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Ultra close-up macro of thick golden brioche French toast dripping with pure amber maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh raspberries

Classic Golden Brioche French Toast (Custard-Soaked & Caramelized)

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (8 thick slices)
Calories: 395
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 8 thick slices brioche bread or challah sliced 3/4 to 1-inch thick, slightly day-old preferred (about 400g)
  • 4 large eggs room temperature for silky emulsion
  • 3/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half (180ml)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream adds luxurious custardy texture
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or brown sugar helps caramelize outer crust
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract high quality Madagascar vanilla
  • 1 tsp ground Ceylon cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg optional secret diner enhancer
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt balances sweetness
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided for pan-frying in batches
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil prevents butter from browning too quickly
  • 1/2 cup fresh berries raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries
  • 1/4 cup pure amber maple syrup warmed for serving
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar for light dusting

Method
 

  1. In a wide, shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until completely blended and uniform with no egg white streaks.
  2. Slice the brioche bread into 3/4 to 1-inch thick slabs. If your bread is very fresh, arrange slices on a wire rack or baking sheet for 15 minutes to lightly stale so they absorb custard without becoming soggy.
  1. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of oil in a large heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat until sizzling and fragrant.
  2. Dip each brioche slice into the custard bath, soaking for 15 to 20 seconds per side until saturated through to the center, then allow excess liquid to drip off for 3 seconds.
  3. Place slices immediately into the hot skillet (do not overcrowd—cook 2 to 3 slices at a time). Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply golden brown and caramelized on the bottom.
  4. Flip carefully with a wide spatula and fry the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes until puffed, golden, and cooked through to a velvety custard center. Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with remaining slices and butter.
  1. Dust warm brioche French toast slices with a cloud of powdered sugar, crown with fresh berries, and drizzle generously with warm pure amber maple syrup. Serve immediately!

Nutrition

Serving: 2gCalories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 11gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10.5gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 2.1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 24500IUVitamin C: 3.5mgCalcium: 1150mgIron: 0.4mg

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