Restaurants›The Ugly Duckling›Berry French Toast Recipe

Berry French Toast Recipe

Inspired by The Ugly Duckling
Time25m
Serves1

two slices of cinnamon battered brioche bread with maple cinnamon butter and powder sugar, topped with blueberries, strawberries

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Ingredients

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French toast batter & bread

Maple cinnamon butter

Toppings

For cooking

Method

French toast batter & bread

1

Make the batter

In a shallow wide bowl or pie dish whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream (if using), granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly frothy.

2

Soak the brioche

Place the two brioche slices one at a time into the batter. Allow each slice to soak for 20–30 seconds per side, pressing gently so the center absorbs custard but the bread does not become soggy. Let excess drip back into the bowl.

Maple cinnamon butter

3

While the bread soaks, combine the softened unsalted butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl. Mash with a fork until smooth and spreadable. Taste and adjust cinnamon or maple if desired. Reserve at room temperature.

Cooking & assembling

4

Preheat pan

Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil and swirl to coat. The pan is ready when a few drops of batter sizzle gently.

5

Cook the French toast

Place the soaked brioche slices in the hot skillet without crowding. Cook 2.5–3.5 minutes per side, or until each side is deep golden brown and the center is set. Adjust heat down slightly if browning too quickly. Add a small pat of butter to the pan if needed for browning.

6

Keep warm

Transfer cooked slices to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the second slice, if cooking in batches.

7

Plate and finish

Spread about half of the maple cinnamon butter over one or both warm brioche slices so it melts into the toast. Arrange the cooked slices on a plate, top with the blueberries and halved strawberries. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve with additional maple syrup on the side if desired.

Toppings

8

If you prefer warm berries, briefly sauté the blueberries with 1 teaspoon maple syrup in the skillet for 1–2 minutes until just softened, then spoon over the toast before dusting with powdered sugar.