Best Orange French Toast Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again! The Best Orange French Toast brings a sunburst of citrusy flavor straight to your morning table, combining the richness of brioche with zesty orange and a creamy, vanilla-kissed custard. This classic comfort food gets an irresistibly fresh twist, perfect for lazy weekend brunches or when you want to start your day with something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned French toast fanatic or just searching for your next crave-worthy brunch dish, this is the recipe you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about this recipe is how a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients transforms into something so luxurious. Each ingredient plays a starring role, ensuring the Best Orange French Toast is bursting with both flavor and style!

• Brioche Toast Bread: Thick, buttery slices soak up the custard beautifully and crisp up perfectly in the pan.
• Eggs: The foundation of any great French toast custard, providing structure and richness.
• Orange Zest: Delivers fragrant citrus flavor throughout every bite; freshly grated is key for brightness.
• Vanilla Sugar (or Extract): Adds a warm, floral sweetness; use real vanilla for deep flavor.
• Florida’s Natural No Pulp Orange Juice: Brings tangy-sweet juiciness and real orange essence to the custard.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures the custard is lusciously decadent and yields a tender, melt-in-your-mouth French toast.
• Unsalted Butter: For that magical golden crust and rich flavor during pan-frying.
• Maple Syrup: Classic topping that marries beautifully with the orange and vanilla.
• Fresh Fruits: Berries or sliced oranges add freshness and a burst of color to each plate.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Optional sprinkle for a touch of warmth and sparkle.

How to Make Best Orange French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard

In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly beat the eggs. Whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla sugar (or extract), orange juice, and orange zest until the mixture is completely smooth and fragrant. Don’t rush this step — you want every drop to be creamy and full of citrus aroma. The custard is the magic maker for the Best Orange French Toast.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

Set a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, letting it melt and bubble gently without browning. A golden pool of melted butter gives your French toast its signature color and irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Soak and Cook the Brioche Slices

Dip each slice of brioche into the custard, turning to coat both sides thoroughly. Let each piece sit in the mixture just long enough to become moist, but not so long that it falls apart. Immediately transfer the soaked bread to the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side until each slice is deeply golden outside with a plush, custardy center — the definition of Best Orange French Toast perfection.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Using a spatula, transfer the cooked toast to a plate. While still warm, drizzle generously with maple syrup and top with fresh fruits of your choice — think juicy berries or even orange segments. If you love a little extra sweetness, finish with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

How to Serve Best Orange French Toast

Garnishes

The finishing touches are what make the Best Orange French Toast a true showstopper. Add a flourish of fresh berries, sliced oranges, or a handful of pomegranate seeds for vivid color and flavor contrast. A light sifting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar not only looks gorgeous but adds a charming hint of extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Round out your brunch spread with savory companions like crisp bacon, turkey sausage, or creamy Greek yogurt. A tangy fruit salad or even a simple bowl of sliced bananas with honey pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the toast. If you’re celebrating, a mimosa or fresh-pressed juice is always a delightful touch!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Best Orange French Toast into a family-style brunch centerpiece by arranging the slices on a big platter and topping with mounds of berries and swirls of whipped cream. For a festive touch, stack slices like a tower and drizzle with extra orange zest-infused syrup. Little ones will love mini French toast bites skewered with fruit for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Best Orange French Toast can be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep it from getting soggy, stack with a piece of parchment paper between each slice.

Freezing

This recipe freezes remarkably well! Place cooled slices of French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months; just grab and reheat whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, reheat leftover or frozen Best Orange French Toast in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp at the edges. A toaster or toaster oven works great for single slices and restores that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I make Best Orange French Toast with another type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche is wonderfully rich and tender, challah, Texas toast, or even day-old French bread also work well. Just aim for slices about 1-inch thick so they soak up the custard properly.

Do I have to use Florida’s Natural orange juice?

Nope! Any high-quality, no-pulp orange juice will add that fresh citrus pop. Just avoid juices with added sugar, as the toast is already sweet and balanced thanks to the maple syrup and fruit toppings.

Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the egg-custard mixture up to a day in advance. Cover and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to dip and cook — an easy trick for fuss-free brunch mornings.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for a thick non-dairy option like oat or coconut cream, and use your favorite plant-based butter for frying. The flavor and texture will still be divine!

What’s the secret to crispy, not soggy, French toast?

Don’t let your bread soak too long in the custard, and make sure your skillet is hot but not smoking before adding the slices. This helps create that golden, beautifully crisp exterior every time you make Best Orange French Toast.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a ray of sunshine to your breakfast routine, this is the recipe to try. The Best Orange French Toast has won over my friends, family, and brunch guests again and again — now I can’t wait for you to experience just how special it is! Whip up a batch, pour a big cup of coffee, and savor every orange-kissed bite.

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