Buttermilk French Toast

Buttermilk French Toast is a delicious twist on traditional French toast! In this recipe, thick slices of challah are dipped in a vanilla buttermilk egg mixture and griddled until golden. Serve with salted butter, a super simple maple blackberry sauce and fresh lemon zest. This recipe will serve 4 to 6.

Got buttermilk? Make French Toast!

Truth be told, my favorite pancakes are buttermilk pancakes. One day, over a decade ago, I decided to make a French toast version. A simple French toast custard of eggs, buttermilk, sugar and vanilla. Served warm with salted butter, a simple maple blackberry syrup, a sprinkle of lemon zest and a dusting of powdered sugar.

It’s kind of ridiculous how fancy this whole plate of buttermilk french toast looks, but in all actuality it couldn’t be simpler.

To Make The Buttermilk French Toast You Will Need:

for the maple blackberry syrup:

• blackberries – These add sweetness, texture and delicious flavor.
• brown sugar – Lends sweetness and subtle notes of caramel.
• lemon juice – This interacts with the fruit pectin so the juices set and thicken slightly.
• maple syrup – Adds additional sweetness and flavor and sweetness.

for the french toast:

• eggs – Adds richness and flavor to the custard
• granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and aids in crisping the French toast.
• vanilla bean paste – Or substitute with pure vanilla extract.
• fine salt – Balances the sweetness in this recipe.
• buttermilk – Lends a delicious tanginess.
• challah – Or substitute with a loaf of brioche.

Make The Maple Blackberry Syrup:

In a medium saucepan add  12 ounces fresh blackberries, 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup water and the juice of 1 small lemon.

Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove, mash with the back of your spoon or a potato masher, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove off of the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup.

Make The French Toast:

In a shallow bowl, add in 4 large eggs, 2 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract).

Whisk to combine.

Pour in 1 cup buttermilk.

Whisk one last time.

Slice a 12 to 16 ounce loaf of challah (or brioche) into 1/2-inch slices.

Dip.

Flip.

Then drip the excess back into the bowl.

Repeat with the remaining slices, placing them on a wire rack as you go.

Preheat your grilled to around 275 to 300°F.

Lightly butter your griddle with a little butter and work in batches, griddling the french toast for 3-4 minutes per side.

Flip the buttermilk French toast when golden brown.

Once the cooked, I like to keep them warm on a rimmed sheet pan in the oven on the lowest setting and move on to the rest of the bread.

To serve spread with softened salted butter, a spoonful (or three) of the blackberry maple compote, and because I’m a total sucker for all things lemon, I added a sprinkle of freshly zested lemon over top. Which sort of seals the deal on this incredible breakfast.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH BUTTERMILK FRENCH TOAST:

• pork, chicken or turkey bacon
• veggie, regular or maple sausage links or patties
• fresh fruit and/or berries
• orange juice, coffee or tea
• for brunch, serve with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt and hash browns.

HOW LONG WILL FRENCH TOAST LAST IN THE FRIDGE:

Got leftover French toast? Save it and enjoy it later in the week! Store the French toast in an air-tight container or resealable bag/stasher bag (to avoid drying out or absorbing fridge odors) and refrigerate for up to 3 to 5 days!

CAN FRENCH TOAST BE FROZEN?

Absolutely! Flash freeze the French toast first on a rimmed baking sheet for 30 minutes, portion serving amounts into resealable baggies (or stasher bags) and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FRENCH TOAST RECIPES!

Enjoy! And if you give this Buttermilk French Toast recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

This recipe was originally posted on July 11, 2014 and has been updated with clear and concise instructions, new photography and helpful information.