If you’re craving the perfect blend of crispy waffle texture with the rich, comforting flavors of classic breakfast, this French Toast Waffles Recipe is about to become your new favorite ritual. Imagine golden, fluffy waffles infused with cinnamon and vanilla, but made with tender challah bread for that extra hint of decadence. It’s an effortless twist that brings together the best of two brunch worlds, making mornings feel special with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, hearty ingredients is key to achieving those irresistible French toast waffles. Each component plays a vital role in crafting that delicate custardy center and the beautifully crisp exterior.
- Challah bread: Sliced 1 inch thick to soak up all the custard while maintaining its sturdy texture.
- Whole milk: Creates a rich, creamy custard base that adds moisture and tenderness.
- Large eggs: The foundation of the custard, binding everything together and giving structure.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, fragrant spice that perfectly complements the sweet flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the aroma with its sweet, floral notes that bring the dish to life.
- Granulated sugar: Provided subtle sweetness that caramelizes during cooking, enhancing the golden crust.
- Butter (for serving): Adds luscious richness and melts beautifully atop the hot waffles.
- Maple syrup (for serving): The classic drizzle that elevates every bite with sticky, natural sweetness.
How to Make French Toast Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Waffle Iron
Start by heating your waffle iron according to its instructions, lightly greasing if necessary to prevent sticking. This step sets you up for perfectly crisp waffles every time, ensuring that signature golden crust without excess mess.
Step 2: Whisk Your Custard Mixture
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar until the custard is smooth and well combined. This mixture is where all the signature flavors come together and where the magic starts to happen.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of challah bread into the custard, turning to coat both sides thoroughly. Let it soak just long enough for the bread to absorb the mixture but not become soggy—this balance is crucial to maintain that perfect texture.
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
Place the soaked bread carefully on your hot waffle iron, then close the lid gently. Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, until the waffles are crisp and a gorgeous golden brown. This method cooks the custard inside while crisping the outside, creating an irresistible contrast.
Step 5: Keep Them Crisp While Cooking the Rest
Transfer the cooked waffles to a wire rack rather than a plate. This allows air to circulate underneath so the waffles stay crisp instead of softening from trapped steam as you prepare the remaining slices.
How to Serve French Toast Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Top your French Toast Waffles Recipe with a pat of melting butter and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup for the quintessential finish. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar are also wonderful for adding color and extra layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these waffles with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. A side of fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait also complements the sweetness beautifully, rounding out a brunch that feels both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking multiple waffles layered with mascarpone cheese and fruit preserves for a fun twist. Or turn these waffles into a dessert by topping with ice cream and toasted nuts. The versatility of this French Toast Waffles Recipe makes it perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover French Toast Waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping them separate on a wire rack before storing helps maintain their crispiness and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked waffles by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This method preserves their texture so you can enjoy this French Toast Waffles Recipe anytime with zero compromise.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven; this helps restore the crisp exterior quickly without drying out the custardy inside. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soft and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than challah?
Absolutely! While challah is ideal for its softness and flavor, brioche or thick-cut white sandwich bread also work nicely. Just ensure the slices are about 1 inch thick for proper custard absorption.
Do I need to grease the waffle iron?
It depends on your waffle iron. Some nonstick models don’t require greasing, but a light brush of oil or butter often ensures easier waffle removal and better browning.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to whisk the custard fresh before cooking for maximum flavor and freshness. However, you can prepare the mixture the night before and give it a quick stir before soaking the bread.
What’s the best maple syrup to use?
Pure maple syrup is always the star here, but a high-quality grade A syrup with a rich amber color will complement the cinnamon and vanilla beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Can I add other flavors or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of orange zest to the custard mix. These subtle twists can personalize this French Toast Waffles Recipe to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this French Toast Waffles Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation. The perfect combination of crispiness and custard-soaked bread brings joy to your table with every bite—simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Give it a go and watch how it transforms your brunch game!
Print
French Toast Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These French Toast Waffles combine the classic flavors of French toast with the crispiness of waffles, offering a golden, fluffy, and easy-to-make brunch favorite. Prepared in a waffle iron, these waffles feature challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg custard, resulting in a delightful breakfast treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf challah bread, sliced 1 inch thick
Custard Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Serving
- Butter, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the iron if required to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the whole milk, large eggs, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread slices: Dip each slice of challah bread into the egg custard mixture, turning to coat both sides thoroughly and allowing the bread to soak briefly to absorb the flavors.
- Drain excess custard: Lift the soaked bread slice from the mixture and let any excess custard drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Cook the waffles: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot waffle iron and close the lid gently. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the waffle emerges golden brown and crisp.
- Keep waffles crisp: Remove the cooked waffles from the iron and place them on a wire rack. This prevents steam buildup and helps maintain their crisp texture as you cook the remaining slices.
- Serve: Serve the French toast waffles warm with butter and maple syrup for a classic and delicious breakfast experience.
Notes
- Using challah bread results in extra fluffy and rich waffles, but brioche or thick-cut white bread can be used as alternatives.
- Make sure not to over-soak the bread to avoid sogginess; a brief soak is enough for flavor absorption.
- Keeping cooked waffles on a wire rack helps maintain crispiness instead of placing them on a plate where steam can cause sogginess.
- Adjust cooking time on your waffle iron as times may vary depending on brand and model.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a butter alternative for serving.
