Maple Walnut French Toast is a delightful way to start your day or to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch. With the comforting flavors of maple and cinnamon paired with the crunch of walnuts, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.
The base of our French toast is brioche bread, known for its rich, tender crumb that soaks up our flavorful custard mixture beautifully. We use eggs and whole milk to form the custard, providing a creamy texture. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while vanilla extract and ground cinnamon bring warmth and depth of flavor. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast.
This French toast pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. For an indulgent touch, consider a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. A pot of freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa would round out the meal beautifully.
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. You’ll want to ensure everything is well combined, as this will be the flavorful bath for our brioche.
Next, take your brioche slices and dip each one into the egg mixture. You want them well-coated but not so saturated that they fall apart. Let any excess drip off before moving them to the skillet.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Once it's sizzling, place the soaked slices of bread onto the skillet. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy. The key here is achieving that lovely golden hue without burning.
Repeat the process with the remaining slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. This ensures each piece of French toast has that delicious buttery crust.
Once all slices are cooked, sprinkle them with the chopped walnuts. Serve them warm, and if you're a maple syrup enthusiast like me, feel free to drizzle a bit more on top.