French Toast with Berries

Featured in: Family Favorites

This dish features golden slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon and vanilla infused custard, pan-fried until crisp and tender. The warm, fluffy pieces are garnished with a vibrant mix of fresh berries and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, creating a balance of sweet and tart. Perfect for a relaxed morning or brunch, it’s easy to prepare and offers comforting flavors with a touch of elegance.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:02:00 GMT
Golden-brown French toast with berries: Warm, fluffy bread slices, drizzled in syrup and berry medley. Save
Golden-brown French toast with berries: Warm, fluffy bread slices, drizzled in syrup and berry medley. | brilliantcrust.com

Golden, fluffy slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, pan-fried to perfection and topped with a vibrant mix of fresh berries and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

I have fond memories of serving this to my family on weekend mornings, and it never fails to bring smiles around the table.

Ingredients

  • Custard: 4 large eggs, 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, Pinch of salt
  • Bread: 8 slices brioche or challah bread (about 2 cm thick)
  • For Cooking: 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Toppings: 200 g (1 1/2 cups) mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries), 120 ml (1/2 cup) pure maple syrup, Optional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 2:
Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt.
Step 3:
Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, letting it soak for 10–15 seconds per side. Allow excess to drip off.
Step 4:
Place soaked bread slices on the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed.
Step 5:
Arrange French toast slices on plates. Top generously with fresh berries, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
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Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
This easy French toast recipe features perfectly cooked challah bread topped with fresh, juicy berries. Save
This easy French toast recipe features perfectly cooked challah bread topped with fresh, juicy berries. | brilliantcrust.com

This recipe always brings my family together sharing laughs and stories over a warm breakfast.

Notes

Try adding lemon zest to the custard for a refreshing twist. Pairs well with a light sparkling wine or fresh orange juice.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, Whisk, Shallow baking dish, Nonstick skillet or griddle, Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs, Milk (Dairy), Wheat (Gluten from bread). Check bread ingredients for potential traces of nuts or soy.

Indulge in this delicious French toast: crispy edges, soft center, and sweet syrup with fresh berries. Save
Indulge in this delicious French toast: crispy edges, soft center, and sweet syrup with fresh berries. | brilliantcrust.com
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This French toast recipe is a perfect start to any day, combining flavor and ease in one dish.

Recipe Q&A

What type of bread works best?

Brioche or challah bread, sliced about 2 cm thick, are excellent as they soak custard well without falling apart.

How long should the bread soak?

Each slice should soak in the custard for about 10 to 15 seconds per side to absorb flavor without becoming soggy.

Can I substitute the milk or cream?

For dairy-free options, plant-based milk and butter alternatives can be used with good results.

How to achieve a golden crust?

Cook soaked slices on medium heat in butter for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

What toppings complement this dish?

Fresh mixed berries and pure maple syrup provide a vibrant and natural sweetness that enhances the dish.

French Toast with Berries

Fluffy custard-soaked bread slices, pan-fried and topped with fresh berries and sweet maple syrup.

Time to prep
10 min
Time to cook
15 min
Overall time
25 min
Created by Isabella Davis


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American

Makes 4 Number of servings

Diet considerations Vegetarian

What you'll need

Custard

01 4 large eggs
02 1 cup whole milk
03 1/4 cup heavy cream
04 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 Pinch of salt

Bread

01 8 slices brioche or challah bread, approximately 3/4 inch thick

For Cooking

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Toppings

01 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
02 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
03 Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

Step 02

Heat cooking surface: Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

Step 03

Soak bread slices: Dip each slice of bread into the custard, allowing it to absorb the mixture for 10 to 15 seconds per side. Let excess drip off before cooking.

Step 04

Cook soaked bread: Place soaked bread on the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, adding remaining butter as needed for additional batches.

Step 05

Assemble and serve: Arrange the cooked slices on serving plates. Top with fresh berries, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

What you'll need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow baking dish
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Allergy notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and get medical advice if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and wheat gluten. Verify bread for traces of nuts or soy.

Nutritional info (per serving)

Nutrition info is meant to guide only—it's not a replacement for professional medical input.
  • Calories: 390
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 11 g