CHALLAH FRENCH TOAST WITH CINNAMON-SUGAR GLAZE

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Challah French Toast With Cinnamon-Sugar Glaze image

Thick slices of soft challah bread make for superior French toast, with a plush, custardy center and golden, crisp edges. This version has extra egg yolks for added richness, and a dash of cardamom for spice. Cinnamon-sugar is sprinkled on top of the challah slices as they cook, caramelizing and glazing them (though you can skip this step, if you want). If you want to work ahead, soak the challah slices in the custard mixture the night before, storing everything in the fridge, then add a few extra minutes onto the cooking time to make sure the centers are cooked through.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     breakfast, brunch, breads

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or use more milk)
4 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Pinch of salt
1 loaf challah bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1 1/4-inch slices
4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more as needed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Maple syrup
Cherry or other jam
Whipped mascarpone or crème fraîche
Berries
Sliced bananas
Chopped pineapple chunks
Mini chocolate chips

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs and egg yolks, vanilla, lemon zest (if using), 1/2 teaspoon cardamom and salt.
  • Arrange challah slices in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour custard on top, and let sit at room temperature, uncovered, for 30 minutes, so the bread can absorb the custard, carefully flipping bread slices halfway through.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon and remaining 1/4 teaspoon cardamom. Set aside.
  • Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium, then add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt. Place 2 to 3 pieces soaked challah in skillet, making sure to not crowd the pan. Cook until golden on bottom, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle a little of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of each slice, then flip and cook until bottom is glazed and browned, another 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to serving plates, glazed-side up. Repeat with remaining butter, challah and cinnamon sugar. Serve warm, with your choice of toppings.

Brighton Chanza
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I made this for my family and they loved it! The glaze is so good, I could eat it by the spoonful.


Manish Kanwar
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover challah bread. The French toast is delicious and the glaze is the perfect finishing touch.


Naqeeb Devnia
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I love this recipe! The challah bread makes the French toast extra thick and fluffy. The glaze is also delicious. I always get compliments when I make this.


Jessica Pitchford
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This was my first time making challah French toast and it turned out amazing! The recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious. I'll definitely be making this again.


Alex Mejia
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This recipe was a bit disappointing. The French toast was too eggy and the glaze was too sweet. I wouldn't make it again.


Itx Pathan
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This was a great recipe! The French toast was light and fluffy and the glaze was the perfect touch of sweetness. I will definitely be making this again.


Chukwuma Ibik
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This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times and it always turns out perfectly. My family loves it.


Sham Awan
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So yummy! I made this for my husband and he couldn't stop raving about it. The glaze is to die for.


Małgorzata Bragiel
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I've tried many challah French toast recipes, but this one is by far the best! The glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I'll be making this my go-to recipe from now on.


Mohammad mofijul Ahmed
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Not a fan of this recipe. The glaze was too sweet for my taste and the challah bread was too dry. I won't be making this again.


G T. Gameing super
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I made this for a weekend brunch and it was a hit! The glaze was so good, I could have eaten it by the spoonful. Highly recommend!


Jani Wadho
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious! I used store-bought challah bread and it turned out great. My kids devoured it in seconds.


Tiffany Porter
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OMG! This French toast was out of this world! The cinnamon sugar glaze was the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch. My family loved it. Will definitely be making this again!