Best Buttermilk French Toast Recipe

Shake up your morning routine and treat yourself with this hearty, decadent buttermilk French toast!

We all have fond memories of classic French toast, right? The sweet, custard delight, with the inviting aroma of warm spices, is undeniably comforting.

This recipe takes the comfort classic to a new, mouthwatering level of deliciousness. With the simple addition of buttermilk and a secret homemade syrup, it’s just divine.

So grab your apron, whisk, and prepare for an unforgettable breakfast journey. Say “au revoir” to ordinary mornings and “bonjour” to a breakfast delight with this recipe!

Buttermilk French Toast

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast with this heavenly buttermilk French toast. Each slice of rich, slightly sweet bread is generously soaked in a custard-like mixture of tangy buttermilk.

It’s infused with fragrant vanilla and warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. The bread is then expertly cooked to golden perfection, creating a beautifully caramelized exterior.

It’s irresistibly crisp and has a soft, custard interior that practically melts in your mouth.

A drizzle of homemade syrup is poured over the top to make this breakfast truly decadent. It’s a sweet concoction infused with irresistible notes of maple and a hint of vanilla.

The syrup pools into the nooks and crannies of the toast, adding a layer of sweetness. It perfectly complements the tangy richness of the buttermilk-soaked bread.

Ingredients

• Buttermilk – It helps tenderize the bread and adds a subtle tartness, contrasting nicely with the sweet ingredients.
• Thick-sliced bread – Brioche or challah bread is dense enough to hold up well when soaked in the batter. They’re rich and slightly sweet, perfect for French toast. 
• Eggs – They add structure and richness and create a custard-like texture when the toast is cooked.
• Vanilla Extract – It enhances the overall taste of French toast with its rich, decadent flavors.
• Spices – This recipe calls for cinnamon and nutmeg for a heartwarming flavor depth.
• Sugar – Use white and brown sugar to make the syrup.
• Maple-flavored extract – It gives your syrup the classic maple flavor in traditional pancake and waffle syrups.

How to Make Buttermilk French Toast

1. Prepare the French toast mixture. Mix the beaten eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined. 

2. Dip the bread. Dip each slice of the bread into the buttermilk mixture, being sure to coat both sides evenly. 

3. Cook the French toast. Cook the soaked bread over medium heat until both sides are golden brown. Each side of the bread will take approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

4. Make the homemade syrup. Cook and boil a mixture of white sugar, water, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir it until the sugars are fully dissolved. Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and stir in the maple-flavored and vanilla extracts.

5. Pour the homemade syrup over warm French toast, add toppings, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best French Toast

1. Using thick, day-old bread works best for French toast. Brioche and Challah are excellent options. The bread should be dry to soak up the egg mixture better, and it won’t get soggy.

2. Give the bread ample time to soak in the egg and milk mixture. This step will make the toast soft and custard-like on the inside. However, be careful not to let it soak for too long.

3. Use eggs stored at room temperature and strain the beaten eggs for a smoother batter.

5. Don’t rush the cooking process by cranking up the heat. Cooking on medium allows the inside of the bread to cook thoroughly without burning the outside.

6. After the French toast is cooked, let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the residual heat to finish cooking the center, ensuring it’s not too soggy.

Topping Ideas

Want to take your French toast to the next level? These delicious topping ideas will elevate your breakfast treat!

Fresh Fruits: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are lovely additions. Banana slices, apple slices, or diced peaches also work well.

Fruit Compotes or Jams: Homemade or store-bought, these can add a tangy sweetness that complements the decadent, custardy toast.

Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of lightly-sweetened whipped cream for a creamy contrast.

Nuts or Seeds: Chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a nice crunch. Use chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for a healthier alternative.

Nut Butter: Almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter can add a lovely, rich flavor.

Sweet Spreads: Think Nutella, caramel sauce, or cream cheese glazes.

Spices and Extras: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can amp up the flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or even some dark chocolate shavings.

Savory Toppings: For a twist, consider toppings like bacon, ham, cheese, or even a fried egg. These can provide a nice contrast to the sweet toast.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Buttermilk French Toast

Storing:

1. Allow your French toast to cool completely.

2. Place the cooled French toast in an air-tight container or wrap each slice tightly in plastic.

3. Store the container or wrapped slices in the refrigerator. You can refrigerate French toast for 2 to 3 days.

Freezing:

1. Cool the French toast completely before freezing it to maintain the best quality.

2. Wrap each piece of French toast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place these individually wrapped slices in a freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container.

3. If properly stored, it will maintain the best quality in the freezer for about 1 to 2 months.

Reheating:

1. If frozen, thaw your French toast in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

2. To reheat it in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the French toast on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 minutes and be sure to flip it halfway through.

3. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat French toast in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking after each 30-second interval.

4. You can also reheat French toast in a toaster oven until crispy and warm. Or reheat it on the stovetop in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.