Ice Cream French Toast (Print Version)

Custardy slices soaked in melted ice cream, pan-cooked to golden perfection with caramelized edges.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread, slightly stale

→ Custard

02 - 2 cups premium vanilla or flavored ice cream, melted
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
06 - Pinch of salt

→ For Cooking

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ To Serve (optional)

08 - Maple syrup
09 - Fresh berries
10 - Powdered sugar

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk together melted ice cream, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
02 - Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
03 - Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, soaking for 10 to 15 seconds on each side, then let excess drip off.
04 - Place soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized, adding more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
05 - Transfer cooked slices to a wire rack or serving plate and repeat with remaining bread.
06 - Serve warm topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The ice cream creates the most velvety, luscious interior you’ve ever experienced in French toast
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy brunch spot
  • You can switch up the flavor by just changing your ice cream choice
02 -
  • Over-soaking the bread leads to mushy centers, so stick to the 10 to 15 second window per side
  • Medium heat is your sweet spot—too high and the outside burns before the inside sets
  • Slightly stale bread is actually better here because it holds its structure through soaking and cooking
03 -
  • Let finished French toast rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes before serving to maintain that crisp exterior
  • Maple syrup is classic, but fruit compote cuts through the richness beautifully
  • Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes
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