Crispy French Toast Waffles Recipe

Fluffy French Toast Waffles Recipe: Sweet Morning Magic

Weekends call for something special, and these crispy French toast waffles deliver pure breakfast magic.

Blending two beloved classics, this waffle recipe turns ordinary morning meals into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Fluffy bread gets a delightful twist when pressed into golden, crisp waffle squares with cinnamon-kissed edges.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of soft interior and crunchy exterior that will make breakfast lovers swoon.

The technique is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal effort.

Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and watch as everyone at the table becomes instantly enchanted by this delectable morning treat.

You won’t be able to resist diving into these irresistible French toast waffles.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in French Toast Waffles

For Base Ingredients:
  • Challah Bread: Soft, slightly sweet bread perfect for absorbing rich custard mixture, choose fresh and slightly stale bread for best texture.
  • Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps create smooth egg mixture for soaking bread.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure, select large farm-fresh eggs for best flavor.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that brings cozy depth to the waffle, use freshly ground for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds delicate sweetness and complex undertone, choose pure extract over imitation for authentic taste.
  • Sugar: Balances flavors and promotes beautiful golden-brown caramelization during cooking.
For Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, velvety finish and enhances overall indulgence, use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
  • Maple Syrup: Classic sweet companion that complements the warm spices, select pure maple syrup for authentic woodland sweetness.

Tools for Prepping French Toast Waffle Batter

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking egg mixture.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly.
  • Shallow Dish: Helps soak bread slices evenly.
  • Waffle Iron: Key tool for transforming French toast into crispy waffles.
  • Wire Rack: Optional for keeping waffles crisp after cooking.
  • Spatula: Useful for removing waffles from iron and serving.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps for Making French Toast Waffles Crispy

  • Bread Preparation

Select a soft, rich challah loaf and slice it into generous, thick portions that will fit comfortably inside a waffle maker.

  • Flavor Mixture

Combine creamy milk, fresh eggs, warm ground cinnamon, fragrant vanilla, and sweet sugar in a wide mixing container, whisking until smooth and well-blended.

  • Bread Soaking

Gently immerse each bread slice into the luscious egg mixture, ensuring every surface absorbs the delectable liquid for maximum flavor and texture.

  • Waffle Transformation

Transfer the soaked bread directly onto a hot waffle iron, allowing it to cook until achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.

  • Serving Suggestion

Place the finished waffles on a cooling rack to maintain their crispness, then lavish with a pat of melted butter and a luxurious stream of pure maple syrup.

Creative Spins on Traditional French Toast Waffles

  • Choose day-old challah or brioche for the most incredible texture and absorption of the egg mixture. Slightly stale bread works magic in creating crispy, custardy waffles.
  • Experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice to add depth and complexity to the standard cinnamon mixture. A pinch of ground ginger can bring unexpected warmth.
  • Lightly grease the waffle iron with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure perfect golden-brown edges. Check the manufacturer's instructions for optimal temperature settings.
  • Layer with fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a dollop of mascarpone cheese. Try fruit compotes, chocolate sauce, or caramel drizzle for a decadent twist on the classic maple syrup.
  • Prepare the egg mixture and slice the bread the night before to streamline morning preparation. Store soaked bread slices between parchment paper in the refrigerator for quick cooking.

Serving French Toast Waffles for Breakfast

  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the golden-brown French Toast Waffles on a large wooden board, creating an inviting display that encourages family-style sharing.
  • Weekend Family Treat: Pair these waffles with crispy bacon strips, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a complete weekend breakfast experience that everyone will love.
  • Gourmet Upgrade: Enhance the waffles with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an elegant dessert-like presentation that elevates the classic breakfast.
  • Seasonal Twist: Experiment with toppings based on the season – try fresh peaches and cream in summer, or spiced apple compote in fall to keep the dish exciting and fresh.

Keeping French Toast Waffles Warm or Reheated

  • Waffle Batch Prep: Make multiple batches ahead of time and store in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper for easy reheating.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual waffles in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks and can be quickly toasted for a speedy breakfast.
  • Refrigeration Tips: Cool waffles completely before storing in sealed containers. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive cold waffles in a toaster, air fryer, or oven to restore their crispy exterior and warm, soft interior. Avoid microwave to maintain the original crunchiness.
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Crispy French Toast Waffles Recipe

Crispy French Toast Waffles


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Savory french toast waffles blend breakfast classics into one irresistible dish. Crispy exterior, custardy interior, and maple syrup create a delightful morning experience for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf challah bread
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) 2% milk
  • 3 tbsps (45 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • butter
  • maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Bread Preparation: Slice challah into robust, one-inch thick pieces, ensuring substantial texture for optimal waffle transformation.
  2. Custard Creation: Whisk milk, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sugar in a wide container until achieving a silky, homogeneous blend that promises rich flavor infusion.
  3. Bread Saturation: Submerge challah slices into the custard mixture, allowing complete absorption and flavor penetration, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic liquid.
  4. Waffle Iron Activation: Heat waffle iron to medium-high setting, preparing a surface that will transform challah into crispy, golden waffle-textured delicacies.
  5. Waffle Transformation: Gently place custard-soaked challah onto the heated waffle iron, pressing carefully to imprint distinctive grid patterns and create a crunchy exterior with a tender interior.
  6. Culinary Finishing: Cook until achieving a deep golden-brown color, watching intently to prevent burning while developing a caramelized surface that promises maximum flavor and texture.
  7. Serving Presentation: Transfer waffles to a wire rack, then lavish with melted butter and cascade pure maple syrup, creating a luxurious breakfast experience that combines French toast elegance with waffle creativity.

Notes

  • Select the Right Bread: Use thick, day-old challah or brioche for maximum absorption and structural integrity during waffle cooking.
  • Master the Custard Soak: Let bread sit in egg mixture for 30 seconds per side to ensure deep flavor penetration without making bread soggy.
  • Control Waffle Iron Heat: Medium-high setting prevents burning while creating crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior.
  • Prevent Sticking Strategy: Lightly spray waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray before adding soaked bread to ensure easy removal and perfect grid patterns.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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