French Toast with Berries

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Treats

Enjoy golden slices of fluffy bread, soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and pan-fried to a perfect crisp. This dish is enhanced by a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, finished with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Perfect for a quick and easy brunch or breakfast, it pairs beautifully with a light sparkling wine or fresh orange juice.

Simple to prepare, this comforting plate uses brioche or challah bread, soaked just long enough to absorb the custard without becoming soggy. Cooking each slice in butter ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Optional touches like powdered sugar or a hint of lemon zest can add subtle freshness and visual appeal.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:29:00 GMT
Fluffy French toast with berries, cooked golden brown, drizzled with maple syrup for breakfast. Save
Fluffy French toast with berries, cooked golden brown, drizzled with maple syrup for breakfast. | chromepantry.com

Golden, fluffy slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard pan-fried to perfection and topped with a vibrant mix of fresh berries and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

I first served this breakfast to my family on a chilly weekend and it quickly became a favorite weekend treat that everyone looks forward to.

Ingredients

  • Custard: 4 large eggs, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, Pinch of salt
  • Bread: 8 slices brioche or challah bread (about 2 cm thick)
  • For Cooking: 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Toppings: 200 g (1 1/2 cups) mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries), 120 ml (1/2 cup) pure maple syrup, Optional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 2:
Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt.
Step 3:
Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, letting it soak for 10 15 seconds per side. Allow excess to drip off.
Step 4:
Place soaked bread slices on the skillet. Cook for 2 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed.
Step 5:
Arrange French toast slices on plates. Top generously with fresh berries, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
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Product image
Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Crispy edges and soft interior: imagine this French toast recipe piled high with juicy berries. Save
Crispy edges and soft interior: imagine this French toast recipe piled high with juicy berries. | chromepantry.com

Making French toast is a ritual in our family that brings us together for a cozy weekend breakfast full of laughter and stories.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, Whisk, Shallow baking dish, Nonstick skillet or griddle, Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs, Milk (Dairy), Wheat (Gluten from bread). Check bread ingredients for potential traces of nuts or soy.

Nutritional Information

Calories 390, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 11 g per serving

Homemade French toast, complete with fresh berries and maple, ready for a delicious brunch spread. Save
Homemade French toast, complete with fresh berries and maple, ready for a delicious brunch spread. | chromepantry.com
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This French toast recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and spice making it an ideal choice for special breakfasts or brunches.

Common Questions

What type of bread works best?

Brioche or challah bread is ideal due to its thickness and slightly sweet flavor, which absorbs custard well while holding structure.

How long should the bread soak in custard?

Dip each slice for about 10–15 seconds per side to allow custard absorption without becoming overly soggy.

Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?

Yes, plant-based milk and butter alternatives can be used for a dairy-free version, though texture may vary slightly.

How to prevent sticking during cooking?

Use a nonstick skillet and melt butter before adding custard-soaked bread to ensure a golden, crisp surface without sticking.

What toppings complement this dish?

Fresh mixed berries and pure maple syrup add vibrant sweetness. Optional powdered sugar dusting enhances presentation and flavor.

Is there a way to add a citrus twist?

Adding lemon zest to the custard mixture creates a refreshing brightness that balances the sweetness.

French Toast with Berries

Fluffy bread soaked in cinnamon-vanilla custard, topped with berries and a maple syrup drizzle.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Total Duration
25 min
Written by Mia Foster


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Number Served

Dietary notes Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Custard

01 4 large eggs
02 1 cup whole milk
03 1/4 cup heavy cream
04 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 Pinch of salt

Bread

01 8 slices brioche or challah bread, about 3/4 inch thick

For Cooking

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Toppings

01 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
02 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
03 Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Step 01

Prepare custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully blended.

Step 02

Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

Step 03

Soak bread slices: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, soaking each side for 10 to 15 seconds. Let the excess drip off.

Step 04

Cook the bread: Place soaked bread slices onto the skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed and work in batches.

Step 05

Serve with toppings: Arrange the cooked slices on plates. Top with fresh mixed berries, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Allergy Details

Review each item for potential allergies and consult a healthcare expert with concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk (dairy), and wheat (gluten). Check bread packaging for traces of nuts or soy.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

For informational purposes only—always seek professional health advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fat content: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Protein: 11 g