Sweet Bread French Toast Recipe
mixed berries & toasted macadamia nuts
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Ingredients
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Sweet Bread & Custard
Berries & Sauce
Topping & Finishing
Method
Sweet Bread & Custard
- 1
Prepare custard
In a shallow wide bowl or baking dish large enough to hold a slice of bread, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
- 2
Soak bread
Lay the sweet bread slices in a single layer in the custard, pressing gently so they absorb the liquid. Let soak 20–30 seconds per side for very fresh bread, or 1–2 minutes per side for slightly stale/thicker slices. Do not oversoak to the point of falling apart; bread should be saturated but still hold shape.
Berries & Sauce
- 3
Cook berries
While the custard rests, heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the mixed berries, light brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries release juices and the sauce thickens slightly, about 4–6 minutes. If using, stir in orange zest in the last 30 seconds. Taste and adjust sweetness; remove from heat and keep warm.
Topping & Finishing
- 4
Toast macadamia nuts
Place the roughly chopped macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool (they will continue to color slightly off heat).
- 5
Cook french toast
Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Add soaked bread slices (work in batches if needed) and cook until golden brown and set, about 3–4 minutes per side. Reduce heat if outsides brown too quickly before centers are cooked. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter between batches as needed.
- 6
Assemble and serve
Arrange 2–3 slices of sweet bread french toast per serving on plates. Spoon warm berry sauce over each portion. Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts on top and dust lightly with powdered sugar. Add a pinch of coarse sea salt to contrast sweetness if desired and serve with maple syrup on the side.