Name: Best Orange French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 8 slices brioche toast bread (cut into 1-inch thick slices); 2 whole eggs; 1 tsp. orange zest (approximately the zest of 1 small orange); 1 tsp. vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract); ¼ cup Florida’s Natural No Pulp Orange Juice; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp. Unsalted butter; Maple syrup; Fresh fruits; Cinnamon sugar

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one brunch treat I could never resist, it’s the Best Orange French Toast. Bursting with a bright citrusy twist, rich brioche, and a hint of vanilla, this French toast is more than just breakfast — it’s a showstopper you’ll want to share with everyone. The magic lies in velvety custard and a sweet punch of orange zest, making every bite a celebration. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend, or just a well-deserved treat, this is my go-to recipe for making mornings feel truly special.

Best Orange French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about the Best Orange French Toast is how every ingredient plays a starring role. You won’t need a long shopping list; just a handful of thoughtfully chosen items that turn simple toast into something unforgettable.

Brioche Toast Bread (8 slices, 1-inch thick): This rich, tender bread soaks up the custard beautifully and gives that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Whole Eggs (2): The backbone of any good custard, they help the toast set while cooking and add richness.
Orange Zest (1 tsp, about 1 small orange): This brings the zing! Freshly grated is best for maximum flavor.
Vanilla Sugar or Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a little sweetness and warmth that complements the orange perfectly.
Florida’s Natural No Pulp Orange Juice (¼ cup): Bonus orange flavor and a touch of natural sweetness — use fresh-squeezed if you’re feeling fancy!
Heavy Cream (½ cup): Makes the custard lush and decadent, with just the right amount of creaminess.
Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp): For that irresistible golden crust; don’t skip, it’s crucial for flavor and color.
Maple Syrup: The classic topper — warm it up for pure magic.
Fresh Fruits: Think berries, orange segments, or even a handful of pomegranate seeds for color and freshness.
Cinnamon Sugar: Totally optional, but a sprinkle on top makes it extra cozy and inviting.

How to Make Best Orange French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard

Start by grabbing a shallow bowl big enough to fit a slice or two of your brioche. Crack in the eggs, then add the heavy cream, orange juice, vanilla sugar (or a splash of vanilla extract), and that glorious orange zest. Give it all a really thorough whisking so the mixture is smooth and every element is well blended. The citrus fragrance should make your mouth water even before you begin dipping!

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Set a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat and add the butter, swirling it as it melts to cover the surface evenly. You want it hot enough that a drop of custard will gently sizzle, but not so fierce that it browns right away. This is your golden ticket to that crisp, caramelized finish.

Step 3: Drench the Brioche

Dip each thick slice of brioche into the custard, making sure to coat both sides. Don’t be shy, but don’t let the bread become soggy — a few seconds on each side is just right. As soon as a slice is bathed and ready, set it right onto the preheated skillet. Repeat with as many slices as will fit without crowding the pan.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Let the French toast cook undisturbed for about 3–5 minutes on one side, until it’s beautifully golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another few minutes. The goal is a crisp outside with a soft, lush center. Lower the heat if it starts browning too quickly — patience here makes all the difference!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked through and caramelized, transfer the French toast to a plate. Add your favorite toppings: a generous pour of maple syrup, fresh fruit, and (for extra sparkle) a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Tuck in while it’s hot — this is the Best Orange French Toast at its finest!

How to Serve Best Orange French Toast

Garnishes

The right garnish makes every bite of Best Orange French Toast extra special. Try an artful scatter of fresh orange slices or berries for juicy bursts of flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar adds an appealing finish, and a bit of orange zest on top underscores that vibrant citrus note.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving a crowd, pair your Best Orange French Toast with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a big bowl of Greek yogurt. Roasted potatoes or a simple green salad also help balance the sweetness and make the meal feel complete. Don’t forget a pot of fresh coffee or hot tea!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, layer slices of the French toast with whipped cream and berries in a trifle bowl for a breakfast parfait. Or, cut the cooked slices into fingers and serve them as dippable “French toast sticks” for brunch buffets or kids’ parties. However you present it, Best Orange French Toast always looks (and tastes) impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store extra slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, and you’ll thank yourself for making a little extra come Monday morning.

Freezing

Best Orange French Toast freezes surprisingly well! After cooling, arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and are perfect for last-minute brunch emergencies or quick weekday breakfasts.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop slices in your toaster or warm them gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, though you might lose a bit of that fabulous crispiness from the edges.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche is my pick for the Best Orange French Toast thanks to its richness, challah or thick Texas toast also soak up the custard wonderfully. Avoid thin or airy bread so you still get a fluffy, substantial bite.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk, and use plant-based butter. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get that luscious, citrus-forward French toast.

How strong is the orange flavor?

The orange flavor is quite gentle and uplifting, not overpowering. If you crave a bolder taste, use extra zest or add a dash more orange juice. If you prefer subtlety, stick with the recipe as written.

Can I prepare the custard in advance?

Definitely! Whisk the custard together, cover, and refrigerate it the night before. Give it a quick stir in the morning and proceed as usual. This makes breakfast nearly effortless!

What toppings go best with Best Orange French Toast?

You can’t go wrong with maple syrup and fresh fruits, but whipped cream, Greek yogurt, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce are also amazing add-ons that make your Best Orange French Toast feel totally new every time you serve it.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll gather your loved ones around the table to try this Best Orange French Toast. It’s such a joyful, crowd-pleasing breakfast that never fails to brighten the day. Let me know how you make it your own — and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new family tradition, too!

Best Orange French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Best Orange French Toast recipe that brings together the citrusy zing of orange with the comforting goodness of classic French toast. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat!

Instructions

Prepare Custard Mixture: In a bowl, mix the eggs well with the heavy cream, vanilla sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
Cook French Toast: Place a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat, and melt 1 tbsp. of butter in the pan. Drench each piece of French toast into the custard mixture on both sides, until moist throughout but not soggy. Add directly into the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through.
Serve: Remove from the pan and serve topped with some maple syrup and fresh fruit. Optionally, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon sugar on top for added flavor.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the custard mixture.
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread like challah or French bread for varied textures.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: French