Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience with our Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast. This delightful dish is incredibly easy to prepare, combining the creamy richness of real vanilla pudding with the warm, toasty flavors of thick bread, making it a favorite for families and brunch enthusiasts alike. Served with a luscious homemade buttermilk syrup that is irresistibly sweet, this French toast will elevate your morning routine to a whole new level. Don't forget to garnish with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. This recipe is perfect not only for a lazy weekend breakfast but also for impressing guests at your next brunch gathering. Forget about store-bought syrups; once you try this homemade version, you'll never look back!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1 cup (whole or 2% milk)
vanilla pudding mix
1 (3 ounce) package (instant, not cooked)
egg
1 (large, beaten)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
thick bread
8 slices (such as brioche or challah)
butter or margarine
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
powdered sugar
to taste (for garnish, optional)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (or substitute homemade if needed)
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (for syrup)
light corn syrup
1 tablespoon
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the buttermilk syrup. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the buttermilk, light corn syrup, and sugar. Stir the mixture until well combined and bring it to a boil. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
2
Remove the saucepan from heat, and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be aware that the syrup will foam up. Allow the syrup to stand for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
3
While the syrup is resting, prepare the French toast mixture. In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup of milk, the package of vanilla pudding mix, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Blend the mixture thoroughly for about 2 minutes until it's smooth and well combined.
4
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of butter or margarine, allowing it to melt and coat the surface.
5
Take each slice of thick bread and dip it into the pudding mixture, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated. Let any excess mixture drip off.
6
Place the coated bread slices on the hot griddle and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a golden brown color. Repeat with additional slices if necessary.
7
Once cooked, serve the French toast warm, drizzling with the homemade buttermilk syrup. You can also dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bread is recommended for Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast?
Thick slices of bread such as brioche or challah are recommended for the best results.
What kind of vanilla pudding mix should I use?
You should use a 3-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix, not the kind that requires cooking.
How long should the buttermilk syrup boil?
The syrup should be brought to a boil and then cooked for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
Why does the syrup need to stand for 5 to 10 minutes?
Allowing the syrup to stand helps it to thicken slightly before serving.
What causes the buttermilk syrup to foam up?
The addition of baking soda to the hot syrup mixture causes it to foam up.
Can I use 1% milk for the pudding mixture?
The recipe suggests whole or 2% milk for a creamier texture, but 1% can be used.
How much cinnamon is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the heat setting for cooking the French toast?
The French toast should be cooked over medium heat on a griddle or skillet.
How long do I cook each side of the bread?
Each side should be cooked for 2 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes, you can use a homemade buttermilk substitute if needed.
How many slices of bread does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for 8 slices of thick bread.
Is the egg supposed to be beaten?
Yes, use one large, beaten egg for the pudding dip.
What ingredients are in the homemade syrup?
The syrup consists of butter, buttermilk, light corn syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, and baking soda.
How much sugar is in the buttermilk syrup?
The syrup requires 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Do I need to grease the griddle?
Yes, melt 2 teaspoons of butter or margarine on the griddle before cooking.
What should I garnish the French toast with?
Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and powdered sugar are suggested garnishes.
How long do I whisk the pudding mixture?
Whisk the mixture for about 2 minutes until it is smooth and well combined.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used for both the syrup and for greasing the griddle.
Is vanilla extract used in the French toast dip or the syrup?
The vanilla extract is added specifically to the buttermilk syrup.
How much corn syrup is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup.
What is the consistency of the French toast coating?
The coating is a creamy mixture made from milk, pudding mix, egg, and cinnamon.
Should I dip the bread quickly?
Yes, dip both sides evenly and let excess mixture drip off before placing on the griddle.
Can this recipe be served for brunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for impressing guests at a brunch gathering.
What kind of vanilla extract is best?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the instructions describe it as incredibly easy to prepare.
Do I need to cook the pudding mix before adding it to the milk?
No, use dry instant pudding mix directly in the whisking step.
What color should the French toast be when finished?
It should be cooked until it achieves a golden brown color.
Is the syrup served warm or cold?
The French toast should be drizzled with the warm homemade buttermilk syrup.
How much butter is used for the syrup?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter for the syrup.
Does the recipe use baking soda?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda is used to give the syrup its unique texture.