Introduction

Orange French toast adds a bright, citrusy twist to a beloved breakfast classic. Made with rich brioche bread and a flavorful orange-infused custard, this dish is perfect for a cozy morning or a special weekend treat.

Two golden brown slices of French toast with a slightly crispy texture are stacked side by side in the center of a white round plate. On the left side of the plate, there are two red strawberry halves with green leaves and a green star-shaped slice of kiwi fruit arranged neatly. The plate sits on a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. To the top right of the plate is a carton of Florida's Natural orange juice tilted slightly. In the top left corner, a white rectangular dish holds sliced kiwi and half an orange face-up with vibrant orange color. A gold fork lies on the wooden board near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Tips & Variations

Use day-old brioche for better absorption without falling apart.
Substitute vanilla sugar with ½ teaspoon vanilla extract if unavailable.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth.
Try topping with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added richness.

Storage

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to maintain texture. Avoid storing soaked bread for too long as it may become soggy.

How to Serve

Four slices of golden-brown French toast are stacked on a long white rectangular plate, each slice showing a crispy, unevenly toasted surface with a shiny glaze. Next to the toast, on another white rectangular plate, there are layered slices of bright green kiwi and a halved orange with a juicy, vivid orange interior. The plates rest on a white marbled surface, giving the whole scene a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?

Yes, you can substitute brioche with other thick, sturdy breads like challah or Texas toast for similarly rich results.

How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?

Soak the bread just enough to absorb the custard without becoming overly saturated. Using slightly stale bread also helps it hold the mixture better.

Best Orange French Toast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

A delightful twist on classic French toast infused with fresh orange zest and Florida’s Natural No Pulp Orange Juice, creating a bright citrus flavor. This recipe uses thick brioche bread slices soaked in a creamy custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection, making a perfect breakfast or brunch treat served with maple syrup and fresh fruits.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

8 slices brioche toast bread (cut into 1-inch thick slices)

Custard Mixture

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

For Cooking and Serving

1 tbsp unsalted butter
Maple syrup, to serve
Fresh fruits, to serve
Cinnamon sugar (optional, to sprinkle on top)

Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined and smooth.
Heat the pan: Place a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until it coats the surface evenly and starts to foam.
Soak the bread slices: Dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, soaking both sides well. Ensure the bread is thoroughly moistened but not overly soggy to prevent it from falling apart during cooking.
Cook the French toast: Place the soaked slices directly onto the hot skillet. Cook each slice for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked completely through.
Serve and garnish: Remove the cooked French toast from the pan. Serve immediately topped with maple syrup and fresh fruits. Optionally, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor and a hint of sweetness.

Notes

Use thick brioche slices to ensure the toast holds together well when soaked and cooked.
Adjust cooking time based on your stove and thickness of bread to avoid undercooked centers.
Vanilla sugar can be substituted with vanilla extract; use about ½ teaspoon if substituting.
For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, but the texture may differ slightly.
Serve immediately for the best texture; French toast tends to become soggy if left to sit.

Keywords: Orange French Toast, Brioche French Toast, Citrus Breakfast, Maple Syrup, Brunch Recipe, Easy French Toast