Imagine waking up to a breakfast that transforms ordinary bread into a citrusy, creamy masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Our Orange Creme French Toast isn't just another breakfast recipe - it's a culinary adventure that brings together the bright, sunny flavors of orange with the rich, comforting tradition of classic French toast. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy breakfast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter for cooking
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the Orange Creme French Toast. Ensure you have 8 slices of bread, 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, butter for cooking, and powdered sugar for serving.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten. This will create a smooth base for the custard mixture.
- Add the 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl with the beaten eggs. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
- While the butter is melting, take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Ensure both sides are coated well, but avoid soaking the bread too long to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- Once the skillet is hot and the butter is melted, place the coated slices of bread onto the skillet. Cook the bread for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- As the French toast cooks, you may need to add more butter to the skillet for the remaining slices. Repeat the dipping and cooking process until all 8 slices of bread are cooked.
- Once the French toast is cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
- Serve the Orange Creme French Toast warm, and enjoy it with additional orange slices or maple syrup if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Use day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for the best texture. Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively without falling apart.
- Don't Oversoak: Quickly dip each bread slice in the egg mixture - about 2-3 seconds per side. Over-soaking can make your French toast soggy instead of crispy.
- Get the Pan Temperature Right: Medium heat is crucial. Too hot, and you'll burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked; too low, and you'll get soggy, pale toast.
- Fresh Zest is Best: Use freshly grated orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor. The oils in fresh zest provide a more intense taste compared to dried zest.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh orange segments or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The combination of powdered sugar and citrus creates a truly memorable breakfast experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
