Brown Sugar French Toast

Serve this sweet Brown Sugar French Toast to your guests for breakfast. Top it with maple syrup and they’ll love you forever.

I made this french toast without cinnamon or nutmeg. I was trying to create a french toast recipe that Ken would like. He ended up not liking this one because “the bread was soggy” but I loved it. I have always had french toast that was a little soggy so that is what I am used to. What is your french toast preference? Soggy? Firm? I think my next attempt will be making an overnight french toast casserole. But until then, I hope you enjoy this recipe!

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Why This Recipe Works

Brown sugar French toast is the kind of dish that works well for both everyday breakfasts and laid-back brunches with friends. The brown sugar gives it a rich, molasses-kissed flavor that makes each bite feel a little more indulgent than your average French toast. It’s sweet, but not overly so, and it pairs beautifully with maple syrup, fruit, or just a dusting of powdered sugar.

Another reason I love this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients, a special pan, or lots of prep time. It’s just a few pantry staples, mixed up in one bowl, then cooked up golden and crisp in a skillet. The addition of a little flour helps the custard cling better to the bread, so every bite has that soft inside and lightly crisp outside we’re aiming for.

And because this recipe is so versatile, you can use whatever bread you’ve got on hand. Day-old sandwich bread, soft brioche, thick-cut Texas toast—anything that holds up to a quick dip will work just fine.

Ingredients For Brown Sugar French Toast

This recipe uses basic pantry staples, but the brown sugar is what really makes it shine. It brings a subtle molasses depth and caramel-like sweetness to the custard that takes the flavor up a notch.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 slices of bread – You can use whatever you have on hand, but day-old brioche, challah, or even plain sandwich bread works well.
• 2 eggs – These form the base of the custard.
• 1/2 cup milk – Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can use whatever you have.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps the batter cling to the bread for a crispier exterior.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both work. Dark brown will give a deeper molasses flavor.
• Pinch of salt – Just a touch to balance the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar and syrup – For topping.

Using dark brown sugar will give you a slightly bolder flavor, while light brown sugar keeps things a little more mellow. Either one will work beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Brown Sugar French Toast

1. Make the custard. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, vanilla, brown sugar, and salt until smooth. The flour might seem unusual, but it helps the custard cling to the bread and gives a better texture when cooked.
2. Heat the skillet. Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat and let it warm up. Spray with cooking spray or melt a little butter in the pan before each batch of bread.
3. Dip the bread. One slice at a time, dip the bread into the custard mixture. Let it soak for just a few seconds per side so it doesn’t get soggy.
4. Cook the toast. Transfer the dipped bread slices to the hot skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
5. Serve warm. Stack the toast on a plate, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup.

If you’re cooking for more than two people, consider using a griddle to make several slices at once. Just keep the cooked ones warm in a 200°F oven until everything is ready.

How To Serve Brown Sugar French Toast

This French toast is delicious as-is, but it’s also a great canvas for fun toppings and side dishes. The brown sugar gives it a warm sweetness that pairs well with a variety of flavors.

For toppings, you can go as simple or as fancy as you’d like:

• Sift powdered sugar over the top for a classic finish.
• Drizzle with real maple syrup, warm if possible.
• Add fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or sautéed apples.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or cinnamon butter.
• Sprinkle with chopped nuts for a little crunch.

To round out the plate, I like to serve it with something savory like bacon or sausage. It balances out the sweetness and makes for a more filling meal. A cup of strong coffee or a chai latte is perfect alongside it.

This recipe also makes a cozy option for a simple holiday morning breakfast. You can even cut the slices in half and serve them on a platter for brunch gatherings.

How To Store & Reheat Brown Sugar French Toast

If you have leftovers, don’t worry. Brown sugar French toast keeps well and reheats beautifully.

Let any extra slices cool completely, then stack them with a piece of parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Skillet: Warm a little butter in a pan over medium heat and cook the toast slices for about 1 minute per side.
• Toaster or toaster oven: This gives the crispest texture. Toast until heated through.
• Microwave: Quickest method. Heat in 20-second intervals until warm, though the texture will be softer.

If you want to freeze them, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the toaster or oven.

Substitutions & Variations For Brown Sugar French Toast

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just want to try something new, there’s plenty of room to play.

Here are some ideas:

• Dairy-free: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and make sure your flour is certified GF.
• No flour: You can skip the flour if needed. The texture will be a little softer, but still tasty.
• Add spices: Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the custard.
• Stuffed version: Spread a little cream cheese or fruit jam between two slices of bread before dipping for a stuffed French toast variation.
• Casserole version: Cube the bread and pour the custard over it in a baking dish. Let it soak overnight and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes in the morning.

This is a great base recipe, and once you get the hang of it, you can take it in all kinds of fun directions.

FAQs About Brown Sugar French Toast

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this brown sugar French toast recipe.

Can I use dark brown sugar in this French toast recipe?
Yes. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light brown sugar, so it brings a deeper, more pronounced flavor. It’s especially delicious if you want a more intense caramel-like sweetness.

What’s the best bread to use for brown sugar French toast?
That depends on your preference. Brioche and challah are rich and tender, perfect for soaking up custard. Texas toast and day-old sandwich bread also work well and hold their shape nicely when dipped.

Can I make brown sugar French toast ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s a great option for busy mornings. Cook the slices and let them cool, then refrigerate or freeze them. When ready to eat, reheat in a toaster, skillet, or microwave.

Why is there flour in the custard?
The flour thickens the custard slightly and helps it stick to the bread, giving a nice, crisp finish. If you don’t have flour on hand or need to avoid it, you can skip it.

How do I keep the French toast warm for a crowd?
Place the cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the rest. This keeps everything warm and ready to serve without drying it out.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved this Brown Sugar French Toast, here are three more breakfast favorites from This Gal Cooks:

• Stuffed French Toast – Cream cheese and jelly sandwiched between golden slices for a gooey, indulgent brunch.
• Croissant French Toast Casserole with Blueberries and Cream Cheese – Flaky croissants baked with berries and a luscious custard.
• Southern Cinnamon French Toast – Brown sugar and warm spices make this a cozy favorite.

Each one brings its own charm to the breakfast table, and they’re all perfect for your next lazy morning or weekend gathering.

Recipe: Brown Sugar French Toast

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients

• 6 slices of bread
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 C milk
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar
• syrup

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, vanilla, brown sugar and salt.
2. Heat a skillet to medium heat. Spray with cooking spray (spray before each addition of bread)
3. Individually dip the slices of bread into the egg mixture and then cook each slice for 1-2 minutes per side.
4. Top with powdered sugar and syrup

 A few more tasty breakfast recipes that I enjoyed:

Mini Bacon & Egg Casseroles

Homemade Honey Biscuits

Chocolate Chip Pancakes