Fruity French Toast (Pain Perdu)

felichiccuisine
Aug 31, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Apr 2

A Sweet Morning Delight

With its fluffy, tender center and perfectly golden crust, this French toast is pure breakfast bliss. Top it off with a drizzle of maple syrup, a handful of fresh berries, or just a dusting of powdered or brown sugar—either way, it’s a sweet and satisfying way to start your weekend!

Is there anything better than waking up to the smell of warm, buttery French toast sizzling in a pan? For me, it’s the ultimate comfort breakfast—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of meal that instantly makes any morning or weekend feel a little more special.

French toast, or Pain Perdu (which means "lost bread" in French), was originally created as a way to use up stale bread. But honestly, it’s so good that I find myself making it even when my bread is perfectly fresh.

This version is my favorite—flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with fresh berries, maple syrup, and a dollop of crème fraîche for that perfect balance of rich and refreshing.

It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Whether you’re treating yourself on a slow weekend morning or whipping up a special breakfast for loved ones, this Fruity French Toast is always a winner.

Timeless Elegance: Vintage Metal Baskets

Why You'll Love this Recipe

✔ Easy & Beginner-Friendly – This French toast recipe is perfect for anyone, even if you’re new to cooking. No fancy techniques—just simple steps and delicious results.

✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the tanginess of crème fraîche create a heavenly combination.

✔ Customizable – Swap out the berries for bananas, peaches, or even caramelized apples for a seasonal twist!

✔ Great for Using Up Leftover Bread – Stale bread soaks up the custard mixture beautifully, giving you the best texture.

Climbing roses combine their elegance, color, delicate fragrance and beauty in a garden that offers an attractive view. They will repeatedly flower throughout the summer and autumn providing a relaxing, cool summer garden with a breathtaking view and a lovely scent. — 10 Best Climbing Roses @Feli Chic'Cuisine

Tips for the Best French Toast

✔️ Use thick, sturdy bread – Brioche, challah, or homemade bakery bread works best. Thin, soft bread will fall apart in the custard.

✔️ Don’t over-soak the bread – A quick dip in the egg mixture is enough. If the bread absorbs too much liquid, it’ll be soggy instead of custardy.

✔️ Cook on medium heat – Too high, and the outside burns before the inside is done. Too low, and it won’t get that crispy golden crust.

✔️ Butter + oil = the best combo – Butter gives the toast flavor, while oil prevents it from burning too fast.

✔️ Customize the toppings – Swap out berries for caramelized bananas, toasted nuts, or even a drizzle of honey for a different twist.

With its fluffy, tender center and perfectly golden crust, this French toast is pure breakfast bliss. Top it off with a drizzle of maple syrup, a handful of fresh berries, or just a dusting of powdered or brown sugar—either way, it’s a sweet and satisfying way to start your weekend!

French toast is one of those dishes that always feels a little special. Whether you’re making it as a comforting treat for yourself or serving it to family and friends, it’s guaranteed to bring joy to the table.

If you’ve never tried making Pain Perdu at home, now is the perfect time to start. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. So grab your favorite bread, mix up that cinnamon-vanilla custard, and let your morning be filled with the deliciousness of homemade Fruity French Toast.

Fruity French Toast

(Pain Perdu) Recipe

With its fluffy, tender center and perfectly golden crust, this French toast is pure breakfast bliss.

🍽 Serves: 2-4

⏱ Prep Time: 5 min

⏳ Cooking Time: 10 min

⏰ Total Time: 15 min

Ingredients

For the Toast:

2 large eggs
100 ml milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
4 thick slices of homemade bakery bread
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp oil

For the Topping:

Maple syrup
Crème fraîche
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or any of your favorites)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture is what gives the toast its signature custardy texture.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds on each side. Be careful not to let it sit too long, or it may become too soggy.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil ensures a rich flavor while preventing the butter from burning too quickly.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Place the soaked bread slices in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Transfer the toast to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with maple syrup, add a dollop of crème fraîche, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Finish by topping with fresh berries for a burst of color and natural sweetness.