French toast is a classic breakfast dish that can be easily customized with different breads, toppings and flavors. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a simple and tasty French toast with a spiced orange custard and a fresh berry sauce. This is a perfect way to start your weekend or impress your guests with a homemade brunch.
What you need for this recipe
- Bread: We recommend using a country sourdough bread for its tangy flavor and sturdy texture. You can also use challah, brioche or any other bread that you like. Cut the bread into 3/4 inch thick slices for optimal soaking.
- Eggs: You’ll need four eggs to make the custard for dipping the bread. Eggs add richness and protein to the French toast.
- Half and half: This is a mixture of milk and cream that gives the custard a creamy consistency. You can also use whole milk or heavy cream if you prefer.
- Maple syrup: We use maple syrup to sweeten both the custard and the berry sauce. Maple syrup adds a natural and delicious flavor that complements the spices and the orange zest. Use real maple syrup for the best results.
- Orange zest: This is the grated peel of an orange that adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the custard. You’ll need about a tablespoon of orange zest for this recipe.
- Spices: We use cinnamon, cardamom, allspice and nutmeg to spice up the custard and give it a warm and cozy aroma. You can adjust the amount of spices to your taste or use other spices that you like.
- Butter: You’ll need some butter to grease the skillet or griddle for cooking the French toast. Butter adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Berries: You can use any fresh berries that you have on hand or that are in season. We use blueberries, strawberries and blackberries for our berry sauce, but you can also use raspberries, cherries, peaches or any other fruit that you like.
How to make French toast
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, maple syrup, orange zest, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg and salt until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender to make sure there are no lumps in the custard.
- Pour the custard into a shallow baking dish or a large plate. Dip each slice of bread into the custard, turning to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for 2 to 5 minutes per side, depending on how soft or firm you want your French toast. Transfer the soaked bread to a wire rack over a baking sheet and let the excess custard drip off. Tip: whisk the custard occasionally as you dip the bread, as the spices tend to settle at the bottom.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. When hot, add half a tablespoon of butter and swirl to coat the surface. Place one or two slices of bread on the skillet or griddle (depending on how big they are) and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden and slightly puffy in the center. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread slices, keeping them warm in a low oven if needed.
How to make berry sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 1 cup of berries to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, mashing some of the berries with a spoon to release their juices.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and a pinch of salt until smooth. Stir this mixture into the berry sauce, whisking constantly until thickened and bubbly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in another 2 cups of berries.
How to serve French toast
Serve your French toast hot or warm, topped with some butter (optional), more maple syrup (if desired) and a generous spoonful of berry sauce. Sprinkle some powdered sugar over everything for a festive touch. Enjoy your delicious French toast with berry sauce!
