If you have a sweet tooth and a penchant for comfort food, the Ice Cream French Toast Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine thick-cut brioche soaked in a luscious custard made from melted premium vanilla ice cream, then cooked to golden perfection with a caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible. This is not your everyday breakfast—it’s a dreamy, indulgent twist on classic French toast that’s perfect for brunches, special weekends, or any time you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Trust me, once you try this, your mornings will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Ice Cream French Toast Recipe right is all about simple ingredients that work together to create something magical—each one plays a role in the taste, texture, or aroma, making the final dish truly exceptional.
- Thick-cut bread (brioche or challah): Slightly stale is best to soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Premium vanilla ice cream: Melted to a creamy custard base that adds rich vanilla flavor and sweetness.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the custard for perfect soaking.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the vanilla beautifully.
- Pure vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the ice cream’s vanilla notes for extra depth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances and elevates all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter: For frying, delivering a golden crust and rich aroma.
- Maple syrup: Classic topping that adds a luscious sweetness.
- Fresh berries: Provide a fresh, tangy contrast that brightens the dish.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting for a final touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Make Ice Cream French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
Start by whisking together the melted vanilla ice cream, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl until you have a smooth, silky custard. The melted ice cream lends such a luxurious creaminess and sweetness that sets this recipe apart from traditional custards.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Preheat your nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. This step is critical because the butter ensures your French toast develops that beautifully caramelized, golden crust we’re all dreaming about.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side. The key here is to give the bread enough time to absorb the custard without becoming soggy—let the excess drip off so it cooks up just right.
Step 4: Cook the Bread Slices
Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden and caramelized. Don’t hesitate to add more butter as needed—the buttery goodness is essential for that perfect crisp and flavor.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once cooked, transfer your French toast to a rack or warm plate. Serve immediately with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a scattering of fresh berries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. The final presentation is as delicious as it looks.
How to Serve Ice Cream French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A little goes a long way when it comes to garnishing your Ice Cream French Toast Recipe. Fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries add vibrant color and a hint of tartness that perfectly balances the sweet, rich toast. A sprinkle of powdered sugar not only makes it look pretty but adds a gentle sweetness that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing this French toast with a side of crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage brings a delightful contrast of flavors. You might also consider a simple bowl of fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious accompaniment that keeps things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress your guests, stack your French toast slices high like a little tower, drizzling maple syrup between the layers for extra indulgence. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a fancy brunch touch or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an over-the-top dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the texture intact, separate the slices with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
Ice Cream French Toast slices freeze beautifully. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay great for up to one month, making this recipe perfect for batch cooking.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover or frozen Ice Cream French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave as it can make the bread soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ice cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic and pairs beautifully with the spices and fruit toppings, you can experiment with flavors like cinnamon, caramel swirl, or even strawberry to give your French toast a unique twist.
Is it necessary to use slightly stale bread?
Using slightly stale bread is recommended because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Fresh bread can become too soggy and might not hold its shape during cooking.
Can I prepare the custard in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the custard up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before dipping the bread to ensure it is smooth and well mixed.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
While unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness, you can use salted butter in a pinch—just skip adding extra salt to the custard to avoid an overly salty flavor.
How do I prevent the French toast from being too greasy?
Using a nonstick skillet and properly measuring the butter helps control greasiness. You want enough butter for flavor and crispness but not so much that the toast feels oily.
Final Thoughts
This Ice Cream French Toast Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, combining nostalgic comfort with a fun, decadent twist that makes every bite feel special. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or dazzling brunch guests, this dish brings joy in every mouthful. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and experience this uniquely delicious take on French toast—you won’t regret it!
Print
Ice Cream French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic French toast with this Ice Cream French Toast recipe. Made by soaking thick-cut stale bread in a custard of melted premium vanilla ice cream and eggs, then pan-frying until golden and caramelized. Finished with maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar, this dish is a perfect fancy breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Bread
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah), slightly stale
Custard
- 2 cups premium vanilla ice cream, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted vanilla ice cream, eggs, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat skillet: Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and allow it to melt evenly to coat the surface for cooking.
- Soak bread: Dip each slice of slightly stale thick-cut bread into the custard mixture. Soak for 10 to 15 seconds on each side to allow the bread to absorb the custard, then lift and let excess drip off gently.
- Cook bread slices: Place the soaked bread slices onto the heated skillet. Cook each slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and develop a caramelized crust. Add additional butter to the skillet if needed for cooking.
- Serve: Transfer cooked French toast slices to a wire rack or serving plate. Serve warm topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- If desired, you can substitute the vanilla ice cream with other flavors for a creative variation.
- Make sure the skillet is not too hot to avoid burning the bread before cooking through.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
