Name: Extra-Thick Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 large eggs; 3 cups heavy cream; 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tbsp vanilla extract); 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; Six 1 1/2-inch thick slices of brioche; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; Whipped cream

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you have a soft spot for indulgent breakfasts that feel like a warm, delicious hug, then this Extra-Thick Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine thick, custardy brioche slices soaked in a creamy vanilla-cinnamon custard, pan-fried until caramelized and finished in the oven to perfection. Each bite bursts with rich, buttery goodness, flecked with sweet cinnamon sugar, making breakfast not just a meal but a celebration. Whether it’s a special weekend treat or a cozy holiday brunch, this recipe delivers everything you want in French toast — decadence, fluffiness, and that perfect hint of spice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three thick slices of toasted bread are shown in a white bowl, each slice lightly browned with a soft, airy texture. A layer of melted butter glistens on the surface of the bread, topped with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, giving the toast a light brown speckled look. The edges of the bread are slightly crispy and golden, contrasting with the softer, more porous inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding brightness to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All you need are a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together magically in this Extra-Thick Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from creating a luscious custard soak to lending sweetness and spice that turns ordinary toast into breakfast bliss.

5 large eggs: The rich base that binds and thickens the custard soaking mixture beautifully.
3 cups heavy cream: Adds velvety creaminess, making the toast ultra-soft and luxurious inside.
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tbsp vanilla extract): Infuses the custard with a fragrant sweetness that elevates every bite.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Balances flavors and deepens the sweetness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided: Provides the perfect level of sweetness, part mixed into the custard, part caramelized on the toast.
Six 1 1/2-inch thick slices of brioche: The star of the dish, thick and soft, perfect for soaking up that custard without falling apart.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the sugar topping that caramelizes beautifully.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided: Used for frying to create a golden, crispy crust that contrasts the tender inside.
Whipped cream, for serving: A fluffy, light finish that’s optional but highly recommended for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Make Extra-Thick Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Make the Custard and Soak the Brioche

Start by whisking together your eggs, heavy cream, scraped vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla extract), kosher salt, and half of the granulated sugar to create a luscious custard. Arrange those thick brioche slices snugly in a baking dish, then pour the custard over them so every corner gets soaked. Let them rest for 20 minutes, carefully flip each slice, and soak for another 20 minutes—this slow soaking is what gives the toast its extraordinary custardy tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare for Cooking and Cinnamon Sugar

While your brioche is soaking up all that custard goodness, preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips. Mix the remaining half of your granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon for a sweet-spicy topping that will caramelize beautifully in the pan.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Sugar and Pan-Fry

Once the slices have soaked, sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mix evenly on top. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then carefully fry three of the brioche slices sugar-side down until that sugar melts and becomes golden and caramelized, about 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle the plain side of the slices with the remaining cinnamon sugar before flipping and cooking another 3 to 5 minutes until the second side is also beautifully browned.

Step 4: Bake to Finish Cooking

After frying, place the browned slices on your prepared baking sheet. Clean the skillet, melt the remaining butter, and repeat the frying process with the last three slices. Transfer all the cooked slices to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes to ensure the custard sets fully and the brioche is cooked through right to the center. A knife should insert easily without any runny custard dripping out.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Whipped Cream

Serve your slices warm, topped generously with fluffy whipped cream. The contrast of warm, cinnamon-kissed toast with the cold cream is truly heavenly. This Extra-Thick Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe is well worth the little effort for such an incredible flavor and texture experience.

How to Serve Extra-Thick Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe

The image shows two pieces of golden brown bread with a shiny crust lying on a white marbled surface, surrounded by small bread crumbs. Above them, there is a black cooling rack holding two slices of soft, pale yellow bread with a light texture. To the top left, there is a white bowl filled with a mixture of sugar and brown spice, with a vanilla bean pod next to it. The scene is simple and clean with a light, warm feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries complements the rich cinnamon sugar beautifully. For something special, drizzle with a warm maple syrup or honey right before serving, adding a glossy sweetness that makes every bite sing.

Side Dishes

Because this French toast is so rich and filling, pairing it with fresh fruit or a lightly dressed green salad balances the meal. Crispy bacon or sausage links add a salty, savory contrast that rounds out the plate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, slice the toast into bite-sized cubes and serve in small bowls topped with whipped cream and berries—think French toast bites. Or stack slices layered with fresh fruit and dollops of mascarpone for an elegant, eye-catching display. The possibilities are endless and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French toast keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent any drying out while preserving the custardy richness.

Freezing

If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, freeze individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together and you can grab as many as you want later without thawing the whole batch.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to crisp both sides. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the toast soggy. This method revives the glorious caramelized crust and warm custardy inside just like fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?

While regular bread will work in a pinch, brioche is key for this recipe to achieve that extra-thick, tender texture and buttery flavor. Brioche’s rich crumb soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart, which is essential for this dish.

What if I don’t have a vanilla bean?

No worries at all! You can easily substitute 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for the vanilla bean seeds. It will still give your custard that lovely aromatic sweetness that makes the toast irresistible.

Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?

Absolutely. You can whisk the custard together and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, soak your brioche in the morning. For best texture, avoid soaking the bread too long in advance, as it might become too soggy.

What’s the best way to get that caramelized crust?

The trick is to fry the sugared side over medium-low heat patiently, allowing the sugar to melt and form a crispy golden crust without burning. Using butter adds richness and helps create that perfect caramelization.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes! This Extra-Thick Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe scales wonderfully. Just keep soaked bread refrigerated while frying and baking in batches. You’ll have a warming, crowd-pleasing brunch ready in no time.

Final Thoughts

If you love a breakfast that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you simply have to try this Extra-Thick Cinnamon Brioche French Toast Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that turns an ordinary morning into something truly special — rich, flavorful, and memorably cozy. Once you master this, I guarantee it will become a beloved staple for your weekend breakfasts and brunches. So grab your brioche, get soaking, and enjoy every decadent bite!