Name: Birthday Cake French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices brioche or thick white bread; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for garnish); 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk (more as needed); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze); Whipped cream; Extra sprinkles

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Birthday Cake French Toast is a joyful fusion of breakfast and celebration—imagine soft, fluffy slices of brioche dipped in a vanilla custard batter laced with rainbow sprinkles, then griddled to golden perfection. Topped with a sweet glaze, a swirl of whipped cream, and even more sprinkles, it’s a cheerful, indulgent dish that turns any morning into a party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes classic French toast and gives it a whimsical upgrade inspired by birthday cake and funfetti. It’s quick, colorful, and irresistibly sweet—perfect for kids’ birthdays, brunch with friends, or simply when you want to add a festive touch to your breakfast routine. The brioche bread soaks up the rich custard beautifully, while the sprinkles and glaze make each bite feel like dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the French toast:
brioche or thick white bread
eggs
whole milk
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
almond extract (optional)
rainbow sprinkles
butter (for cooking)

For the glaze drizzle:
powdered sugar
milk
vanilla extract

Topping:
whipped cream
extra rainbow sprinkles

Directions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Gently stir in the rainbow sprinkles, taking care to avoid overmixing which can cause the colors to bleed.
Dip each slice of brioche or thick bread into the custard mixture, coating both sides evenly. Let the bread soak briefly to absorb the flavors.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter.
Cook the soaked bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and lightly crisp on the outside.
While the toast cooks, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to reach a drizzle-worthy consistency.
Once the French toast is cooked, place on serving plates. Drizzle with the glaze, top with a swirl of whipped cream, and finish with a generous sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles.
Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving

Variations

Stuffed Version: Spread cream cheese or birthday cake-flavored spread between two slices and cook as a stuffed French toast.
Chocolate Drizzle: Replace the vanilla glaze with melted white or milk chocolate for extra decadence.
Fruit Topping: Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a fresh fruit finish.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and dairy-free whipped topping for a plant-based version.
French Toast Sticks: Slice bread into strips before dipping and cooking for a kid-friendly finger-food version.

storage/reheating

This dish is best served fresh, but leftover French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to retain crispness. Freeze cooked slices (without glaze or toppings) for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven. Prepare glaze and toppings fresh when serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, challah or Texas toast are good substitutes for brioche due to their soft, thick texture.

Will the sprinkles bleed in the batter?

To minimize color bleeding, stir sprinkles in gently just before dipping the bread.

Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Use rainbow jimmies—they hold their color better than nonpareils or sanding sugar.

Can I bake this French toast instead?

Yes, layer soaked bread slices in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

How do I prevent soggy French toast?

Use slightly stale or day-old bread, and avoid over-soaking the slices.

Is the almond extract necessary?

It’s optional, but it adds a subtle cake-like flavor that enhances the birthday theme.

Can I skip the glaze?

Certainly. The toast is flavorful on its own, and you can top with just whipped cream and fruit if preferred.

Can I use flavored whipped cream?

Yes, flavored whipped creams like vanilla bean or marshmallow make excellent toppings.

What drink pairs well with this?

Serve with vanilla milk, a fruity smoothie, or coffee for a complete celebratory breakfast.

Conclusion

Birthday Cake French Toast brings the joy of celebration to your breakfast table with its colorful sprinkles, cake-like flavor, and indulgent toppings. It’s a fun and festive way to start the day, perfect for birthdays, brunches, or anytime you want to serve something a little extra special. Simple to make and delightful to eat, it’s sure to become a sweet favorite.

Birthday Cake French Toast

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Funfetti meets brunch in this celebratory birthday cake French toast—soft slices of sweet, sprinkle-studded bread are dipped in a vanilla custard, griddled to golden perfection, and finished with a drizzle of icing and whipped cream for a party on your plate.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Griddling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
Stir in the sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, coating both sides well.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Cook the soaked bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
Drizzle glaze over the cooked French toast, top with whipped cream, and finish with more rainbow sprinkles. Serve warm.