Gemma’s Best French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence, combining golden crispiness with a soft, custardy center. In just 15 minutes, you can create a dish that feels like a warm hug, with rich vanilla and cinnamon aromas filling your kitchen. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures—crunchy edges giving way to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary, making mornings feel special without any fuss.
This French toast is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a cozy weekend brunch. The quick prep and cook time means you can enjoy a luxurious breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. Drizzle it with maple syrup, add a dusting of powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries for a burst of flavor. It’s comfort food at its finest—sweet, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.
What You’ll Need for Gemma’s Best French Toast
- 4-5 thick slices of bread (white or brioche work best)
- Butter (for coating the bread and greasing the pan)
- 3 whole eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) cream (any type will do)
How to Make Gemma’s Best French Toast
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Butter the bread on both sides for extra richness.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and cream until well combined.
- Soak the bread in the egg mixture for as long as possible. For the best results, leave it overnight. If short on time, soak for at least 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let excess custard drip back into the bowl.
- Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and brush with butter to prevent sticking.
- Fry the bread slices until crisp and golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Optional: Transfer the French toast to a baking tray and bake in the oven for 7 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
- Serve warm on a plate, dusted with confectioners’ sugar and drizzled with maple syrup. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While maple syrup and confectioners’ sugar are classic choices, why not elevate your French toast? Try a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a fruity twist, or drizzle with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-savory combo. For a decadent treat, spread Nutella or peanut butter between slices before serving.
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
French toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the toast soggy. For longer storage, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with different breads like challah, sourdough, or even croissants for a richer flavor. Swap the cream for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for a unique spice blend. For a savory twist, skip the sugar and cinnamon, and add herbs like thyme or chives to the egg mixture.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Mornings
Prep the custard and soak the bread the night before to save time in the morning. If you’re short on time, soak the bread for at least 10 minutes per side—it’ll still be delicious! Use a griddle or large skillet to cook multiple slices at once, and keep finished toast warm in the oven while you cook the rest.
Essential Equipment for French Toast Success
A non-stick skillet or griddle is key for even cooking, and a whisk ensures the custard is smooth and well-mixed. A shallow baking dish works perfectly for soaking the bread, and a spatula with a thin edge helps flip the slices without breaking them. If you’re baking the toast, a wire rack on the baking tray keeps it crispy.
Gemma’s Best French Toast
Ingredients
- 4-5 slices Thick slices of bread (white or brioche)
- Butter for the bread
- 3 whole eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream (any type will do) 4floz/120ml
- 1 tablespoon butter 1/2oz/15g
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 400oF (200oC).
- Butter the slices of bread on both sides.
- In a shallow bowl whisk the eggs, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon and cream.
- Important part: Soak the slices of bread in the egg for as along as you can. I leave it in the custard over night. At least soak the bread for a minimum of 30 minutes. Turn 15 minutes in and soak it on the other side. Lift out and let any extra egg drain back into the dish. The more custard it soaks the better.
- Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat. Brush with some butter to stop the bread from sticking.
- Fry the slices of bread until they are crisp and golden brown on both sides.
- Optional: Transfer the french toast to a baking tray and pop them into the oven for 7 minutes, just to make sure they are fully cooked through.
- Place them on a plate and dust with some confectioners sugar and pour over maple syrup.
- Enjoy while still warm.
