Citrus-Infused Vanilla French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this delightful Citrus-Infused Vanilla French Toast. This recipe combines the zesty brightness of freshly squeezed orange juice and grated orange rind with the rich essence of vanilla, resulting in a heavenly start to your day. Whether served during a leisurely weekend brunch or as a special treat for guests, this French toast is sure to impress. The soft, custardy texture of the bread is complemented by a crispy golden exterior, making each bite a perfect blend of flavors. Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh orange slices for a colorful presentation that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
4
Servings
303
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
French or Italian bread
10 ounces (unsliced, then sliced into 3/4-inch thick slices)
large eggs
6 (beaten)
orange juice
3/4 cup (freshly squeezed for optimal flavor)
whipping cream
1/2 cup (unwhipped)
sugar
2 tablespoons (or to taste)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (pure vanilla extract preferred)
grated orange rind
1-2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (for grilling)
orange slices
for garnish
powdered sugar
for sprinkling
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the loaf of French or Italian bread into 3/4-inch thick slices and arrange them in a single layer in a well-greased 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly beat the eggs, sugar, orange juice, whipping cream, grated orange rind, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is well combined and frothy.
3
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the pan. Gently turn the slices to ensure they are well-coated in the custard mixture.
4
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
5
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven. If grilling, melt the butter in a skillet or flat grill over medium heat.
6
Add the soaked bread slices in batches to the skillet and cook until both sides are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.
7
If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and grease it lightly. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
8
Bake for 13-15 minutes, turning the slices after 10 minutes for even crispness.
9
Once cooked, garnish with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Citrus-Infused Vanilla French Toast!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
25.5g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Vanilla French Toast?
It is a breakfast dish that combines French or Italian bread with a custard made of eggs, orange juice, whipping cream, and vanilla for a zesty and rich flavor.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
French or Italian bread is recommended, ideally 10 ounces sliced into 3/4-inch thick slices.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 6 large eggs, which should be thoroughly beaten.
What type of orange juice should I use?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred for the best flavor profile.
How much whipping cream is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of unwhipped whipping cream for the custard mixture.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sugar, or more to taste.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
Pure vanilla extract is preferred, and the recipe requires 1 tablespoon.
How much orange rind is used?
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange rind.
Is salt included in the custard?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the egg mixture.
How long should the bread soak in the custard?
The bread should be refrigerated and soaked for at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight.
What size pan is needed for soaking the bread?
A well-greased 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan is recommended for arranging the slices in a single layer.
How do I prepare the egg mixture?
Beat the eggs, sugar, orange juice, cream, orange rind, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is frothy.
Can this French toast be grilled?
Yes, you can cook it in a skillet or on a flat grill over medium heat using 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
How long does it take to grill each side?
It takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown.
Can I bake this French toast instead?
Yes, it can be baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking sheet for the oven?
Line a large baking sheet with foil and grease it lightly before arranging the bread slices.
What is the total baking time?
The bread should bake for 13 to 15 minutes in total.
Should the bread be turned during baking?
Yes, turn the slices after 10 minutes to ensure even crispness on both sides.
What garnishes are suggested?
The dish is best served with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 303 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 8.75 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 11 specific ingredients including garnishes.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for breakfast or brunch.
What is the texture of the finished French toast?
It features a soft, custardy interior with a crispy golden exterior.
Does the bread need to be covered while refrigerating?
Yes, cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil while it soaks in the refrigerator.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized as breakfast, brunch, and comfort food.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for grilling?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for grilling.