If there’s one way to transform a chilly morning into a moment of pure comfort, it’s with this Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home). Imagine thick slices of buttery challah bread soaked in a rich custard infused with bourbon and vanilla, then griddled to golden perfection and caramelized with a cinnamon-sugar crust that crackles delightfully under your fork. Topped with a luscious whipped mascarpone cream and a drizzle of maple syrup, this recipe is the ultimate cozy indulgence that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance all on one plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to crafting the perfect Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home). Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the rich custard soak to the irresistible caramelized crust.
- 6 large eggs: The foundation of the custard that binds moisture and richness into the bread.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and lightness to the custard base.
- 2 tablespoons bourbon: A subtle kick of warmth and depth that complements the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely fragrant sweetness that permeates every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of spice, enhancing the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweet and enriches the overall flavor.
- 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1 inch slices: Perfectly sturdy yet tender bread that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For the cinnamon sugar that caramelizes into a crackling crust.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Classic warming spice that brings this dish to life.
- Butter, for the pan: For cooking the toast to golden perfection with a rich buttery flavor.
- Whipped Mascarpone: Creamy mascarpone or cream cheese whipped with heavy cream, sweetened with maple syrup or honey and vanilla to create the perfect creamy topping.
How to Make Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home)
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Soak
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, bourbon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and a pinch of kosher salt in a large 9×13 inch baking dish. This custard is where all the magic begins, infusing the bread with flavors that will carry through every bite and keep the toast incredibly moist yet tender.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Next, add your 1-inch thick challah slices to the custard mixture. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and allow the other side to absorb its share of the creamy mixture for another 10 minutes. This slow soak ensures every slice is perfectly saturated but not soggy—a key for that luscious texture you crave.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
While the bread is soaking, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple yet essential blend will create the fantastically caramelized crust that makes this Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home) so incredibly crave-worthy.
Step 4: Whip the Mascarpone Cream
Using an electric mixer, whip together the mascarpone (or cream cheese) and heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Then add your maple syrup or honey along with vanilla extract and whip again until beautifully smooth and fluffy. This whipped cream takes your french toast indulgence to another level and adds a cool creaminess to balance the warm richness of the toast.
Step 5: Cook and Caramelize the Toast
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Carefully place your slices of soaked challah on the skillet and cook them for 2-3 minutes on one side until lightly golden. Flip and cook the other side for 3-5 minutes until deeply golden and cooked through.
Now sprinkle a generous pinch of cinnamon sugar over the cooked side, then flip the slice so the cinnamon-sugar coated side touches the pan. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sugar melts and caramelizes, creating that addictively crunchy glaze that defines Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home).
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Serve each slice with the cinnamon sugar side facing up so it’s perfectly visible and crackling. Lightly sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top for extra sparkle, then add a dollop of the whipped mascarpone cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and prepare to dive into one of the most soul-soothing breakfasts you’ll ever taste.
How to Serve Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home)
Garnishes
Beyond the whipped mascarpone cream and syrup, consider topping with fresh berries for vibrant color and a tart contrast, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy effect, perfect for the cozy vibes this dish brings.
Side Dishes
Pair your Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast with savory breakfast classics for balance—crispy bacon, sausage links, or sautéed mushrooms work beautifully. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can lighten the plate and provide a refreshing counterpart to the rich toast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive brunch table, stack the french toast slices into a tower layered with whipped mascarpone between each slice, then drizzle with warm maple syrup over the top. Alternatively, serve individual slices on vintage-inspired plates with delicate edible flowers or sprinkle of cinnamon sugar around the rim. Presentation can turn this cozy breakfast into a stunning showstopper everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the rich custard soak and caramelized sugar crust, wrapping the slices individually in parchment paper before placing them in the container helps maintain texture and flavor. They should keep well for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home) freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When packed properly, french toast can stay frozen for up to 2 months and still taste fantastic.
Reheating
The best way to bring your frozen or refrigerated slices back to life is on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This method revives the caramelized crust without getting soggy, maintaining the delightful texture you love. If in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave can work, but you might lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different bread if I don’t have challah?
Absolutely! Brioche, Texas toast, or other thick, soft breads work wonderfully. The key is choosing bread that soaks up the custard well without falling apart.
Is bourbon necessary in this recipe?
While bourbon adds a wonderful warmth and complexity, you can omit it for a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version. A splash of orange juice or extra vanilla extract is a nice alternative.
Can I make the whipped mascarpone cream ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mascarpone cream up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick whip before serving if it has settled.
What’s the secret to achieving that perfect caramelized crust?
The key is sprinkling cinnamon sugar on one side, then flipping the toast to cook that side directly on the pan until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. Use medium heat so it caramelizes without burning.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely. Just be sure to soak your bread in batches if needed and cook in multiple skillets or rounds to maintain texture and caramelization quality.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a plate of Snow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home) to turn any ordinary morning into an extraordinary one. This recipe invites you to slow down, enrich your day with comfort and sweetness, and enjoy a beautifully caramelized, bursting-with-flavor brunch moment in your own kitchen. So go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones. I promise it will become your new favorite cozy weekend tradition.
PrintSnow-Day Cinnamon Sugar French Toast (Caramelized Brunch at Home)
This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast recipe by Tieghan Gerard transforms classic French toast into a decadent breakfast treat. Featuring slices of challah bread soaked in a rich custard blend of eggs, whole milk, bourbon, and warm spices, then cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. Topped with a luscious whipped mascarpone cream and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly boozy flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Custard and Bread
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1 inch slices
Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cooking Fat
- Butter, for the pan
Whipped Mascarpone Cream
- 1/4 cup mascarpone or cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard and Soak the Bread: In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, bourbon, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of kosher salt until fully combined. Place the sliced challah bread into the custard mixture and turn to coat each slice thoroughly. Let the bread soak on one side for 10 minutes, then flip and soak the other side for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. This mixture will be used to coat and caramelize the French toast for added sweetness and a crunchy texture.
- Whip the Mascarpone Cream: Using an electric mixer, whip together the mascarpone (or cream cheese) and heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract, then whip briefly to combine, creating a light, creamy topping for the French toast.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt a generous amount of butter. Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side or until light golden brown. Flip the slices and cook for 3-5 minutes until deeply golden. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top of each slice, then carefully flip the toast so the cinnamon sugar-coated side is down. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and turns golden brown.
- Serve: Transfer the French toast to plates with the cinnamon sugar side facing up. Lightly sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top of each piece. Serve immediately with a dollop of the whipped mascarpone cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy this indulgent breakfast or brunch treat!
Notes
- Use challah bread or brioche for the best texture and flavor as they soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Letting the bread soak ensures every bite is rich and moist.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey in the whipped cream for your preferred sweetness level.
- Cooking on medium heat prevents burning and allows the sugar to caramelize properly.
- For a boozier flavor, use a quality bourbon and consider adding a splash extra if desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the French toast at its best—crispy edges and soft centers.