Indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience with this recipe for cinnamon-sugar French Toast, lavishly topped with fluffy whipped cream, a vibrant medley of fresh berries, and a rich, four-ingredient caramel syrup. This exceptional dish draws its inspiration from a renowned Utah bakery, promising a culinary journey that’s both comforting and gourmet.

While this sweet treat makes for a spectacular standalone meal, it pairs beautifully with savory complements. Consider serving alongside a classic Quiche Lorraine, offering a sophisticated contrast, or opt for a hearty Ham and Cheese Quiche for a truly satisfying brunch spread.

The Best Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast Recipe You’ll Ever Make!

Prepare to discover your new favorite breakfast staple: this extraordinary French Toast recipe. Each slice features thick, cinnamon-swirled bread, perfectly cooked to achieve a delightful crisp exterior while remaining wonderfully creamy inside. It’s then generously adorned with homemade whipped cream, a drizzle of luscious caramel syrup, and a scattering of fresh, juicy strawberries. The resulting dish is a symphony of flavors and textures—sweet, aromatic with cinnamon, sumptuously creamy, perfectly crisp, and loaded with delectable toppings. Absolute perfection, indeed!

This beloved recipe is a carefully adapted version of a signature dish from a popular Utah bakery renowned for its incredible French Toast. Years ago, they generously shared their secret recipe online, and I was quick to jot down every detail. Over time, I’ve refined and tweaked it, perfecting the balance of flavors and textures. Now, I’m thrilled to finally share my perfected adaptation with you, free from hastily scribbled notes!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect French Toast

Crafting the perfect French toast begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Unsalted Butter: This is key for achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust and crispy texture on your French toast. It also imparts a rich, buttery flavor as the bread cooks on the griddle.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Swirled Bread: The foundation of our French toast! For the best results, slice your bread thickly (about ¾ to 1 inch). This thickness ensures the bread remains sturdy enough to absorb the custard without falling apart, and creates a wonderfully fluffy interior once cooked. While a specialized cinnamon-sugar swirled bread is ideal (the Utah bakery uses Kneaders Chunky Cinnamon Bread, if you can find it!), excellent alternatives include brioche, challah, or a robust French bread. Their dense yet airy crumb structure is perfect for soaking up the custardy batter.
• Eggs: The heart of the custard. Eggs provide richness, bind the ingredients together, and give the French toast its classic texture. Be sure to whisk them thoroughly to avoid any unsightly streaks of egg white in your final product.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to a lusciously creamy custard. While whole milk offers the richest flavor and texture, 2% or 1% milk can be used if preferred, though the creaminess might be slightly reduced.
• Cinnamon: Elevates the flavor profile with its warm, aromatic spice. It perfectly complements the cinnamon-swirled bread. Ensure it’s mixed into the batter smoothly to distribute the flavor evenly.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt works wonders in enhancing and balancing the sweetness of both the French toast batter and the caramel syrup and whipped cream. It makes all the other flavors “pop.”
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and robust flavor. It adds a layer of warmth and depth that synthetic vanilla cannot replicate.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and extra sweetness to the French toast batter. Remember to firmly pack it when measuring to ensure accuracy.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible French Toast

Follow these simple steps to create French toast that’s consistently delicious and perfectly cooked:

1. Prepare the Custard Batter: In a large, shallow bowl (wide enough to accommodate a slice of bread), vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until the mixture is thoroughly combined and completely smooth. Ensure there are no visible streaks of egg.
2. Slice the Bread: If your cinnamon-swirled bread isn’t pre-sliced, cut it into 8 uniform, thick slices. Aim for a thickness of approximately ¾ to 1 inch. This ensures the bread absorbs enough custard without becoming soggy and provides a substantial bite.
3. Heat Your Griddle or Skillet: Place a large griddle on your stovetop or use an electric griddle. Preheat it to medium heat, or 325°F (160°C) for an electric griddle. Proper preheating is essential for even cooking and a golden crust.
4. Dredge the Bread: Just before cooking, gently dip each slice of bread into the prepared custard batter. Allow it to soak for about 15-30 seconds per side (longer for very dry bread, shorter for fresh). Lift the bread and allow any excess batter to drip off, ensuring an even coating without oversaturation.
5. Cook to Golden Perfection: Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the hot griddle or skillet and let it melt, swirling to coat the surface. Place the coated bread slices onto the hot surface, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (leave at least 1 inch of space between slices). Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown and crispy. After cooking the first batch, quickly wipe out any residual butter or crumbs from the pan with a paper towel and add the remaining tablespoon of butter for the next batch.
6. Serve Immediately: As soon as the French toast comes off the griddle, transfer it to a wire cooling rack or directly to plates for serving. Serving immediately prevents steaming, which can lead to soggy French toast. Top generously with the homemade caramel syrup, freshly whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.

The Unforgettable Four-Ingredient Caramel Syrup

This simple yet incredibly rich caramel syrup is the secret weapon that elevates our French toast from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. With just four ingredients, you’ll achieve a decadent, silky-smooth topping that perfectly complements the cinnamon-sugar goodness.

• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides a lovely caramel flavor, but for an even deeper, more complex, toffee-like note, you can opt for dark brown sugar.
• Heavy Cream: The key to the syrup’s luxurious texture and richness. Choose pasteurized heavy cream for its superior quality and velvety mouthfeel.
• Light Karo® Syrup: This ingredient is essential for achieving the perfect consistency and preventing the sugar from crystallizing, resulting in a smooth, pourable syrup. Avoid dark corn syrup, as its distinct flavor will alter the desired taste.
• Vanilla Extract: A crucial addition that enhances the overall richness and adds a warm, aromatic depth to the caramel.

Expert Tips for French Toast Perfection

Achieve consistently perfect French toast every time with these valuable tips and tricks:

• Thoroughly Stir the Custard: This is a crucial step! Whisk the egg mixture vigorously until all ingredients are completely blended and smooth. Any unmixed egg whites can result in unsightly streaks or an unevenly cooked texture on your French toast.
• Invest in a Good Griddle: If French toast is a regular feature in your breakfast rotation, an electric griddle is an absolute game-changer. It provides consistent, even heat across a large surface, allowing you to cook multiple slices at once without hot spots.
• Always Preheat the Pan: Ensure your griddle or skillet is properly preheated to the correct temperature before adding the bread. A hot pan immediately sears the exterior, preventing the custard from leaking out and ensuring an evenly cooked, crispy crust.
• Maintain Steady Medium Heat: This is the sweet spot for French toast. High heat will quickly burn the outside, leaving the inside raw and uncooked. Conversely, low heat will dry out the bread, resulting in a tough, unappetizing texture. Medium heat ensures a golden-brown exterior and a tender, cooked interior.
• Butter the Pan Between Batches: For optimal flavor and crispiness, rub a cold stick of unsalted butter directly on the hot cooking surface before each new batch of French toast. Using tongs to hold the butter stick makes this process easy and safe. This ensures a fresh, non-stick surface and adds rich buttery notes.
• Don’t Over-soak or Under-soak: The soaking time is key. Too little time, and the bread won’t absorb enough flavor and moisture. Too much time, and it will become overly saturated and fall apart. Aim for 15-30 seconds per side, adjusting based on the freshness and density of your bread.
• Keep Warm for Serving: If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can keep finished French toast warm in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This keeps it warm and prevents it from getting soggy.
• Reheating Leftovers: Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat it in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again, or use an air fryer. Avoid the microwave, as it will make it rubbery.

French Toast FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Savory Side Ideas to Complement Your Sweet French Toast

Our cinnamon-sugar French toast, especially with that rich caramel syrup, is wonderfully sweet. Pairing it with a hearty and savory dish creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying breakfast or brunch. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments:

• Eggs: The classic breakfast companion! Prepare them however you like – fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly fried over easy or over medium, or any style you prefer. Their savory protein content beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the French toast.
• Crispy Cooked Bacon: The salty, smoky crunch of perfectly cooked bacon is an irresistible pairing with sweet French toast. The contrasting textures and flavors create a harmonious bite.
• Golden Hashbrowns: Fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, hashbrowns add a delightful potato element to your meal. For an easy one-pan option, try these Breakfast Potatoes and Bacon.

Explore More Delicious Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

If you loved this French toast, you’ll surely enjoy these other delectable recipes perfect for starting your day on a delicious note:

• Bread Pudding Recipe with luscious caramel syrup for a comforting dessert-like breakfast.
• Learn How to Make Crepes, then try these amazing Nutella Strawberry Crepes for a delightful treat.
• A refreshing Mango Smoothie made with sweet frozen mangoes for a healthy and quick option.
• Our satisfying Waffle Recipe, featuring thick, fluffy waffles loaded with flavor.
• Fun and easy French Toast Sticks, coated in crushed cinnamon cereal for an extra crunch.

★★★★★ (5 from 2 votes)

Homemade Cinnamon-Sugar French Toast

By Chelsea Lords

The best cinnamon-sugar French toast—topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, and a four-ingredient caramel syrup. This is my adaptation of a recipe from a famous Utah bakery.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8 large pieces French toast

Equipment

• Electric griddle or large skillet
• Stand mixer (for whipping cream)

Ingredients

For the French Toast

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 loaf of cinnamon-sugar swirled bread (un-sliced if possible, see Note 1 for alternatives)
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or 1%, 2% milk; whole milk recommended for best results)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, firmly packed

For the Caramel Syrup

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup (such as light Karo syrup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sliced strawberries or a medley of fresh berries, for garnish

Instructions

Caramel Syrup

1. Combine the light brown sugar, heavy cream, and light corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and, if desired, a tiny pinch (about 1/16 teaspoon) of fine sea salt to enhance and balance the flavors.

French Toast

1. If not pre-sliced, cut the cinnamon bread into 8 even-sized slices, approximately ¾ to 1-inch thick. In a large, shallow bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Whisk briskly until the mixture is thoroughly combined and perfectly smooth. Preheat a large electric griddle to 325°F (160°C) or a large skillet on the stovetop to medium heat.
2. Dip each bread slice into the prepared custard batter, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess batter. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the hot skillet or griddle and allow it to melt. Once melted, immediately place the coated bread slices on the cooking surface, being careful not to overcrowd the griddle or pan (leave at least 1-inch space between slices). Cook until both sides of the bread are golden brown and crispy, typically about 3–4 minutes per side. After cooking the first batch, quickly wipe out any leftover butter or crumbs from the skillet/pan with a paper towel and add the other tablespoon of butter for the subsequent batch. As soon as you remove the French toast from the griddle/pan, transfer it to a wire cooling rack or serving plate. French toast is always best served fresh off the griddle; if left on plates for too long, it will steam and become soggy!

Serving

1. To prepare the whipped cream, pour the heavy cream and powdered sugar into a cold bowl attached to a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer). Whisk on high speed until medium to stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 1–3 minutes. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can turn the cream grainy. Stir in the vanilla extract and an optional tiny pinch (1/16 teaspoon) of salt if desired.
2. Serve your freshly cooked French Toast immediately, right off the griddle. Drizzle generously with the warm caramel syrup, top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and scatter fresh sliced strawberries or your favorite berries over the top. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Choosing Your Bread. For an authentic replication of the famous bakery’s French Toast, we highly recommend using their signature Chunky Cinnamon Bread. If you’re fortunate enough to find it, pick up a few loaves – use one for this recipe and freeze the others for future cravings! If that specific bread isn’t available, here are excellent alternatives we’ve tested and loved:

• Brioche bread: Known for its rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.
• Challah: A slightly sweet, eggy bread that absorbs custard beautifully.
• French bread: Choose a sturdy, dense loaf that won’t fall apart.
• Another bakery-fresh cinnamon bread: Look for a high-quality, dense loaf.
• Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A readily available option that works wonderfully.

If your chosen bread is not already sliced, the ideal thickness is ¾ up to 1-inch thick for optimal custard absorption and texture.

Nutrition Note: Please be aware that the nutritional information provided will be significantly affected by the specific type and brand of bread you choose to use.

Storage: Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture when reheating, use a skillet or an air fryer to restore its crispiness. Keep the caramel syrup separate and warm it gently before serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 463 kcal | Carbohydrates: 62 g | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 189 mg | Sodium: 500 mg | Potassium: 249 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 34 g | Vitamin A: 749 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 114 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.