Buttermilk French Toast

The fluffy buttermilk in the batter makes for an unbelievably soft interior, while the outside gets that irresistible golden brown crisp. And the best part? You can get this all done in just a few steps. Talk about an easy breakfast recipe.

I don’t usually eat a big breakfast, but when it comes to this buttermilk french toast – I always make the exception. This, with a cup of maple coffee with pumpkin cold foam is the perfect way to start the day. When I tell you that this recipe is incredible, I mean it!

This recipe calls for nothing but simple ingredients and comes together very easily, making this the perfect breakfast for Thanksgiving morning or really any special occasion. 

The golden brown exterior slathered in maple syrup with some fresh fruit and whipped cream is SO good. Truly, it’s the best french toast you’ll ever make. 

Every ingredient plays its part in bringing out the perfect buttermilk French toast. The full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need and why it’s essential:

• Challah or Brioche Bread: You want a slice of bread that can hold up to the rich buttermilk mixture. A soft loaf will soak it up like a sponge, while still holding its structure. Ideally, day old bread or slightly stale bread work best here. I would avoid using sandwich bread, but it’ll work in a pinch. You can also use sourdough bread and make sourdough french toast for a tangy flavor.
• Buttermilk: This is what gives our French toast its signature tang and fluffy texture. It’s a great way to add richness with a subtle tang, keeping the toast soft on the inside while allowing it to crisp up on the outside. You can buy buttermilk from the grocery store or you can make your own homemade buttermilk! 
• Large Eggs: Eggs are the glue that binds everything together, helping the bread to absorb the vanilla buttermilk egg mixture without falling apart.
• Vanilla extract: This adds a beautiful sweetness and aroma that you can’t skip. It’s one of the easiest ways to elevate a dish without extra effort.
• Brown sugar: We’re going for a golden perfection here. The brown sugar caramelizes as it cooks, creating that golden, crispy crust you’ll love.
• Ground cinnamon: For that classic warmth and spiced flavor. Cinnamon is the simplest way to give any traditional French toast recipe an upgrade.
• Butter: You need a little butter to coat the pan. Not only does it prevent sticking, but it also helps the bread toast up to a lovely, buttery crisp.

How to make Buttermilk French Toast

Now that you’ve got your ingredients lined up, it’s time to make magic happen.

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, bourbon, buttermilk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This is your French toast batter, the heart and soul of the dish. You want it smooth and well-combined so every slice gets evenly coated.

Step 2: Cut the bread into thick 1-inch slices.

Step 3: Take your thick slices of bread and dunk them in the buttermilk mixture. Let them sit for about 20-30 seconds per side, making sure the bread absorbs as much of the rich batter as possible.

Step 4: Place the soaked bread into a baking dish. Pour the leftover custard on top and let it soak for 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Place strawberries and sugar in a bowl and toss together. Set aside.

Step 6: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of melted butter. The butter should foam but not burn—this is key to getting that nice golden brown crust. Remove excess liquid from the soaked bread, and place Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until each side is a perfect golden brown. Keep the heat medium-low to ensure even cooking. You want that crispy outside with a soft, fluffy interior.

Once the toast is cooked, serve immediately with your favorite toppings—whether it’s fresh berries, warm maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Go ahead and drizzle some extra melted butter if you’re feeling indulgent!

Tips for the Perfect French Toast

• Choose the Right Bread: Brioche, Challah, or Texas Toast are great options because they’re thick and absorb the custard without becoming too soggy. Stale bread works best, as it absorbs more liquid without falling apart.
• Soak, Don’t Dunk: Give each slice of bread time to soak up the custard. Let the bread sit in the custard for about 20-30 seconds per side to ensure it’s fully absorbed but not overly soggy.
• Use Butter and Oil for Cooking: Butter alone can burn, but a mix of butter and neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) gives you that golden-brown exterior without burning. I do this with my sweet cream pancakes too!
• Preheat the Pan Properly: A medium-low to medium heat works best. Start by preheating your pan, so each slice cooks evenly without scorching. Patience here is key; if the pan is too hot, the outside will cook too quickly, leaving the inside soggy.
• Serve Immediately or Keep Warm in the Oven: French toast is best served hot, but if you’re making a large batch, keep it in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

Topping Ideas for Buttermilk French Toast

There are endless ways to top off your buttermilk French toast. Here are a few of my favorites that really make this dish shine:

• Fresh Fruit: Berries, bananas, or sliced peaches add freshness and a burst of sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: Can you even call it French toast without this? Opt for real maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy dollop of whipped cream makes every bite feel like a special occasion.
• Nutella: For those mornings when you’re feeling extra decadent.
• Nuts: Add a little crunch with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.