Challah French Toast
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Soaked in a rich cinnamon-laced custard, this challah French toast is fit for a special occasion.
This challah French toast isn’t your everyday French toast, the kind you’d throw together with some stale sandwich bread, eggs, and low-fat milk you’ve got in the fridge. It’s so much more special. Made with challah and a rich custard flavored with honey, vanilla, and lots of cinnamon, it cooks up slightly crisp on the exterior and creamy on the interior, and it tastes almost like bread pudding.
What You’ll Need To Make Challah French Toast
Spte-by-step instructions
Begin by combining the eggs, milk, cream, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a large baking dish. Whisk well.
Place a few slices of challah in the custard.
Let soak, flipping occasionally, until saturated but not falling apart, 1-2 minutes depending on how moist you like your French toast.
Heat 1-1/2 tablespoons butter and 1-1/2 tablespoons oil over medium heat in a large skillet; add the soaked challah.
Cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Transfer the challah French toast to a wire rack and place in the oven to keep warm while cooking the remaining bread.
Serve hot with maple syrup and enjoy!
More French Toast Recipes
Challah French Toast
Soaked in a rich cinnamon-laced custard, this challah French toast is fit for a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- ¾ cup low-fat milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf day old challah, brioche or other good bread sliced ¾-inch thick
- Unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Set wire rack on baking sheet and set aside.
- In a large baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.
- Place a few slices of the challah in the custard and let soak, flipping occasionally, until saturated but not falling apart, 1 to 2 minutes depending on how moist you like your French toast.
- Heat 1½ tablespoons butter and 1½ tablespoons oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Cook the first batch of soaked bread until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the wire rack and place in the oven to keep warm while cooking the remaining bread. Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels. Soak and fry the remaining bread, using butter and oil as necessary, until it's all cooked. Serve hot with maple syrup.
Nutrition Information
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- Serving size: 6
- Calories: 543
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Sodium: 481 mg
- Cholesterol: 282 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Absolutely the best french toast ever! I follow recipe exactly as written with perfect results. Inside soft but not squishy and outside browned to perfection. All the family raves about it and never any leftovers!
I made this french toast using leftover bread from your challah recipe. It was delicious – not too eggy, and just moist enough. Next time, I might cut my bread a bit thinner – I think I’d like the surface to volume ratio better. Thanks!
Hello! Where has this recipe been all my life? Whoever said dessert is not for breakfast…well, obviously they’ve never had the blessed experience of this French Toast give them a good morning greeting. If we could coordinate everyone in the world to have this on the same morning, I think wishes of world peace and tranquility would likely go from vision to reality! Waistlines be cursed.
I made this French Toast recipe for the first time this week for me and my husband. I had 1/2 a loaf of Challah bread that I had made the week before using Jenn’s recipe for Challah and that I had frozen, just so I could try out this recipe (by the way, the Challah recipe is amazing and I had to force myself to freeze 1/2 of it instead of devouring). Since I didn’t have a full loaf, I halved the recipe. It turned out perfectly. I like to cook my French Toast on a griddle so it all gets done together. I cooked for about 2-3 minutes per side at 350. So yummy with some bacon on the side.
Excellent recipe. I’ve done it three weekends in a row and think I am nearing perfection (according to my kids).
My biggest issue has been the bread not getting soaked through. If you look online, you’ll see recommendations from 30-seconds to hours. I discovered that if you slice the bread just a little thinner — about 3/4 to 1 inch slices, they soak through in about 3-minutes per side.
My only actual change to recipe was to add 50% more honey — though even this doesn’t taste super sweet. I also added about a 1/2 teaspoon of fresh nutmeg.
However you decide to go, this is a delicious French Toast recipe.
The taste of this French toast was delicious. I just had one issue with the center being very squishy. I used thick white bread because that’s what I had on hand. Do you thick that was the issue? I cooked it for three minutes on each side until it was golden brown. We loved the outside edges and it was the best tasting French toast that we have made. Thank you for assisting. I’m a regular follower and have such success with your recipes. Five stars for the taste….I’ll be making again soon with the recommended type of bread.
Hi Jennie, you mentioned that your bread was thick-sliced? Do you think it was thicker than 3/4 inch? If so, that could’ve accounted for the squishy middle. You may want to just turn down the heat a little so that the slices can get fully cooked through without getting too browned on the outside. Hope that helps!
Hi Jen, Can I sub anything for the cream due to lactose intolerance? More milk or leave the cream out? Thank you!
Hi Lisa, it won’t be quite as rich, but you can use more milk in place of the cream. Hope you enjoy! 🙂
Jenn, would coconut milk work as a replacement for dairy milk?
Sure, Christie, that should work. Please LMK how it turns out!
I spontaneously decided to make this french toast and only had regular toast at hand. The results were still amazing!
I cut the recipe by half since I wanted only half the amount of french toast.
Will definitely try with brioche bread next time.
Thank you!
Oh and I should add, we are living in Belgium for a few years so I am using brioche for anyone wondering – and it is delicious!
This is the best french toast recipe by far! My husband usually makes waffles on Sundays and my kids never wanted french toast instead (which I prefer) – but this recipe has earned me a place in the regular Sunday morning rotation – they love it! Can’t wait to make it for my nieces/nephews next time they visit. Thank you!
Hi Jenn! Can’t wait to try these!
Im wondering if I could make the custard (egg mixture) the night before? Also, one of ours is allergic to honey- are there any alternatives you can think would be just as good or should I leave the honey out, make the honey free batch and then make the rest with honey?
Trying to find the most convenient way of making these for everyone without losing the “deliciousness” factor.
As always, love your recipes. We use several on a weekly basis.
-Celeste
Sure, Celeste, you can definitely make the egg mixture the night before and refrigerate it. And you can replace the honey with maple syrup. Hope everyone enjoys!
Is there any way to do this recipe as an overnight french toast?
Unfortunately, I don’t think this will work if it sits overnight. This recipe is perfect for that. Hope that helps!
This recipe is the apex of “attainable luxury”. I feel like a billionaire when I eat it. Thanks so much!
LOL – so glad you like it! 🙂
This is the best recipe I’ve found for French toast and my girls love it! Until now, we weren’t a regular “French toast” type of family, but now, I make it a couple times a month! Thank you!
This is my favorite french toast recipe😁
A delicious French toast, the custard has the right mix of flavors. The only substitution I made was to use a rustic round country white loaf of bread I made the day prior. Served it for brunch when the kids where home from college to the delight of all.
French Toast was great. I only made a half batch. Could I save the leftover egg mixture and use tomorrow?
Sure!
This French toast is delicious! Followed the exact recipe and used challah bread. Sifted powdered sugar on op at the end. Yummy!
Hi Jenn,
I have two questions: 1) could you provide me with an estimate of the net weight of bread loaf you’d recommend using?; and 2) I’ve been wanting to make this with Challah and have not been impressed with the Challah quality being sold around me. I have tried a couple Challah recipes so far with so-so results and too much work for what I got. Any chance you’re planning on posting a Challah recipe on your website in the near future? Much appreciated 🙂
Hi Malak, Typically challahs are about 1 pound. I do have a challah recipe in my cookbook – I’ll email it to you. 🙂
Jenn,
I made Challah myself from a book and it turned out dry and flavorless.
Would you send me the challah recipe you use? I would love to try your recipe. Thanks!
Hi Zhanna, here’s a link to the recipe. Hope you enjoy!
Perfect French Toast… enjoy the ease of prep and time, this is much better than going out. Do you have any tips for great coffee, I prefer a pot over an single cup brew method.
So glad you liked the French toast. Regarding the coffee, I used to grind my own beans, but in recent years have gotten lazy and just use a Keurig- sorry I can’t be more helpful!
I have been searching for the perfect French Toast recipe and thanks to you I have finally found it. I do not like mine too soggy so i did a quick flip on both sides and browned it to perfection. With the challah bread it was like pieces of heaven.
This was the absolute BEST French Toast I’ve ever eaten. I used brioche and it was delicious. But I will try challah next time for comparison. I frequently have weekend breakfasts for family, and your recipes are always a bit!
My one question is, how would this be cooked on a griddle vs frying as directions state? Thanks!
Dina Herron
Definitely, Dina – so glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful recipe, as always! I used challah bread–it was the perfect consistency. I messed up on the first batch by letting them soak too long (2-3 minutes). For the second round I just did a quick soak/flip (10 seconds per side) and it turned out PERFECT! This was a wonderful treat for our Father’s Day breakfast.
The challah is the perfect density for this recipe. We loved it. A very special breakfast dish!
The best French toast recipe,
Thank you!
I can’t find brioche or Challah bread in my local store. What would you recommend?
While I think this turns out best with challah or brioche, you could try it with Hawaiian bread. If you’re anywhere near a jewish deli, they’re likely to have challah.
I took your advice and used the Hawaiian sliced bread. I couldn’t put my fork down. I really enjoyed it. Thank-you so much!
I have been searching the web to find out how to make Challah bread myself. I really like to cook and bake. 🙂 I will definitely be making this again this weekend. I’m tired of making pancakes.
Check your grocery store bakery on Fridays for Challah. They’re more likely to have it then.
This is my favorite French Toast recipe. It comes out perfect every time and is really, really yummy.
WOW! I substituted sandwich bread and whole milk for the challah (please forgive me). Halved the recipe for six slices. Happy Thanksgiving. #happykidshappylife
Your recipe is EXACTLY the same as mine EXCEPT I use pure maple syrup instead of honey. I’ll have to try your version next time – maybe Sunday for Mother’s Day.
My first time making challah bread and it turned out amazing! I did substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour, and the loaf came out fluffy and delicious. We ate half and used the rest for your French toast recipe. Thanks for another keeper!
Definitely the Perfect French Toast recipe ever. I really liked your tips on using good bread (now I know how to use challah )!
Your recipes have never failed me! This one is yet another example! The first time I made this I ignored your warning about using plain bread (mainly because I only had plain bread available – and too lazy to go to the store.). Note to reader: Definitely heed her warning on the bread! The second time I made it though, with the right bread, it was perfection! The best french bread I’ve ever eaten.
French toast can be tricky…if you leave it in too long, it’s too soggy or not long enough and it’s kind of like eating “bread” with syrup. I was a little skeptical because I have never made it with heavy cream or honey before, but thought, hey all the other recipes I’ve made from this site have been amazing. My husband, the ever picky, over critical person, said “This is really tasty!” And he was right. I followed the recipe exactly, it’s everything you want French toast to be, especially with real maple syrup and some berries.
I am normally not a big fan of French toast. It is often too eggy for my taste.
BUT, this recipe was so ridiculously good that I didn’t even notice the eggs. Very decadent, but highly recommended.
I used this step by step recipe to teach cooking skills to my 7th grade students. The pictures were very helpful and they loved the final product.
Made it. Loved it. Wanted to eat more! I felt like I was having a restaurant brunch but in my living room in front of my tv. It was magical! Thanks, Jenn!
This is my go-to recipe for French toast. I make a big batch on the weekend and freeze the leftovers. Then I just toss 1 or 2 in the toaster on weekdays for the kids’ breakfast. They love it!
What a difference a little bit of honey makes. Don’t skip. My children raved about this recipe. I did not have heavy cream handy so I substituted more milk. Worked just fine.
we have a big sunday brunch almost every Sunday. this was a great change to an old favorite. Will definately be appearing again on the table. Thanks!
This is my new french toast recipe. I have made it 4 or 5 times now. I have never used challah before for french toast and we loved it! The cinnamon and honey make it so yummy too!
I too made these for my son…aren’t they fun to spoil. This was good, easy and basic, but the flavor was so perfect. My french toast was never anything special, but now that I use this recipe, it is! I didn’t change a thing!
I used a 1/2 day old baguette which I trimmed the crust off and it turned out great. I was careful not to let it get too soaked and finished in the oven to make sure it was completely cooked through (browned on all 4 sides, then into baking dish with foil pressed directly to the baguette, 350 for 5 mins).
Haven’t made French Toast in years but this got me going again. My recipe was close but the honey in this one just bumped it up a notch. Thank you!
I teach 7th grade cooking. We use this recipe in class and it works well. Some kids say it’s too creamy and eggy, so we decided not to let it sit in the egg mixture very long. Overall, it’s a hit.
I’m French, and i never eat that :p
I love your recipes and how your pictures have organic fresh ingredients. Thanks Iram for sharing this site with me.
This is how I make my french toast except for the heavy cream. I always use challah because I like the way it tastes. I’ll be trying the cream for my next batch. Also, I always use clarified butter (no oil) for pan frying as butter has a tendency to burn, You won’t be disappointed.
This really was the perfect french toast! I made a whole loaf and we ate it on saturday and sunday. I used half of the vanilla and substituted almond extract for the rest (my wife loves almond flavor) and it worked great. We debated which worked better, the pieces that followed the soaking directions, and the ones I forgot about and let soak longer. The longer soaked ones were more flavorful and moister, but didn’t caramelize as well. Either works based on your preference, I suppose.
My family loves this french toast! Perfect!
This reminds me of French Toast my mother made me when I was a child. I have to do this one night. My husband will love it!
Call me weird but I’ve always eaten my french toast with salt and pepper. No sugar and definitely no syrup! After all, it’s more of an egg than a pancake, don’t ya think?
Hi Jaye, I’ve actually seen recipes for savory French toast made with fresh herbs…works for me!
French Toast is my favorite!! Thanks so much for this post, I will be trying the recipe out 🙂
Cinnamon frech toast is the best! So are cinnamon pancakes!!