The Best French Toast
This indulgent French toast features croissant bread stuffed with cinnamon butter, dipped in a rich custard made with flavored coffee creamer for extra depth. Golden, fluffy, and slightly crisp on the outside, it’s an elevated breakfast or brunch treat that feels bakery-worthy yet easy to make.
WHAT MAKES THIS THE BEST FRENCH TOAST
Secret Ingredient Twist
The flavored coffee creamer in the custard is the secret weapon here. Using hazelnut adds a subtle nutty sweetness, but any flavor works. It enhances the French toast without overpowering it, giving each bite extra depth and richness.
Cinnamon Butter Layer
The layer of cinnamon butter tucked between the bread melts as it cooks, creating a warm, sweet center. It adds moisture, flavor, and a bakery-style richness that takes this French toast to the next level.
Croissant Bread Upgrade
Using croissant bread makes all the difference. Its buttery layers soak up the custard beautifully while staying soft inside and golden outside, giving you a fluffy, indulgent texture you won’t get from regular bread.
STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BEST FRENCH TOAST
Make the cinnamon butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well blended, creating a spreadable cinnamon butter. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Prepare the custard
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, coffee creamer, maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth, with no streaks of egg remaining.
Slice & cut the bread
Slice the croissant loaf, then cut the slices into evenly sized squares. Keeping the pieces uniform helps them cook evenly and hold together better.
Add the cinnamon butter
Spread a generous layer of cinnamon butter onto one square of bread. Place another square on top to create a small French toast “sandwich,” gently pressing them together.
Coat in custard
Dip each bread sandwich into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak briefly on all sides so the bread absorbs flavor without becoming soggy.
Cook
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Place the soaked bread onto the hot surface and cook, flipping as needed, until golden brown and crisp on all sides.
Serve
Serve warm and finish with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or any toppings you love.
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THESE TIPS WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN MAKING FRENCH TOAST:
Use the right bread
Thick, slightly stale bread works best. Brioche, challah, or croissant bread absorb custard without falling apart and stay soft inside.
Don’t oversoak
Let the bread soak just long enough to absorb the custard. Too long and it turns soggy; too short and the inside stays dry.
Balance eggs and dairy
Too many eggs make French toast taste eggy. Adding cream, milk, or creamer keeps the custard rich and smooth.
Season the custard
A pinch of salt, cinnamon, or vanilla enhances sweetness and prevents flat flavor.
Cook low and slow
Medium to medium-low heat allows the inside to cook through before the outside burns.
Butter + oil combo
Butter adds flavor, oil prevents burning. Using both gives the best golden crust.
Flip once, gently
Flipping too often can tear the bread. Let it brown properly before turning.
Finish in the oven (optional)
For thick pieces, transfer to a warm oven to finish cooking without over-browning.
Serve immediately
French toast is best fresh. If needed, keep warm on a rack in a low oven so it stays crisp.
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The Best French Toast
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, coffee creamer, maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla until fully combined.
- Slice the croissant loaf, then cut the bread into even-sized squares.
- Spread cinnamon butter on one square of bread and top with another square to make little French toast “sandwiches.”
- Dip each square sandwich into the custard, letting it soak briefly on all sides.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Cook until golden brown on all sides, flipping as needed.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit.