Orange French Toast
Orange French Toast is a delicious twist on a classic breakfast, combining soft brioche bread with the bright citrus flavor of orange juice, warm cinnamon, and vanilla. Each slice is dipped in a creamy orange-infused egg mixture and cooked in butter until golden brown, with a tender center and lightly crisp edges.
The rich, buttery texture of brioche makes it especially good for French toast because it absorbs the orange custard while maintaining its soft, fluffy texture.
This easy breakfast comes together in less than 30 minutes using just seven ingredients. Whether you’re making a weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or a simple morning meal, this orange French toast brings a little something different to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Orange French Toast
- Rich, buttery brioche bread: brioche has a naturally soft, rich texture that absorbs the orange custard beautifully. It develops golden edges while staying tender in the middle.
- Bright orange flavor: orange juice gives the French toast a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the richness of the eggs, milk, and butter.
- Warm cinnamon and vanilla: cinnamon adds gentle warmth, while vanilla brings a sweet aroma that balances the citrus without overpowering it.
- Simple ingredients and quick preparation: you only need seven ingredients and a skillet to make this breakfast. There’s no complicated preparation or special equipment required.
- Golden outside, soft inside: cooking the soaked brioche in butter over medium-low heat creates lightly crisp edges and a soft, custardy center without burning the bread.
Recipe Tips
- Use slightly stale brioche. Bread that is a day or two old absorbs custard more evenly and is less likely to fall apart.
- Avoid soaking the bread too long. Brioche is softer than many other types of bread, so a quick dip on each side is usually sufficient.
- Cook over medium-low heat. The orange juice and natural sugars in brioche can cause the exterior to brown before the center is fully cooked if the skillet is too hot.
- Whisk the cinnamon thoroughly. Cinnamon tends to float on top of liquid, so give the custard another quick stir between batches to distribute it evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Leaving space between the slices makes flipping easier and promotes even browning.
- Use a shallow bowl for dipping. A wide, shallow dish makes it easier to coat thick brioche slices without breaking them.
- Serve immediately when possible. French toast has its best texture right after cooking, while the edges are still lightly crisp.
Recipe Variations
- Orange Cream Cheese French Toast: Spread softened cream cheese between two slices of brioche before dipping them into the orange custard. Cook until golden brown and the filling is warm. The creamy, slightly tangy filling pairs beautifully with the bright orange flavor.
- Cranberry Orange French Toast: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries between two slices of brioche or sprinkle them over the cooked French toast. The cranberries add a chewy texture and a sweet-tart flavor that complements the citrusy custard.
- Orange Coconut French Toast: Replace the regular milk with coconut milk and add ½ cup of shredded coconut. Coat the dipped brioche with coconut before cooking. The coconut creates a lightly crisp, toasted exterior with a delicious tropical flavor.
- Orange Chocolate Chip French Toast: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips between two slices of brioche before dipping them into the orange custard. Cook until golden brown and the chocolate is melted for a rich, dessert-inspired breakfast.
- Blueberry Orange French Toast: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries over the warm French toast before serving. The juicy blueberries bring natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor that complements the orange-infused brioche.
- Orange Almond French Toast: Replace the vanilla extract with ¼ teaspoon of almond extract and sprinkle ⅓ cup of sliced almonds over the finished French toast. The almond extract adds a delicate, nutty aroma, while the sliced almonds provide a satisfying crunch.
Orange French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the bread. Cut the brioche into eight thick slices, approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick.
- Make the custard. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, orange juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and combined.
- Heat the skillet. Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add approximately ¾ teaspoon of butter and allow it to melt.
- Dip the brioche. Dip each bread slice into the orange custard for approximately 5–10 seconds per side. Allow excess custard to drip off before placing the bread in the skillet.
- Cook the French toast. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown with a fully cooked, tender center.
- Repeat with the remaining bread. Transfer the cooked slices to a plate. Add another small portion of butter to the skillet and continue cooking the remaining slices in batches, whisking the custard again as needed.
- Serve. Divide the eight slices among four plates and serve immediately while warm. Sprinkle powder sugar on top.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving (2 slices):- Calories: 425 kcal
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
FAQ: Orange French Toast
Yes. Other thick-cut breads can work, but brioche provides the soft, rich texture intended for this recipe. Different breads may require shorter or longer soaking times.
No. A large nonstick skillet works well because it allows the brioche to cook evenly and makes flipping easier. A well-seasoned skillet is another option.
The exterior should be golden brown, and the center should be cooked through without any wet or runny egg mixture. If the exterior is browning too quickly, reduce the heat and continue cooking until the center sets.
Sogginess can result from soaking the brioche too long or cooking it over heat that is too high. Dip the bread briefly and use medium-low heat so the center has time to cook.
Use slightly stale brioche, avoid oversoaking it, and cook in a preheated skillet with butter. Let each side develop a golden crust before flipping.
This recipe has a balanced citrus flavor. For a more pronounced orange taste, increase the orange juice to ½ cup and reduce the milk to ⅓ cup.
The French toast can be served on its own because the brioche, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange juice already provide plenty of flavor. Serve two slices per person for a simple breakfast.
Yes. Cook a batch, portion the slices into individual containers, and refrigerate them. Reheat each serving thoroughly when you’re ready to eat.
Yes. Bottled orange juice works well in this recipe. Choose orange juice without added sugar for a balanced citrus flavor.
The eggs are essential to the original recipe because they help the custard set as the bread cooks. Replacing them with another protein would require a different custard formula and cooking method.
Yes. Arrange the dipped brioche in a single layer on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 375°F for approximately 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The slices should be golden and cooked through.
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