Artisan French Toast from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe features thick slices of hand-cut bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla egg batter, griddled to golden perfection, and topped with powdered sugar and fresh berries, offering a warm and indulgent breakfast experience.
Equipments
- Bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish or pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Griddle or large skillet
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Sifter (for powdered sugar)
- Plate or serving platter
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut artisan bread (such as challah or French bread)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter (for greasing the griddle)
- Powdered sugar (for topping)
- Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Choose thick-cut artisan bread like challah or French bread to ensure your French toast soaks up the rich cinnamon-vanilla egg batter evenly. Use whole milk and heavy cream for a creamy and indulgent texture in your custard mixture. Measuring spices accurately, such as 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, will enhance the flavor balance without overpowering your dish. Grease your griddle well with butter to prevent sticking and achieve a golden-brown finish. Your homemade Artisan French Toast from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe copycat menu will capture the same warm and delightful breakfast experience with powdered sugar and fresh berries topping.
Instructions
- Slice the bread into thick pieces using a bread knife.
- Whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish or pan.
- Preheat griddle or large skillet over medium heat and grease with butter.
- Dip each slice of bread into the batter, coating both sides evenly.
- Place soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle.
- Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip with a spatula or tongs and cook the other side.
- Remove cooked french toast from the griddle and place on a serving platter.
- Sift powdered sugar over the top of the french toast.
- Top with fresh berries before serving.
Substitution
Artisan French Toast from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe copycat menu captures the essence of thick-cut artisan bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and griddled to a perfect golden brown. If challah or French bread is unavailable, brioche or even sturdy sourdough bread work well as substitutes due to their ability to absorb the custard without falling apart. You can use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk and heavy cream to make the recipe dairy-free, though the texture might be slightly less rich. When cooking, keep the heat moderate to ensure the toast cooks through evenly without burning on the outside. Serving it immediately after topping with powdered sugar and fresh berries helps maintain the toast's crisp exterior and fresh flavor contrast.
Tips
Ensure your artisan bread slices are thick enough to absorb the egg batter without becoming soggy or falling apart during cooking. Use a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream to create a rich, custardy texture that enhances the cinnamon-vanilla flavor. Preheat your griddle properly and use butter for greasing to achieve a crispy, golden crust without sticking. When dipping the bread, soak each slice long enough to absorb the batter but not so long that it disintegrates when cooking; use a spatula or tongs carefully for flipping to maintain the toast's shape.
Nutritions
Artisan French Toast from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, with protein coming from eggs and dairy, healthy fats contributed by heavy cream and butter, and carbohydrates primarily from the thick-cut artisan bread. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream enhances the calorie content, making it a hearty choice for breakfast. Fresh berries add essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which can aid digestion and support overall health. You can enjoy this dish as a satisfying and nutrient-rich morning meal that offers both energy and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover artisan French toast in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to restore warmth without losing texture. Your best option for longer storage is freezing the slices individually wrapped, which preserves flavor and quality for up to 1 month.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the artisan bread with brioche or cinnamon raisin bread for a sweeter variation. Swap whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk to accommodate lactose intolerance while maintaining creaminess. Adding a splash of orange liqueur or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg batter enhances the flavor profile for a gourmet touch. Use a cast iron skillet instead of a griddle to achieve a crispier crust through more even heat distribution.
Allergies
Artisan French Toast from Kneaders Bakery & Cafe contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (milk and heavy cream), and wheat (bread). If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, you should exercise caution when consuming this dish. Your safest option is to inform the staff of your allergy to ensure proper accommodations are made.
Why this recipe?
The Artisan French Toast at Kneaders Bakery & Cafe is popular for its perfectly crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior, crafted from thick-cut bakery bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard. Generous layers of fresh fruit and a drizzle of pure maple syrup enhance the authentic flavor profile, making each bite indulgent and satisfying. People appreciate the balance of textures and the use of premium ingredients that elevate this breakfast classic beyond ordinary versions. You will find recreating this recipe rewarding, as it captures the essence of Kneaders' beloved dish, bringing a cafe-quality experience right to your kitchen.