If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve just found it with this Creamy Cinnamon French Toast with Maple Syrup and Strawberries Recipe. Imagine thick, custardy slices of brioche bread, perfectly soaked in a heavenly cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, griddled to a golden crisp, then topped with sweet macerated strawberries and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. It’s the kind of morning treat that turns any ordinary day into something special and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple — just a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each component adds something special: spices for warmth, butter for richness, and fresh strawberries for that bright, fruity pop.
- Brioche or white sandwich bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart, creating the creamiest texture.
- Butter: Adds beautiful richness and helps create that golden, crisp crust when cooking.
- Large eggs: The binding star, giving the custard its luxurious creaminess.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture just enough to make the toast soft inside.
- Cinnamon powder: Warming spice that makes every bite feel cozy and special.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle sweetness that deepens the flavor profile.
- Strawberries: Fresh, halved, and slightly sweetened to add a juicy contrast.
- White sugar: Helps macerate the strawberries and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Maple syrup: The classic, sticky drizzle that crowns this breakfast royalty.
How to Make Creamy Cinnamon French Toast with Maple Syrup and Strawberries Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Egg Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl. You want to whisk vigorously so the cinnamon is fully incorporated and doesn’t just float on top. This ensures every piece of bread gets that perfect cinnamon flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Melt Butter in the Pan
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt about a tablespoon of butter until it’s foamy and fragrant. This butter will create a luxuriously golden crust on your French toast slices, so don’t skimp here.
Step 3: Coat the Bread in the Egg Mixture
Quickly dunk each slice of your slightly stale brioche or white bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated but not soaked to the point of falling apart. Place the dipped slices in the skillet but be careful not to overcrowd the pan — cook in batches of 2 or 3 depending on your pan size.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Let the bread cook undisturbed for 2 ½ to 3 minutes on one side until it’s beautifully golden and caramelized. Flip carefully and cook the other side for the same amount of time. The result should be crispy outside while dreamy and custardy inside.
Step 5: Repeat for Remaining Bread
Add a bit more butter to the skillet if needed, and cook the remaining slices using the same method. Keeping the heat consistent is key to make sure each batch is just as perfect as the first.
Step 6: Prepare the Strawberries
While the toast is cooking, toss the halved strawberries with a tablespoon of white sugar and let them sit for a few minutes to macerate. This draws out their natural juices, creating a luscious syrup that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, spiced toast.
Step 7: Serve with Maple Syrup and Strawberries
Plate your creamy cinnamon French toast, top generously with the macerated strawberries, add a pat of butter if you like, and drizzle everything with real maple syrup. This simple final touch makes all the difference and truly elevates the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Cinnamon French Toast with Maple Syrup and Strawberries Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, or even a dollop of whipped cream can turn this comforting dish into a showstopper. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve your creamy cinnamon French toast alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a salty contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait can also complement the sweetness, keeping breakfast balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the French toast into bite-sized sticks or cubes and serve them as a brunch buffet item with little bowls of maple syrup, berries, and nuts. You can also layer it with cream cheese and berry compote for a decadent French toast casserole feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the toppings and syrup separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, French toast freezes beautifully. Place cooled slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. This way, you can enjoy your favorite breakfast anytime by just reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This revives the crisp exterior while keeping the custardy inside intact. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or white sandwich bread works best for its softness and ability to soak up custard, you can use challah, Texas toast, or even thick rye slices for a different flavor experience.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Using slightly stale bread is key because it absorbs custard without falling apart. Also, don’t soak the bread for too long — a quick dunk on each side is enough to get that creamy texture without sogginess.
Why do you macerate the strawberries?
Macerating with sugar softens the strawberries and releases their juices, turning them into a natural, syrupy topping that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced toast.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap out eggs and milk for plant-based alternatives like a chickpea flour batter or almond milk with flaxseed. Use vegan butter as well. The texture might be slightly different but delicious nonetheless.
What’s the best maple syrup to use?
Choosing a 100% pure maple syrup is ideal for authenticity and flavor depth. Look for Grade A Amber for a perfect balance of sweetness and maple flavor that complements the cinnamon and strawberries nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cinnamon French Toast with Maple Syrup and Strawberries Recipe is one of those special breakfasts that makes you want to wake up early just to enjoy it. The ease of preparation combined with the warming flavors and fresh, juicy strawberries makes it a winner any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own little moment of morning joy!
Print
Creamy Cinnamon French Toast with Maple Syrup and Strawberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Description
This classic French Toast recipe transforms slightly stale brioche or white sandwich bread into a golden, buttery delight. The bread is dipped in a rich egg mixture infused with cinnamon and vanilla, then pan-fried to perfection. Served warm with butter, maple syrup, and optional macerated strawberries, this breakfast favorite is quick to prepare and wonderfully satisfying for two to three people.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 6 slices brioche or white sandwich bread, slightly stale
- 30 – 40g / 2 – 3 tbsp butter
- 2 large eggs (~60g / 2 oz each)
- ½ cup / 125 ml milk
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Macerated Strawberries (optional)
- 250g / 8 oz strawberries, halved
- 1 tbsp white sugar
To Serve
- Maple syrup
- Butter
Instructions
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon powder, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. The vigorous whisking helps prevent the cinnamon from settling on top.
- Heat the Skillet: Melt 15g (1 tbsp) of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat to prepare for frying the bread.
- Dip the Bread: Quickly dunk a slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly but not soaking it for too long. Place the coated bread into the hot skillet. Repeat this process for 2 or 3 slices to fill the pan without overcrowding.
- Cook the Bread: Fry each slice for about 2½ to 3 minutes on each side, cooking until the surface is golden brown and slightly crisp. Then transfer the cooked slices to serving plates.
- Cook Remaining Bread: Add more butter to the pan as needed and continue cooking the remaining slices in the same manner.
- Prepare Macerated Strawberries (optional): Toss the halved strawberries with white sugar and let them sit for a few minutes to release their juices and become tender.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm topped with a pat of butter, plenty of maple syrup, and a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries if using.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps the slices absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cooking in batches ensures even browning.
- Adjust the amount of butter according to your skillet size and preference to prevent sticking and promote a golden crust.
- Macerated strawberries add a fresh, sweet contrast but can be omitted for a simpler presentation.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
