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Homemade French Toast Without Vanilla – The Best Breakfast Ever at Home Thumbnail

Simple French Toast Recipe for Breakfast (No Vanilla Needed)

A simple yet comforting French toast made with everyday pantry ingredients and no vanilla required. Thick slices of bread are dipped in a rich egg and milk mixture, then pan-fried until golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for quick mornings, cozy weekends, or anytime you want an easy homemade breakfast that feels warm, satisfying, and delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, French
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here are the ingredients you need to make this delicious breakfast:
  • 6 slices of sandwich bread preferably a day old
  • 2 large eggs brought to room temperature
  • ¼ cup heavy cream for richness
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Egg Mixture

Grab a wide, shallow dish so dipping the bread later is easy. Crack the eggs into the dish, then add the sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved.Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Try not to over-whisk—you want everything blended without creating a ton of foam. Let the mixture rest for a minute so the cinnamon spreads evenly throughout.

    Step 2: Warm the Pan and Prep the Bread

    Set a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once it melts and starts to lightly bubble, the pan is ready.While the skillet heats, arrange the bread slices on your counter. Slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the custard without collapsing, giving you a crisp outside and soft center once cooked.

      Step 3: Dip and Cook

      Working one slice at a time, dip the bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly. Don’t let it soak too long—just enough to absorb flavor without becoming soggy.Place the dipped bread directly into the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and lightly crisp. Flip carefully and repeat on the second side. Keeping the heat at medium allows the inside to cook fully while the outside turns beautifully golden.

        Step 4: Serve Warm

        Move each slice to a plate as it finishes cooking. French toast is at its best right away, when the center is still soft and creamy and the edges are crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

          Notes

          Common Mistakes to Avoid

          Using very fresh bread is a recipe for disaster—it falls apart fast. Slightly stale bread holds up much better.
          Cooking over high heat can burn the outside before the inside sets, so keep the temperature moderate.
          Add more butter between batches to prevent sticking.
          Let the cooked toast rest briefly before serving so the custard firms up properly.

          Ingredient Substitutions

          Bread: Brioche, challah, sourdough, or regular sandwich bread all work—just avoid thin slices.
          Heavy cream: Replace with extra milk or half-and-half if needed.
          Milk: Any type works, including almond or oat milk (adjust slightly for thickness).
          Sugar: Brown sugar, honey, or extra maple syrup are great swaps.
          Spices: Nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice work well—or skip spices entirely.
          Sweetener: The syrup in the batter is optional if you prefer adding sweetness on top.

          Storage & Reheating

          Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
          Freezer: Freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months. Freeze flat first, then transfer to a freezer bag.
          Reheat: Warm in a toaster, toaster oven, or 350°F oven until hot and crisp. No thawing needed when reheating from frozen.

          FAQ

          What Goes Well With French Toast?

          Fresh fruit like berries or bananas adds brightness, while maple syrup and butter are classic must-haves. For a heartier meal, serve with bacon or sausage. Powdered sugar or whipped cream makes it feel extra special.

          What’s the Best Bread to Use?

          Thick-cut bread is key. Brioche and challah are excellent, but day-old sandwich bread works too. If your bread is too fresh, let it sit out or lightly toast it first. Thin slices won’t hold up well in the egg mixture.

          Final Thought

          French toast doesn’t need fancy ingredients to feel indulgent. With simple pantry staples and the right technique, you can create a warm, comforting breakfast that feels homemade, nostalgic, and completely satisfying—any day of the week.