Valentine Breakfast Cinnamon French Toast

Name: Valentine Breakfast Cinnamon French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 slices of thick bread (preferably challah or brioche); 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 tablespoons butter; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Powdered sugar; Maple syrup (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love waking up to the smell of cinnamon and sweet vanilla on Valentine's Day. This Valentine Breakfast Cinnamon French Toast recipe is one of my favorites because it's not only delicious but also a lovely way to start the day with someone special. The combination of crispy, caramelized edges and a custardy center makes for a delightful treat that I always look forward to. Plus, it’s topped with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for that romantic touch!

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:25:11.627Z

Every year on Valentine's Day, I make it a point to surprise my partner with a delicious breakfast in bed. This cinnamon French toast has become a cherished tradition in our home. The secret is soaking the bread just long enough to absorb the flavors without falling apart, which gives it that delightful texture I can’t resist.

I've experimented with various toppings, but the combination of fresh strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar really elevates the dish. It’s an easy yet elegant way to make the morning feel special, and I can’t recommend it enough!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent flavors that warm the heart
A beautiful presentation that impresses
Versatile enough to customize with different toppings

      

Perfecting the Bread Choice

The choice of bread is crucial when making French toast, as it affects both texture and flavor. Thick slices of brioche or challah absorb the custard mixture beautifully due to their dense composition while offering a slight sweetness. If you want to experiment, sourdough can also add a delightful tang, though it's less traditional. Just make sure the bread is a day or two old, as this will allow it to soak up the custard without falling apart.

When slicing the bread, aim for about 1-inch thickness. This ensures that the French toast retains a custardy center while achieving the perfect golden exterior. If your bread is fresh, consider lightly toasting it before soaking to create a bit of a crust that helps in maintaining its structure during cooking.

Cooking Techniques and Heat Management

Achieving that perfect golden-brown crust requires careful heat management. Set your skillet to medium heat to prevent the butter from burning while allowing the bread to cook through. If the skillet is too hot, the outside may become burnt while the inside remains soggy. A good rule of thumb is to start with a small piece of bread to test the heat; once it sizzles gently without smoking, you’re ready to add the rest.

While cooking, resist the urge to flip the bread too early, as this can prevent the formation of a proper crust. Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until you see golden edges and the bread has puffed slightly. If cooking in batches, keep the cooked slices warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) until all are done.

Make-ahead and Storing Tips

If you wish to prepare this dish in advance, you can soak the bread slices in the custard mixture and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking. This not only saves time in the morning, but it also allows the bread to absorb more of the flavors. Just be sure to cover the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out.

For leftovers, store cooked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a toaster oven for a crispy texture or in the microwave for a quick warm-up. I recommend covering it with a damp paper towel when microwaving to maintain moisture. Remember to reheat on a lower power setting to avoid making it rubbery.

Ingredients

For the French Toast

4 slices of thick bread (preferably challah or brioche)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons butter

For Topping

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup (optional)

Optional Additions

For an extra touch, consider adding whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt on top!

Instructions

Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds per side.

Cook the French Toast

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the soaked slices of bread and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, topped with sliced strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This French toast pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a mimosa to make the breakfast extra special!

Pro Tips

For best results, use day-old bread to achieve that perfect texture. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your French toast even further, consider pairing it with a variety of toppings. Fresh berries not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the French toast. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent breakfast treat that feels more like dessert.

For an added depth of flavor, try a sprinkle of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon in the custard mixture or even a splash of orange or almond extract in place of vanilla. This adds a unique twist that can surprise and delight your taste buds.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can replace the tablespoon of sugar in the egg mixture with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Just be sure that if you’re using maple syrup, you reduce the amount of milk slightly to keep the right custard texture.

For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk you prefer. Keep in mind that these alternatives can change the flavor slightly, but they still make for a delicious French toast that everyone can enjoy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your French toast is coming out soggy, this likely means the bread soaked too long or the custard was too watery. Make sure to use day-old bread for the best absorption and keep the soaking time to about 30 seconds per side. Adjust the milk-to-egg ratio if necessary, aiming for a thicker custard to create that perfect texture.

If the exterior is not browning properly, check your skillet temperature. If it's too low, the bread will take longer to cook and may absorb too much moisture, becoming dense instead of fluffy. Likewise, ensure you use enough butter to coat the skillet, promoting even browning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of bread?

Yes! You can use any bread you like, but thicker slices work best for soaking up the mixture without falling apart.

→ How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk to make it dairy-free.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the egg mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just soak the bread and cook it on the morning of serving.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to use blueberries, bananas, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Get creative with your favorite flavors!