Lemon Lavender Bread French Toast
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Day-old lemon lavender bread, or any lemon loaf or brioche, makes the best French toast we've ever had: custardy inside, caramelized outside and finished with warm lavender maple syrup.
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Why this pairing works
Slightly dry bread soaks up custard without falling apart. The lemon and lavender already in the loaf mean the French toast is flavored all the way through.
Serves 4 Prep 10 min Cook 15 min
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Lavender Bread Mix (Lemon), baked a day ahead, or a day-old lemon loaf or brioche
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 Tbsp butter, for the pan
- 1 Tbsp Lavender Sugar, for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup Lavender Maple Syrup, warmed
Directions
- Slice the loaf into 8 thick slices.
- Whisk the eggs, milk and salt in a shallow dish.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each slice for about 10 seconds per side.
- Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. Sprinkle with Lavender Sugar just before flipping the second time so it caramelizes.
- Serve with warm maple syrup and fresh berries.
Serve it with: Lavender Honey Sticks (Lemon)
What bread makes the best French toast?
Slightly stale, sturdy bread soaks up custard without falling apart. Brioche and challah are rich and tender; a lemon quick bread or pound cake makes a dessert-like French toast. If you use brioche, add 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon Lavender Sugar and a pinch of finely ground culinary lavender buds to the custard for the lemon lavender flavor.
How long should you soak the bread?
- Quick bread or pound cake: about 10 seconds per side; it is tender.
- Brioche or challah: 20 to 30 seconds per side.
- Crusty bread: up to 1 minute per side.
How do you keep French toast warm for a crowd?
Set a wire rack on a sheet pan in a 200°F oven and move slices onto it as they come off the skillet. They stay warm and crisp for 20 to 30 minutes. For a hands-off version, try our overnight breakfast bake.
Make it your own
- Top with the whipped honey butter from our maple pancake stack.
- Use pumpkin bread in the fall, with a pinch of cinnamon in the custard.
- Top with lemon curd and blueberries.
- Add a spoonful of whipped honey ricotta.
Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze French toast?
Yes. Cool the slices on a rack, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
Why is my French toast soggy?
The bread was too fresh or soaked too long, or the pan was not hot enough. Use day-old bread and medium heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use oat milk in the custard and cook in oil or dairy-free butter.
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