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I've taken the classic French toast and given it a delightful summer twist that you're going to love! Imagine sinking your teeth into thick slices of brioche or challah, perfectly cooked to a golden brown crisp on the outside while maintaining a luscious, custard-like center. But that's not all—this isn't your average French toast. I've infused the egg mixture with a refreshing hint of lemon zest, turning a traditional breakfast into a seasonal masterpiece.
Once you've got your perfectly cooked slices, top them off with an assortment of fresh berries. I love using strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to capture the essence of summer on a plate. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness. And for that extra bit of flair, a dusting of powdered sugar takes it to the next level. Trust me, this French Toast with a Twist will make your mornings feel like a day at a sunny, summer resort!
Substitutions
If you're like me and love to tinker in the kitchen, you'll be happy to know that this French Toast with a Twist recipe is super flexible. Let's talk about some handy substitutions that you can make without sacrificing too much on taste or texture.
For the bread, if you can't get your hands on brioche or challah, sturdy white bread or even sourdough works well.
In the dairy department, if you're looking to go dairy-free or just want to shake things up, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are great alternatives to regular milk. And don't worry about the butter; any plant-based butter will do the job.
If you're out of fresh berries, frozen ones are fine, just thaw and drain them to avoid a soggy mess. No lemon for zest? A dash of lemon extract or even orange zest can fill in nicely.
Lastly, if you're watching your sugar intake, sugar alternatives like Stevia can replace the granulated sugar in the recipe. So go ahead, make this dish your own!
Serving Ideas
- For a more adult twist, a dash of liqueur like Grand Marnier in the egg mixture can make it extra special.
- Garnish with mint leaves for added color and a refreshing taste.
- Serve with a side of lemon sorbet for an ultra-summery brunch experience.
- A fruit compote or a berry sauce can add a more complex layer of flavor.
Beverage Pairings with French Toast
This dish pairs well with:
- A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a mimosa for brunch.
- Lightly brewed tea or a fruity iced tea.
- For coffee lovers, a latte or cappuccino would complement the richness of the French toast nicely.
Tips and Tricks
- Stale Bread: If you have day-old bread, it actually works better for French toast because it can soak up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Fluffy Custard: For a richer, more custard-like texture, you could use half-and-half or cream in place of milk.
- Zest Tip: If you really enjoy the lemon flavor, consider adding a dash of lemon extract along with the lemon zest for even more lemony goodness.
- Cooking Technique: To ensure a crispy exterior, make sure your griddle or skillet is fully heated before adding the butter and bread.
- Keeping Warm: If you're making multiple batches and want to keep the first ones warm while you cook the rest, preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) and place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet in the oven.
- Nutritional Note: If you're mindful of calories, you can substitute skim or almond milk and use a sugar substitute. However, this might alter the texture and taste slightly.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.
Recipe
French Toast with a Twist
Equipment
- Griddle or large non-stick skillet
- Plate
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick bread such as brioche or challah
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries for serving
- Maple syrup or honey for serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Preheat the griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Dip one slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side until fully coated but not overly saturated.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the preheated griddle or skillet. Place the soaked bread slice onto the griddle or skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat the dipping and cooking process with the remaining slices of bread, adding more butter as needed.
- Once all the French toast slices are cooked, transfer them to a plate.
- Serve the French toast warm on a serving platter, garnishing with fresh berries on top.
- Drizzle maple syrup or honey over the French toast and berries.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Enjoy your summery twist on classic French toast!
Notes
Nutrition
French Toast with a Twist - FAQ
Yes, you can use regular white bread, but brioche or challah will give the French toast a richer, more luxurious texture and flavor.
Absolutely. You can replace the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for frying.
t's best to make the mixture just before you're ready to cook to ensure the freshest flavor. However, if you must prepare ahead, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
f you don't have lemon zest, orange zest or a dash of lemon extract can be a good alternative.
Definitely! Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture will provide a warm and aromatic flavor.
Yes, frozen berries can be used, but they may release more juice when thawing. If you prefer, you can thaw them beforehand and drain the excess liquid.
Feel free to experiment with toppings like whipped cream, yogurt, or even a dollop of lemon curd to enhance the summery taste.
David Tyson says
one of my go to breakfast recipes.
Ashley says
Great for an easy weekend recipe 😉