Cinnamon French toast is a delicious breakfast dish made by coating bread slices with an egg-based mixture, then frying them until golden brown. The egg coating gives the bread a custard-like texture, while the cinnamon provides a lovely warmth of flavor. But what exactly goes into this sweet and savory breakfast treat?
The Main Ingredients
French toast is made with just a handful of simple ingredients that most people have on hand. Here are the main components:
- Bread – Thick slices of bread are used, as the egg coating helps keep the interior soft while the exterior gets crispy. French or Italian breads such as challah or brioche work best.
- Eggs – Eggs provide the custardy coating that gives French toast its distinctive texture. Using whole eggs yields a richer flavor and texture.
- Milk – Milk or cream thins out the egg mixture so it can coat the bread evenly. Whole milk or heavy cream are common options.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon provides warming flavor and aroma. About 1-2 teaspoons per egg mixture is typical.
- Sugar – A small amount of sugar balances out the cinnamon flavor. 1-3 tablespoons of white sugar is standard.
- Salt – A pinch of salt enhances overall flavor.
- Butter or oil – Butter or vegetable oil is used to fry the coated bread until golden brown.
Optional Ingredients
In addition to the core ingredients, there are a variety of optional extras that can be added to spice up basic cinnamon French toast:
- Vanilla – Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract adds extra depth, complexity, and sweetness.
- Spices – Nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or cardamom complement the cinnamon.
- Flavor extracts – Almond, maple, orange, or lemon extract lend subtle fruit flavors.
- Liqueurs – Adults may enjoy a splash of rum, Kahlua, amaretto, or Grand Marnier.
- Chocolate – Melted chocolate or cocoa powder give a chocolate lover’s twist.
- Fresh fruit – Berries, bananas, peaches, and mangos make delicious toppings.
- Nuts – Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add crunch.
- Whipped cream – Dollops of freshly whipped cream complete the French toast.
- Syrup – Maple syrup, fruit syrups, and flavored syrups like caramel or chocolate are classic accompaniments.
The Basic Steps
Making cinnamon French toast is easy to do in just a few simple steps:
- Slice and prepare the bread – Thick slices of bread are trimmed of crusts if desired. Challah or brioche are commonly used.
- Beat the egg mixture – Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, and any other flavorings until smooth.
- Soak the bread – Dip or soak bread slices into the egg mixture until absorbed but not soggy.
- Fry the bread – Melt butter or heat oil in a skillet. Fry soaked bread slices on both sides until golden brown.
- Serve warm – Enjoy cinnamon French toast warm, topped with desired toppings like fruit, syrup, or whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon French Toast
To achieve the perfect tender and flavorful cinnamon French toast, keep these tips in mind:
- Use day-old bread. Since fresh bread is more porous, day-old (but not stale) bread makes the crispiest toast that still soaks up the egg mixture nicely.
- Create an evenly-coated egg mixture. Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and any other wet ingredients until very smooth and lump-free.
- Don’t soak the bread too long. About 30 seconds per side is ideal – the bread should absorb the mixture but not get saturated or fall apart.
- Cook over medium-low heat. Higher heat makes the outside burn before the inside cooks through. Use plenty of butter or oil.
- Cook to a rich golden brown. Good French toast has crispy edges with a tender, fully-cooked interior. Flip only once during cooking.
- Rest for a few minutes before serving. Letting the cooked French toast rest allows it to firm up slightly.
Serving Size
Cinnamon French toast makes a rather hearty breakfast or brunch dish. Here are some typical serving sizes:
- 2-3 slices per person
- 1 slice if enjoying alongside other breakfast foods like fruit, eggs, or meat
The number of servings from a full batch of French toast will depend on how many eggs are used in the coating mixture. As an estimate:
| Number of Eggs | Approximate Servings |
|---|---|
| 2 eggs | 2-4 |
| 4 eggs | 4-6 |
| 6 eggs | 6-8 |
| 8 eggs | 8-10 |
For larger gatherings like brunch, simply multiply the batch size as needed. Leftovers can be refrigerated for several days and reheated.
Nutritional Information
The nutrition facts for cinnamon French toast will vary somewhat based on the exact ingredients and quantities used. But in general, a serving of cinnamon French toast made with challah bread contains approximately:
- Calories: 250-350
- Fat: 12-16g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Sugar: 10-15g
The majority of calories come from the carbohydrates in the bread and sugar used to coat it. There is also a moderate amount of fat from the eggs and cooking butter or oil. Protein is plentiful thanks to the eggs. Overall, it makes for a satisfying but indulgent breakfast when enjoyed in moderation.
Cost Breakdown
Cinnamon French toast is relatively inexpensive to make at home. Here is an approximate cost breakdown for a batch serving 4-6 people:
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Challah bread, 1 loaf | $3.00 |
| Eggs, 1 dozen | $2.50 |
| Milk, 1 cup | $0.25 |
| Butter, 2 Tbsp | $0.25 |
| Cinnamon, 1 tsp | $0.10 |
| Sugar, 2 Tbsp | $0.05 |
| Total: | $6.15 |
At approximately $1 per serving, it’s a budget-friendly breakfast option. Buying ready-made frozen French toast or ordering it at a restaurant will cost significantly more. Making it at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize it to your taste.
Variations
While traditional cinnamon French toast is a beloved classic, there are many ways to alter the basic recipe:
- Overnight French Toast – Assemble a casserole with alternating layers of coated bread, nuts, and fruit the night before. Bake in the morning for an easy make-ahead option.
- Stuffed French Toast – Slit a pocket in extra-thick bread slices and stuff with cream cheese, fruit preserves, or chocolate-hazelnut spread before soaking and frying.
- Savory French Toast – Omit sugar and cinnamon and add shredded cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or diced ham to the egg mixture for a savory take.
- French Toast Casserole – Layer soaked bread cubes in a casserole dish with whipped cream or pastry cream and refrigerate overnight. Bake until set.
- French Toast Kebabs – Thread cubes of French toast onto skewers with fresh fruit for a fun finger food.
- French Toast Sticks – Cut bread into smaller strips before coating to make thicker, stick-shaped pieces perfect for dunking in syrup or chocolate sauce.
With so many easy variations, cinnamon French toast can be customized to suit any taste or meal! It’s one of the most versatile and enduring breakfast treats for a reason.
Common Questions
Should I use fresh or day-old bread?
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best, as very fresh bread will fall apart easily when soaked. The older bread holds up better and also absorbs more of the egg mixture.
What’s the best type of bread to use?
Breads with a dense, airy crumb like challah, brioche, or French bread are ideal. Sturdy sandwich bread can also work in a pinch.
How long do I soak the bread?
Around 30 seconds per side is usually enough time for the bread to absorb the egg mixture without becoming saturated. Test a slice if unsure.
Is it safe to add alcohol like rum or Kahlua?
Yes, adding a small splash of liquor is safe after cooking, as the alcohol cooks off. This adds sophisticated flavor for grown-up French toast.
Can I make French toast ahead of time?
You can assemble coated bread slices or casseroles the night before and refrigerate. Bake or fry just before serving for fresh, warm French toast.
Conclusion
With its sweet and savory flavor, pillowy interior, crispy browned exterior, and endless variations, it’s easy to see why cinnamon French toast remains such a perennial favorite on brunch menus. Now that you know the simple ingredients and easy process that goes into making it, you can treat your friends and family to this comforting classic any time you like.
So gather your eggs, bread, cinnamon and milk and start soaking and frying your way to the perfect batch of cinnamon French toast. Topped with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream, this versatile breakfast treat satisfies any sweet tooth and provides stick-to-your-ribs fuel to start the day right.