Pin It The morning I discovered this recipe started with a pint of melting vanilla ice cream sitting on the counter and a serious craving for French toast. Something clicked—why not use what’s already there? The result was so outrageously good that my regular custard formula hasn’t seen the light of day since.
I made this for my sister’s birthday brunch last spring, and the table went completely silent after the first bite. She’s still asking me to recreate that morning, and honestly, the secret was just using really good vanilla bean ice cream instead of my usual milk and egg mixture.
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bread: Slightly stale brioche or challah works beautifully here because it soaks up all that custard without falling apart
- 2 cups premium ice cream melted: Vanilla is classic, but chocolate or coffee ice cream takes this somewhere incredible
- 2 large eggs: These help structure the custard so you get that perfect French toast puff
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional: A pinch adds warmth that pairs especially well with vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional: Use this if your ice cream is plain and you want extra depth
- Pinch of salt: This tiny addition makes all the flavors pop forward
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For cooking, because butter creates that golden crust we’re all after
Instructions
- Whisk the magic together:
- In a large bowl, combine the melted ice cream, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth. This will feel thinner than traditional custard, and that’s exactly right.
- Warm your pan:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon butter and let it foam up gently.
- Soak each slice:
- Dip bread into the custard for 10 to 15 seconds per side, then lift and let excess drip off briefly. You want it saturated but not falling apart.
- Cook to golden perfection:
- Place soaked slices in the buttered pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden with caramelized edges. Add more butter as you cook subsequent batches.
- Serve while warm:
- Transfer finished pieces to a wire rack so they stay crisp, then serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Pin It My dad tried this with butter pecan ice cream once, and now he won’t let me make it any other way. The little caramelized pecan bits that end up caramelizing even more on the grill create this incredible crunch that I haven’t been able to replicate any other way.
Choosing Your Ice Cream
Premium ice cream with a higher butterfat content creates a richer, silkier custard. Cheap ice cream often has more air and stabilizers, which can make the French toast taste slightly icy or watery instead of lush and creamy.
Bread Selection Matters
Brioche and challah are ideal because their tight crumb structure holds up beautifully to soaking. Standard sandwich bread can turn into a sad, floppy situation, while overly dense artisan breads might not absorb enough custard.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and fun to experiment with. Once you nail the basic technique, you’ll start seeing possibilities everywhere.
- Try cinnamon ice cream with a dash of nutmeg for autumn vibes
- Chocolate ice cream works incredibly well with strawberry toppings
- A splash of rum or bourbon in the custard takes this to dessert-for-breakfast status
Pin It There’s something ridiculously satisfying about turning a carton of leftover ice cream into the kind of breakfast that makes people pause and really enjoy their morning. Hope this becomes one of those recipes you keep coming back to.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best?
Thick-cut breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast absorb the custard well and provide a soft yet sturdy texture.
- → Can I use any ice cream flavor?
Yes, vanilla is classic, but cinnamon, coffee, or chocolate flavors add unique twists to the custard base.
- → How long should bread soak in the custard?
Soak each slice for 10–15 seconds per side to ensure a rich custard coating without becoming soggy.
- → What cooking fat is recommended?
Unsalted butter provides a rich flavor and helps achieve golden, caramelized edges during cooking.
- → What toppings complement this dish best?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar enhance the flavors and add visual appeal to the finished toast.