Dessert

Best Orange French Toast Recipe

ByLily Monroe January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

Orange French Toast offers a bright, citrusy twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this recipe transforms simple brioche into an irresistible morning treat.

Ingredients

8 slices brioche toast bread (cut into 1-inch thick slices)
2 whole eggs
1 tsp orange zest (approximately the zest of 1 small orange)
1 tsp vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
¼ cup Florida’s Natural No Pulp Orange Juice
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Maple syrup
Fresh fruits
Cinnamon sugar

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined.
Step 2: Heat a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in the pan.
Step 3: Dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, soaking both sides until moist but not soggy. Place the soaked bread directly onto the hot skillet.
Step 4: Cook the French toast for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Remove from the pan, serve immediately topped with maple syrup, fresh fruits, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old brioche or challah bread for better absorption without becoming too soggy.
Substitute orange juice with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for extra warmth and spice.
For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.

Storage

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to retain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Four slices of French toast are stacked slightly overlapping on a white rectangular plate, each slice showing a golden-brown, crispy texture with darker spots from caramelization. The surface of the toast looks slightly shiny as if glazed with syrup or butter. In the top left corner of the image, part of another white rectangular plate is visible, holding a halved orange with bright orange flesh and several thin kiwi slices with bright green flesh and small black seeds, all resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, brioche is preferred for its richness and texture, but you can use challah, thick-cut white bread, or sourdough. Avoid very thin or soft breads, as they may become too soggy.

What is the best way to prevent the French toast from being soggy?

Make sure to soak the bread just until it’s moist but not overly saturated. Using slightly stale bread helps absorb the custard without falling apart. Cooking on medium heat also helps achieve a crisp exterior.