Description
This Orange French Toast recipe combines thick slices of brioche or challah soaked in a flavorful egg mixture infused with orange zest and vanilla. Served warm with a luscious orange vanilla cream cheese spread and tangy orange sauce, it’s a delightful breakfast treat perfect for brunch or a special morning meal.
Ingredients
French Toast:
- 1-inch thick slices of bread cut from one loaf of French bread, Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast (6 slices)
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange zest (from 2 large navel oranges)
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ⅓ cup craisins (optional)
Orange Vanilla Cream Cheese:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Prepare Orange Vanilla Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, ¾ teaspoon orange zest, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Transfer to a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate or set aside while preparing the French toast.
- Make Orange Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth. Set aside for serving.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat an electric griddle to 350°F (175°C) or warm a large skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for cooking the French toast.
- Mix Egg Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon orange zest until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Dip Bread Slices: Lightly grease the griddle or skillet with cooking spray or butter. Dip each slice of bread one at a time into the egg mixture, turning to completely coat both sides.
- Cook French Toast: Place the dipped bread slices onto the preheated griddle or skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping carefully to avoid breakage.
- Keep Warm: Once cooked, transfer the French toast slices to a large cookie sheet. To keep warm while cooking remaining slices, place the cookie sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
- Serve: Spread a generous layer of the orange vanilla cream cheese on each slice of French toast and drizzle with the orange sauce. Garnish with chopped walnuts and craisins if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the bread with gluten-free bread if needed, but brioche or challah yields the best texture.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before chopping.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven to serve all slices hot together.
- Optional toppings like fresh orange slices or powdered sugar make great additions.
- Use fresh oranges for the best zesty flavor in both the batter and the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
