Custard-y French Toast
About This Custard-y French Toast
This Custard-y French Toast with Macerated Mixed Berries and Vanilla Whipped Cream is pure deliciousness. Thick slices of brioche soak up a silky, ultra-rich custard made with heavy cream, milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon, then pan-fry in butter until golden and crisp on the edges. Topped with juicy, macerated berries and clouds of homemade vanilla whipped cream, this is a plate-licking situation. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want to impress yourself or someone else.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Extra-rich custard (heavy cream + milk) makes the French toast unbelievably soft and decadent.
Brioche gives the perfect texture — tender inside, crisp outside.
Macerated berries add brightness and cut through the richness.
Homemade vanilla whipped cream takes it over the top.
Easy, foolproof steps with restaurant-quality results.
Perfect for brunch, holidays, Mother’s Day, birthdays, or a cozy breakfast-for-dinner moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
French Toast:
Brioche, heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, butter, maple syrup
Macerated Berries:
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sugar, lemon juice
Whipped Cream:
Heavy cream, vanilla, powdered sugar
How to Make It
Whisk together the creamy custard mixture and soak slices of stale brioche for 20–30 seconds per side. Pan-fry each piece in butter until deep golden and crisp. Macerate fresh berries in sugar and lemon juice until juicy. Whip cold cream with vanilla and powdered sugar until soft, then firm peaks form. Stack the French toast on a plate, add butter (optional but recommended), spoon over berries, drizzle with hot maple syrup, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Success
Use stale brioche: It absorbs custard without falling apart.
Thick slices = best texture: 1–1½ inches is ideal.
Don’t soak too long: Too much soaking = soggy centers.
Cook low and slow-ish: Medium heat browns the outside while warming the custard through.
Chill equipment for whipped cream: Helps it whip faster and stay stable.
Adjust berry sweetness: Add more sugar for tart berries or reduce for sweet ones.
Serve immediately: French toast is best right out of the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use challah or Texas toast instead of brioche?
Yes! Brioche is ideal, but these also work beautifully.
Can I prep anything ahead?
You can macerate the berries and whip the cream a few hours in advance. French toast should be cooked fresh.
Can I keep French toast warm for guests?
Yes — place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 250°F oven.
Can I make it less rich?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the custard-y effect will be lighter.
Can I freeze leftovers?
French toast freezes surprisingly well — reheat in a toaster oven or pan.
What to Serve With This French Toast
Crispy bacon or sausage
Scrambled eggs
Breakfast potatoes
Fresh fruit salad
More Recipes You’ll Love
Custard-y French Toast Recipe
Ingredients:
Loaf of brioche bread, stale (10ish slices)
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Butter for serving and pan-frying- I use salted, you can use unsalted or salted!
Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together whipping cream, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, & cinnamon. Dip each slice of brioche bread into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side, depending on how thick your bread slices are.
In a large pan, melt a 2-3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Place the soaked bread slices onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Macerated Mixed Berries Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Rinse and dry the berries. Cut strawberries & blackberries if using.
In a medium-large bowl, add berries and then add sugar and lemon juice. Gently toss to fully coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 mins - 4 hours. Stir occasionally for even flavoring.
Vanilla Whipped Cream Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Chill mixing bowl and beaters. Beat cold cream until soft peaks form. Add vanilla, then gradually sprinkle in sugar while beating. Beat until stiff peaks form, being cautious not to over-whip. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
Assembly
Place 2-3 pieces of French Toast on a plate. If you’re gluttonous like me, spread liberally with salted or unsalted butter. Add a healthy spoonful of macerated berries. Drizzle with hot maple syrup. Dollop with vanilla whipped cream and then have a BALL!!
