Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast

It’s Sunday morning, the kind where sunlight streams lazily through the kitchen window, promising a slow, comforting start to the day. My family, still rubbing sleep from their eyes, wandered in, drawn by the intoxicating aroma wafting from the stovetop. It was the scent of warm cinnamon, sweet raisins, and golden-brown toast – a symphony of breakfast bliss signaling the arrival of Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast. Honestly, this isn’t just French toast; it’s an experience. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors, the crisp exterior giving way to a soft, custardy interior, punctuated by plump, juicy raisins and the comforting warmth of cinnamon. Even my pickiest eater, who usually approaches breakfast with a skeptical frown, devoured two slices with a smile. From that moment on, Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast became a weekend staple, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns ordinary mornings into something truly special. If you’re looking for a breakfast recipe that’s both easy to make and utterly irresistible, you’ve come to the right place. Prepare to transform your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness and your breakfast into a moment of pure joy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this breakfast masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Bread: (1 loaf, about 8-10 slices) – The foundation of our French toast. Choose a bread that’s slightly dense and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without becoming soggy. Brioche, challah, sourdough, or even day-old white bread work wonderfully. Stale bread is actually ideal as it absorbs the custard better.
• Eggs: (6 large) – The binding agent and richness provider for the custard. Large eggs ensure a creamy and decadent French toast.
• Milk: (1 cup) – Adds moisture and thins out the egg mixture, creating the perfect soaking consistency. Whole milk contributes to a richer flavor, but you can also use 2%, skim milk, or plant-based alternatives like almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version.
• Ground Cinnamon: (2 teaspoons) – The star spice that infuses the French toast with its warm, comforting aroma and flavor. Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best results.
• Vanilla Extract: (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor, adding a subtle aromatic note that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the most authentic taste.
• Granulated Sugar: (2 tablespoons) – Provides sweetness to balance the savory elements and caramelizes slightly during cooking, creating a lovely golden crust. You can adjust the amount to your preference and even use brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor.
• Raisins: (½ cup) – Add bursts of sweetness and chewy texture throughout the French toast. Regular raisins are perfect, but golden raisins offer a slightly different flavor profile. For extra plump and juicy raisins, consider soaking them in warm water or rum for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the custard.
• Unsalted Butter: (for cooking) – Essential for greasing the pan and imparting a rich, buttery flavor to the French toast as it cooks. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.

Instructions

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create perfect Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast every time.

1. Prepare the Custard: In a shallow dish or baking pan (large enough to dip bread slices), whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until well combined. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved into the mixture. This fragrant custard is what will transform your bread into delectable French toast.
2. Add the Raisins: Gently stir the raisins into the custard mixture. Distribute them evenly throughout the liquid so that each slice of bread gets a fair share of these sweet gems. If you soaked your raisins, make sure to drain them well before adding them to the custard.
3. Soak the Bread: Place one slice of bread at a time into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 15-20 seconds per side, ensuring it’s thoroughly saturated with the custard but not overly soggy. The soaking time will depend on the type and staleness of your bread; slightly stale bread will soak up more custard quickly. Don’t overcrowd the dish; work in batches if necessary to ensure even soaking.
4. Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt completely, coating the bottom of the pan evenly. The melted butter will prevent sticking and create that beautiful golden-brown crust.
5. Cook the French Toast: Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be nicely crisp, and the inside should be cooked and no longer eggy. Adjust the heat if necessary; if the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. Repeat and Serve: Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed between batches to keep it greased and flavorful. Once cooked, transfer the Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast to a serving platter. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximate values)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (for mixing custard and soaking raisins, if desired)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (approximately, depending on batch size and pan capacity)
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast is delicious on its own, but these serving suggestions will elevate your breakfast or brunch experience to the next level:

• Classic Toppings:
  • Maple Syrup: A quintessential French toast companion. Warm maple syrup drizzled generously over the top enhances the sweetness and adds a luscious touch.
  • Powdered Sugar: A simple yet elegant dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
  • Butter: A pat of butter melting on top of the warm French toast adds extra richness and flavor.
• Fresh Fruit:
  • Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries provide a burst of freshness and vibrant color, cutting through the richness of the French toast.
  • Sliced Bananas: A classic pairing, sliced bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
  • Peaches or Nectarines: In season, sliced peaches or nectarines offer a juicy and slightly tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Whipped Cream or Yogurt:
  • Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a decadent and airy topping.
  • Greek Yogurt: For a healthier option, a dollop of Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and a tangy contrast, plus a boost of protein.
• Nutty Crunch:
  • Toasted Nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds, toasted until fragrant, add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Granola: Sprinkling granola over the French toast adds texture and a hint of sweetness.
• Sauces and Syrups:
  • Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote (berry, apple, or peach) adds a homemade touch and elevates the dish.
  • Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce.
  • Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a decadent touch.
• Side Dishes:
  • Crispy Bacon or Sausage: Savory side dishes like bacon or sausage create a balanced and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
  • Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of the French toast.
  • Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait with granola and fruit offers another healthy and delicious side option.
• Drinks:
  • Coffee or Tea: Classic breakfast beverages that pair perfectly with French toast.
  • Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice provides a refreshing and vitamin-C rich accompaniment.
  • Milk or Chocolate Milk: Kid-friendly favorites that complement the sweetness of the French toast.
  • Mimosas or Bellinis: For a celebratory brunch, consider serving mimosas or Bellinis.

Additional Tips

Elevate your Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast to gourmet levels with these helpful tips and tricks:

1. Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread is your best friend for French toast. It absorbs the custard mixture more effectively without becoming soggy, resulting in a perfectly textured French toast. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for about 10-15 minutes to dry it out slightly.
2. Don’t Oversoak: While you want the bread to be well-saturated, avoid oversoaking it. Too much soaking can lead to soggy French toast that falls apart when cooked. Aim for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until the bread is moist but still holds its shape.
3. Control the Heat: Medium heat is generally ideal for cooking French toast. If the heat is too high, the outside will brown too quickly before the inside is cooked through. If it’s too low, the French toast may become dry and not develop a golden crust. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking and browning.
4. Butter is Key: Don’t skimp on the butter! Butter not only prevents sticking but also imparts a rich, delicious flavor and helps create that desirable golden-brown crust. Use unsalted butter and add a fresh pat to the pan between batches to maintain flavor and prevent sticking.
5. Customize the Spices: While cinnamon is the star, feel free to experiment with other warm spices. A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a hint of cloves can add complexity and depth to the flavor profile. You can also use cinnamon sugar instead of granulated sugar for an extra cinnamon boost.
6. Keep Warm in the Oven: If you’re making a large batch of French toast or serving a crowd, keep the cooked slices warm in a preheated oven (200°F/95°C) while you finish cooking the rest. Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to prevent them from becoming soggy.
7. Bread Variations: While brioche, challah, and sourdough are excellent choices, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of bread. Thick slices of Texas toast, croissants (cut in half lengthwise), or even day-old baguette can make delicious French toast. Consider the bread’s texture and adjust soaking time accordingly.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast:

Q1: Can I use different types of milk for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While whole milk provides the richest flavor and texture, you can easily substitute with 2%, skim milk, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk. Plant-based milks will result in a lighter French toast, but still delicious. Adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of your milk alternative.

Q2: Can I make Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast ahead of time?

A: While French toast is best served fresh, you can prepare it partially ahead of time. You can whisk together the custard mixture and soak the raisins (if desired) the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply soak and cook the bread. Cooked French toast can be kept warm in a low oven for a short period, but it’s not ideal for making hours in advance as it can lose its crispness.

Q3: Can I freeze leftover Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftover French toast. Let it cool completely, then arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp. You can also reheat in a toaster or microwave, but oven reheating will best preserve the texture.

Q4: How can I make this recipe vegan?

A: To make vegan Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast, you’ll need to substitute the eggs and milk. Use a plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk. For the egg substitute, you can use a commercially available egg replacer (like Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer) according to package instructions, or try using mashed ripe banana (about ½ banana for 6 eggs) or flaxseed meal “eggs” (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Ensure you use a vegan bread and vegan butter for cooking.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make gluten-free Cinnamon-Infused Raisin French Toast by simply using gluten-free bread. There are many excellent gluten-free bread options available, such as gluten-free brioche, challah-style bread, or sandwich bread. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.

Q6: What if I don’t like raisins? Can I omit them or substitute them?

A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can easily omit them from the recipe. Alternatively, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like chopped dried cranberries, dried cherries, or even chocolate chips for a different twist. You can also add fresh berries directly to the pan while cooking the French toast for a warm, berry-infused version. Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste preferences!

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