French Toast Recipe with Orange Zest

The secret to unforgettable French toast? A splash of maple syrup, fresh orange zest, and one simple chef’s trick that guarantees a perfectly custardy center every time.

We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing. ~Charles Schaefer

This French Toast Recipe is everything I want French toast to be-crisp and golden on the outside, light and custardy in the center, and filled with warm, comforting flavors. We brighten the classic custard with real maple syrup, vanilla, fresh orange zest, and a blend of warming spices that make the whole kitchen smell amazing.

While brioche and challah are wonderfully fluffy, my favorite bread for French toast is actually day-old sourdough. Its hearty texture holds up beautifully to the custard, while its subtle tang balances the sweetness perfectly. No matter which bread you choose, I’ll share a few simple chef’s tips to help you achieve perfectly cooked French toast every time-golden on the outside and tender all the way through.

Serve it with fresh summer berries, warm maple syrup, or, my favorite, a quick homemade Berry Compote for a bright, tangy finish. You can also serve this with our Rhubarb compote. It’s easy enough for a weekend breakfast yet special enough for holidays, brunch, or Mother’s Day.

A bit of French Toast History

In medieval Europe, people would soak old, hard bread in a mixture of milk and eggs to soften it and give it flavor. This not only made the bread edible again, but it also transformed it into something delicious - practical and tasty!

Chef’s Tip: Day-old bread is the secret to great French toast. Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard without falling apart, giving you a creamy center and beautifully crisp edges.

French Toast Recipe Ingredients

• Bread: French bread,  sourdough bread, challah, or brioche (softer, airier bread will get the fluffiest). Use dry, day-old bread! We love the tang of sourdough!
• Eggs: add richness and structure.
• Half and half- or whole milk ( or use a plant-based milk substitute)
• Maple syrup – for subtle sweetness.
• Orange zest- for a delcious brightness
• Vanilla extract-  for warm toasty flavor.
• Warming Spices- cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg
• Butter or coconut oil– for searing.
• Fresh Berries: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, whatever your pleasure! Or top with our Rhubarb Compote

How to Make The Best French Toast

1. Cut the bread into ¾- to 1-inch-thick slices, which will allow it to absorb more of the custard without becoming soggy or falling apart, and cook through evenly, while developing a crisp, golden-brown exterior.

Tip #1: Use day-old bread or let it dry out on a sheet pan after slicing.

2. Make a flavorful batter. Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, maple syrup, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Use an immersion blender if needed. Pour into a shallow container. (A rectangular Pyrex works great to do several pieces at the same time.)

Tip #2: Always salt the batter!

3. Dunk! Dip the slices of bread into the custard, letting it soak for  30-60 seconds on each side. ( This will depend on the type of bread you use and how quickly it soaks up the custard.)  Transfer to a rack placed over a pan and let the excess drip off. Tip # 3: The spices tend to sink in the custard batter, so give a whisk as you flip the bread.

4. Cook low and slow, so the butter doesn’t burn. Heat a skillet to medium-low. When the pan is fully heated, add a little butter and olive oil.

Tip #4: Olive oil will help raise the smoke point so the butter doesnt burn. You can also use coconut oil on its own. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, allowing it to become golden and slightly puffy in the center.

Tip#5 : Place them in a warm 300°F oven, on a sheet pan as you go- to keep them warm and cook them all the way through. The will puff up slightly when cooked all the way through.

5. Make the optional berry compote: Bring maple syrup and 1 cup of the berries to a boil in a saucepan. Let simmer for 2 minutes, mashing the berries a little with the back of a spoon to break them down a bit. Mix orange juice with cornstarch and a pinch of salt until perfectly smooth. Whisk into the maple berry mixture stirring all the while. Continue stirring until thick and bubbly, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of berries.

6. Serve: Top the French Toast with berry compote and yogurt cream (see notes). More butter and maple syrup is optional of course!

Storing French Toast

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or wrap and place hte the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast in a toaster oven, or bake.

More breakfast recipes you may enjoy

• 65 Healthy Breakfast Ideas!
• Vegan French Toast
• French Toast Muffins!
• Baked French Toast with Caramelized Pears and Hazelnuts
• Apple Brown Butter Bouchons
• Maple Pecan Scones
• Baked Apples with Maple Syrup and Spiced Nut Filling

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