Frank's Crispy Custardy French Toast
Frank's Crispy Custardy French Toast is a medium American recipe that serves 3. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Epicurious on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min
Cost: $62.79 total, $20.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 slices Thick White Bread (about 2‑inch thick, slightly stale; bakery loaf preferred)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream (full‑fat for best custard texture)
- 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 pinch Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
- 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (zest of one medium orange, fine grated)
- 1 pinch Salt (enhances sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Brandy (optional, adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla preferred)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for pan‑frying; salted butter optional for finishing)
- to serve Maple Syrup (pure maple syrup, optional)
- to garnish Powdered Sugar (light dusting)
Instructions
Slice and Dry the Bread
Slice the bakery loaf into 2‑inch thick pieces. Arrange them on a baking sheet and place in a low oven (200 °F / 93 °C) for 15‑20 minutes until the surface is lightly toasted and the slices feel a bit drier.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 200°F
Prepare the Custard Batter
In a mixing bowl combine 2 cups heavy cream, 4 large eggs, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 pinch nutmeg, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 pinch salt, 1 Tbsp brandy (optional), and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and no spice clumps remain.
Time: PT10M
Soak the Bread
Lay the dried bread slices in a shallow dish and pour the custard over them, ensuring each slice is fully submerged. Let soak for 20‑30 minutes, turning once halfway so both sides absorb evenly.
Time: PT20M
Preheat the Skillet
Place a skillet over medium heat and add 4 Tbsp butter. Allow the butter to melt slowly; it should coat the pan but not sizzle aggressively.
Time: PT2M
Cook First Side
Remove each soaked slice from the custard, letting excess drip off, and place gently in the hot butter. Cook for about 4 minutes until the bottom is golden‑brown and crisp.
Time: PT4M
Flip and Finish Cooking
Turn the slices and cook the other side for 5‑7 minutes on low‑medium heat until the interior custard is set (no liquid should ooze when pressed).
Time: PT6M
Plate and Serve
Transfer the French toast to a serving plate, top with a pat of salted butter, drizzle pure maple syrup, and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 42 g
- Fat
- 28 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains alcohol
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Gluten, Butter
Last updated: March 12, 2026






