with the remaining bread slices.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the French toast warm, drizzled generously with extra honey and dusted with powdered sugar for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use day-old brioche bread for better absorption and texture, but fresh brioche works well too.
- Adjust honey in the egg mixture and for drizzling to taste for desired sweetness.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated to medium; too hot will burn the toast while too low will lead to sogginess.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Optional toppings include fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
