Looking for a sweet and simple breakfast idea that's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious? This easy Cinnamon French Toast recipe is a go-to favorite for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. Cinnamon swirl bread is toasted to golden perfection with a warm, rich center, and a perfectly crisp, buttery crust, leaving you with a scrumptious breakfast treat that's always a hit!
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Serve it up with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy a breakfast that feels like dessert! Best of all, this recipe is make-ahead friendly and super convenient to reheat whenever you need. Treat your taste buds to this delightful dish that's sure to impress!
If you can't get enough French toast, you'll also love my bite-sized Ninja Foodi French Toast Bites that are perfect for snacking, this quick and crispy Air Fryer French Toast for busy mornings, or my comforting French Toast Bake that's ideal for holidays and weekend brunches.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Family-friendly favorite: Both kids and adults love the warm cinnamon flavor and fluffy texture, making it a go-to recipe for any household.
- Customizable toppings: From syrup and powdered sugar to fresh berries, bananas, or whipped cream, you can dress it up however you like.
- Budget-friendly meal: Using simple bread and pantry staples, this recipe delivers big flavor without breaking the bank.
- Quick and satisfying: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it's the perfect option for busy mornings or last-minute weekend brunches.
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients below to make this French toast with cinnamon bread!
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread will soak up the egg mixture best if it's slightly stale. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Eggs bind the liquid mixture to the bread and give the French toast that essential soft, creamy center and crisp crust.
- Heavy whipping cream adds richness to the toast and gives it that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla enhances the flavor of the French toast and balances out the flavor of the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon brings a comforting, warm spice, and extra cinnamon flavor to the French toast.
- A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Savory twist: Skip the cinnamon and vanilla, then serve with a sprinkle of cheese, chives, or even crispy air fryer bacon on the side.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the heavy cream with oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free whipped topping.
- Protein boost: Whisk a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the egg mixture for an extra-filling breakfast- or try pairing your French toast with savory Keto Egg Cups or a hearty Oven Baked Omelette for even more protein at breakfast.
- Stuffed French toast: Spread cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves between two slices of bread before dipping them in the egg mixture for a decadent variation.
- Holiday flavor: Add pumpkin spice in the fall or a splash of peppermint extract around the holidays for a seasonal touch.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast
Once you've gathered all your ingredients, heat your electric skillet to 325ºF and follow the steps below to make this cinnamon swirl French toast!
- Step 1: In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk eggs, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together.
- Step 2: Dip each piece of bread for 5 seconds per side.
- Step 3: Place dipped bread in your greased, heated skillet.
- Step 4: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve immediately with the toppings of your choice.
Helpful Tips
- Let bread rest: To prevent tearing, let your bread rest briefly after dipping it in the egg mixture.
- Use day-old bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Preheat your pan: Always make sure your pan or griddle is hot before adding the bread to ensure even cooking and a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in small batches so each slice has enough space to brown evenly.
- Keep warm in the oven: For larger batches, place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to stay warm and crisp while you finish cooking.
- Butter + oil combo: Use a mix of butter and neutral oil in the skillet - the oil prevents burning while the butter adds rich flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Regular white bread, brioche, challah, or even Texas toast will work. Cinnamon swirl bread just adds extra flavor and sweetness.
Cooking your french toast in butter will help add flavor and give you a perfectly crisp and buttery crust, however can burn the bread if the heat is too high. Oil works for higher heat, but may leave you with a less buttery French toast. You can use a combination of butter and oil to raise the smoke point while also adding flavor.
To make sure your french toast doesn't come out soggy, be sure to use a bread that's sturdy and dense. Bread that's too thin, soft, or fresh won't cook as well, and can easily get soggy due to the moisture from the egg mixture. Also, be sure that your pan is hot enough and at 325ºF before putting on your bread slices.
Yes. Swap the heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter or oil in the pan.
Each side should be golden brown and slightly crisp. Press lightly in the center - it should spring back instead of feeling wet or mushy.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storage Instructions
To store extra French toast, place the cooled slices in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers of slices if needed. You can reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze cinnamon French toast, cook as directed and let it cool completely. Arrange slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet (with parchment between layers, if needed), then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven, toaster, or skillet before serving.
More Breakfast Recipes You'll Love
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Easy Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Swirl Bread
- 4 eggs
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream
Instructions
- In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk eggs, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together.
- Heat skillet to 325ºF.
- Dip each piece of bread for 5 seconds per side.
- Place dipped bread in your greased, heated skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve immediately with the toppings of your choice.
Notes
- Let bread rest: To prevent tearing, let your bread rest briefly after dipping it in the egg mixture.
- Use day-old bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Preheat your pan: Always make sure your pan or griddle is hot before adding the bread to ensure even cooking and a crisp, golden-brown crust.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in small batches so each slice has enough space to brown evenly.
- Keep warm in the oven: For larger batches, place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to stay warm and crisp while you finish cooking.
- Butter + oil combo: Use a mix of butter and neutral oil in the skillet - the oil prevents burning while the butter adds rich flavor.
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