Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Bread: The base of the French toast, choose a sturdy bread like brioche or challah for best results.

Eggs: These provide the rich, custardy texture to the French toast.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create the batter for soaking the bread.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Butter: Used for cooking the French toast, giving it a golden, crispy exterior.

To achieve a perfectly even coating on your bread, ensure that you whisk the eggs and milk mixture thoroughly until it is completely smooth. This prevents any clumps of cinnamon from sticking to one spot. Additionally, let the bread soak in the mixture for a few extra seconds to absorb more flavor, but not too long to avoid sogginess.

• bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent choice for French toast.

• bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is a soft, slightly sweet bread that absorbs the egg mixture well.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in the French toast mixture.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend includes cinnamon along with nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, adding a warm, autumnal flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a similar warm, spicy flavor, though it's a bit more intense than cinnamon.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but equally delightful flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, which complements French toast well.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy option that can be used in the same way as butter.

• Allow the French toast to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• For short-term storage, place the cooled French toast slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, lay the French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents the slices from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen French toast slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, reheat in a toaster or toaster oven until warm and slightly crispy.
• For a quick microwave option, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, checking for desired warmth.
• Serve reheated French toast with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the toast's crispy exterior while warming the inside.

• For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set it to medium heat and toast the French toast slices for 3-4 minutes. This will give you a nice, crispy texture.

• If you're in a hurry, the microwave is your friend. Place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking to ensure it's heated through. Note that this method might make the toast a bit soggy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed and crispy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated and crispy.

• Bowl: A container used to whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients smoothly.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used to cook the French toast slices.

• Spatula: A tool used to flip the bread slices to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the cinnamon and vanilla extract accurately.

• Plate: A dish used to serve the cooked French toast.

• Butter knife: A utensil used to spread butter in the skillet.

Prepare the mixture ahead: Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla the night before and store in the fridge.

Use stale bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the mixture better, saving soaking time.

Preheat the skillet: Heat the butter in the skillet while you dip the bread to save cooking time.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple slices of French toast at once if your skillet is large enough.

Keep warm: Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.