Maple Walnut French Toast

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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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.

Ingredients for Maple Walnut French Toast

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old brioche if possible; it holds up better and absorbs the custard nicely.
  • Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you cook the rest.
  • A non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan works best to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, challah or thick-cut sandwich bread can work well too, though brioche is preferred for its rich texture.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the whole milk for almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix it up the night before and store it in the fridge, giving it a quick whisk before use.

Maple Walnut French Toast Recipe Walkthrough

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.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balances sweetness and crunch.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for a casual brunch.
  • Impressive enough for guests, yet easy enough for a weekday breakfast.

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
8 slices of brioche bread
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Dip each slice of brioche bread into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp of butter.
4. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook until golden brown on each side, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
6. Sprinkle the toasted slices with chopped walnuts and serve warm with additional maple syrup if desired.

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