A Sweet and Simple Breakfast
Looking for a show-stopping breakfast that comes together in a snap? This French toast with berries recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while also feeling fresh from the addition of juicy berries.
Decadent French Toast Made Easy
When you’re craving a little something decadent to start your day, this easy French toast is exactly what you need. Drizzled with syrup and crowned with plump, ripe berries, each bite will have you savoring sweet fruity flavors along with warm, custardy bread.
Quick Prep, Big Flavor Payoff
The preparation is quick and simple, with just a few ingredients whisked together for a fast egg batter. Dip the bread and fry until golden and you’ve got classic French toast ready to send over the top with colorful berries. Whether you go for crowd-pleasing strawberries or a mixed berry medley, this recipe is a foolproof way to turn an ordinary breakfast into a special occasion. Say hello to your new go-to weekend breakfast!
Ingredients For French Toast With Berries Recipe
To make French Toast With Berries, you will need:
- Bread – Thick sliced brioche or challah works best
- Eggs – Whisked together with milk and vanilla
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Tips for Choosing Bread
- Look for thick sliced, egg breads like brioche, challah or Texas toast. Avoid thin sliced bread which will not soak up the egg mixture well.
- Day old bread works great since it will be more firm. Fresh bread can fall apart easily.
- Breads with a close crumb rather than large holes work best.
Tips for Choosing Berries
- Use fresh, in-season berries for maximum flavor and sweetness. Frozen can also work well.
- Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries work beautifully!
- Wash berries right before using. Dry well so they don’t make the french toast soggy.
Step-By-Step Guide for Making French Toast With Berries
Follow these simple steps for perfect French Toast With Berries every time:
Beat the Eggs, Milk and Vanilla
- Crack 3 large eggs into a shallow bowl or pie plate.
- Add 1/3 cup milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Whisk together until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Melt the Butter
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Dip and Coat the Bread
- Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture, soaking both sides well. Let any excess drip off.
Cook the French Toast
- Place the coated bread into the hot skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Repeat with remaining slices.
Top with Berries and Syrup
- Place french toast on a plate and top with mixed fresh berries.
- Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar or add whipped cream.
- Enjoy this sweet and fruit-forward breakfast treat!
Tips for Making Perfect French Toast With Berries
- For best results, use day old bread that is thoroughly dried out. Fresh bread will be too soft.
- Let the soaked bread sit in the egg mixture for at least 30 seconds per side. This allows it to fully absorb the custard.
- Use a thin, flexible spatula to gently flip the bread. Thicker spatulas can tear the uncooked side.
- Cook over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.
- Add a pat of butter to the pan before cooking each batch for delicious buttery flavor.
- Keep cooked french toast warm in a 200??F oven while you finish cooking the rest.
Variations for Customizing French Toast With Berries
There are so many ways to adapt this recipe:
- Use different breads: Brioche, challah, croissants, cinnamon swirl bread, banana bread.
- Mix up the berries: Try blackberries, chopped mango, peach slices or banana.
- Change up the toppings: Whipped cream, yogurt, hazelnut spread, peanut butter, chocolate sauce.
- Make it savory: Omit sugar and serve with avocado, tomatoes, fried eggs.
- baked French Toast: Assemble in a casserole dish, refrigerate overnight, and bake before serving.
- French Toast With Berries and cream: Top french toast with sweetened whipped cream and berries.
- overnight French Toast With Berries: Assemble uncooked pieces the night before on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover and refrigerate.
The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Leftover French Toast With Berries
Leftovers can be stored and reheated for an easy breakfast later in the week:
- Allow cooked french toast to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place on a sheet pan and bake at 325??F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
- Top with fresh berries and syrup right before serving.
- Leftovers also reheat well in the microwave or toaster oven.
Common Questions about French Toast With Berries
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What kind of bread works best?
Thick sliced egg breads like brioche, challah and Texas toast work great. Avoid thin breads.
Can I use frozen berries?
Absolutely! Just make sure frozen berries are thawed and any excess juice is drained off before topping the french toast.
What if I don’t have vanilla?
You can omit the vanilla, or sub in almond extract or cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Is there a recipe for berry syrup?
Yes! Simmer 2 cups berries with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon water until broken down, 5 min. Mash and strain.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the egg mixture and bread slices ahead of time. But do not cook the french toast until ready to serve.
Conclusion
French Toast With Berries is the ultimate special breakfast or brunch dish. With its combination of custardy, sweet french toast and juicy fresh berries, it looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make. The basic recipe is endlessly adaptable, so get creative with different breads and fruit variations. Enjoy this restaurant-quality treat right at home for a fraction of the cost. Your friends and family will be asking for this French Toast recipe every weekend!
