Easy Cinnamon French Toast Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links.
If you’re looking for a quick and cozy breakfast, this Cinnamon French Toast recipe is the one to try. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in minutes, giving you that warm, spiced flavor that tastes like weekend mornings. The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla makes every bite golden, soft, and perfectly sweet without needing anything fancy.
Looking for more? Try this insanely delicious Chocolate Stuffed Coconut French Toast or my favorite Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast with Strawberries. OR consider making Air Fryer French Toast!
Why This French Toast Is A Keeper:
- Quick breakfast idea: Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect flavor balance: The cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy warmth without overpowering the sweetness.
- Kid and family approved: Everyone loves it, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Great for weekends or meal prep: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy special breakfast or Easter brunch.
This simple French toast recipe is one of those breakfasts that feels like a hug. It’s the kind of recipe I reach for when we want something a little special without going overboard. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla fills the kitchen, and before you know it, everyone’s wandering in asking when it’s ready. It’s simple, cozy, and always disappears fast.
What I love most is how dependable it is. The blend of honey and cream gives the toast a rich flavor and perfectly soft center, while the cinnamon adds just the right amount of warmth. It’s an easy, no-stress breakfast that feels homemade in the best way possible. Honestly, it is the best french toast recipe.
Before You Start Cooking
Before you get started, here is a quick look at the basic ingredients for cinnamon french toast. Each one plays a part in giving you that soft, custardy center and golden edges everyone loves.
- Eggs: The base of your simple ingredients. Whisk them well to keep the texture smooth.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the creamy custard and helps the toast stay soft inside. Milk works in a pinch, but cream gives the best flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings out the sweetness and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Honey: Adds just enough sweetness without making the toast overly sugary. Maple syrup works too if that’s what you have.
- Cinnamon: The star of the recipe. It adds cozy warmth and that signature flavor.
- Nutmeg: A small amount makes a big difference. It gives depth and rounds out the spice.
- Bread: Any bread slices will work, but thicker slices like brioche, challah, or Texas toast soak up the custard beautifully. Fresh bread is fine, but day old is better.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These two are the real star of the show!
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This sweet french toast recipe is one of those I never really measure anymore because it’s become second nature. It is one of the most simple reliable breakfast recipes, and somehow feels a little fancy even though it only takes a few minutes. The mix of honey and cream gives every slice a soft center and just the right amount of sweetness.
Tip from Jesseca:
Use day-old bread if you can. Slightly dry slices soak up the custard better without falling apart, giving you that perfect balance of crispy edges and a tender center. If your bread is fresh, a quick toast in the oven helps it hold up beautifully.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap ingredients or change up the flavors depending on what you have on hand.
- Make it ahead: Mix the custard the night before and store it in the fridge. Just whisk it again before dipping your bread in the morning.
- Milk instead of cream: Whole milk or half-and-half will still give you a rich custard. Just avoid skim milk, which makes the mixture too thin.
- Different breads: Try brioche for an extra buttery flavor, challah for a light texture, or sourdough for a subtle tang.
- Sweeteners: Swap honey for maple syrup, brown sugar, or even a spoonful of vanilla coffee creamer for a fun twist.
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for more depth of flavor.
- Toppings: Go classic with butter and syrup, or add fresh fruit like sliced bananas, blueberries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar. You can even get crazy and opt for Nutella!
Let’s Talk Bread
Bread is the backbone of any good French toast recipe, so choosing the right one makes all the difference. You want slices that are sturdy enough to soak up the custard but still tender once cooked. Here are a few of my top picks for the best bread:
- Brioche: My personal favorite. It’s rich, buttery, and soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart. Slice it thick for the ultimate soft center and crisp edges.
- Sourdough: The slight tang balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s sturdy, flavorful, and holds up like a champ during cooking.
- French Bread: A great way to use up leftover bread. It’s dense enough to absorb the custard and gives you those golden, chewy slices everyone loves.
- Challah: Light, slightly sweet, and gorgeous on the plate. The braided texture makes your French toast look bakery-worthy.
- Sandwich Bread: Short on time? Use what you have! It won’t be as rich, but it still makes a quick, tasty breakfast.
Helpful Tools
You don’t need fancy equipment to make amazing breakfast, but a few reliable tools make it easier and more consistent every time.
- Tongs: Handy for dipping and flipping if you don’t want to get your fingers messy.
- Large nonstick skillet or griddle: Gives you even browning and plenty of space to cook multiple slices at once.
- Shallow bowl or pie dish: Ideal for dipping bread evenly without breaking the slices.
- Whisk: Helps blend the custard smooth so you don’t end up with streaks of egg.
- Spatula: Use one that’s wide and sturdy enough to flip the toast without tearing it.
- Cooling rack: Place cooked slices on a rack instead of stacking them so they stay crisp while you finish the batch.
Everything You’ve Ever Wondered About French Toast
Use thick slices of bread and whisk a little air into your custard before dipping. The heavy cream also helps give it that soft, custardy center.
Look for golden edges and a center that springs back when lightly pressed. If it feels soggy or wet, it needs another minute or two.
Yes. Arrange the dipped slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s great for serving a crowd.
Maple syrup and butter are classics, but try topping it with caramelized bananas, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for something special.
Place cooked slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. The air circulation keeps the edges crisp while you finish the rest.
Storage and Reheating
French toast keeps surprisingly well, which makes it perfect for busy mornings or meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it so it tastes fresh every time.
- Refrigerate: Let the slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Lay slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a toaster, oven, or skillet over medium heat until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid the microwave. It makes the bread soft and chewy.
- Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and freeze extras for easy weekday breakfasts. Just pop them in the toaster and breakfast is ready in minutes.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
French Toast with Cinnamon
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 slices bread
Instructions
- In a large shallow dish (a pie plate works perfectly), whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is your flavorful French toast base.
- Working with one or two slices at a time, dip the bread into the egg mixture. Let each piece soak for a few seconds on each side so it absorbs the custard without getting soggy.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small bit of butter or lightly mist the pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the dipped bread onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each slice is golden brown with slightly crisp edges. Adjust the heat if it browns too quickly.
- Serve your French toast slices warm with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries makes it extra special.
Video
Equipment
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
I made this using a side dish about the size of my bread instead of a pie plate. I used brioche bread. Came out perfect!
Hi Paul, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks for the tip about the dish size.
What measurments are we supposed to use
Hi Abigail. You can find the measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Delicious! Quick, easy, and everyone enjoyed. Loved the hint of nutmeg, it was the perfect amount and not overpowering.
Thank you, Mari! This is one of our go-to breakfasts to help get that sweet tooth fix. I’m so glad you enjoyed it too.
Wow, love this recipe it taste wonderful! I was able to get 2 more pieces of the toast out of the recipe. Yum yum!
Hi Lorri, thank you for reviewing! This is a go-to for our family and it always makes me happy when others love it too.