French Toast Waffles

Introduction

Take your breakfast game to the next level with French Toast Waffles! Imagine the soft, custard-soaked magic of French toast perfectly blended with the crispy, golden edges of waffles. This delightful mashup combines the best of both worlds, giving you a breakfast treat that’s not only delicious but also a breeze to make. Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you’re craving something extra special, these waffles are sure to impress.

Made with simple pantry staples and a waffle iron, this recipe is as versatile as it is crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re serving up a family brunch, wowing guests, or treating yourself to a cozy morning, these French Toast Waffles deliver every time. Top them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar—your creativity is the limit! Ready to turn your mornings into something extraordinary? Let’s dive in and whip up these irresistible waffles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why French Toast Waffles will become your go-to breakfast recipe:

• Best of Both Worlds: Combines the fluffy texture of French toast with the crispy exterior of waffles.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will adore the fun shape and delicious taste, plus they’ll enjoy adding their favorite toppings.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a waffle iron, this recipe is a breeze to prepare.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights.
• Great for Gatherings: A fantastic choice for feeding a crowd, as the waffles can be kept warm in the oven while you prepare more.
• Customizable: Add your favorite spices, use flavored extracts, or experiment with different breads.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the batter in advance for an even quicker breakfast experience.
• Family Approved: The ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to be a hit.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, even for beginners.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 310 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbohydrates: 42g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your French Toast Waffles:

For the Batter:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar (or more for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• 8 slices of thick bread (such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast)

Cooking:

• Non-stick spray or melted butter for greasing the waffle iron

For Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices, etc.)
• Whipped cream
• Chopped nuts
• Chocolate chips

Ingredient Highlights

• Brioche or Challah: These rich, buttery breads soak up the custard beautifully, creating a flavorful base.
• Vanilla and Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the batter, making the waffles extra indulgent.
• Fresh Fruit and Syrup: Elevates the dish with vibrant flavors and a hint of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Batter

1. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
2. Soak the Bread: Submerge each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. Be careful not to oversoak, as the bread may fall apart.

Cook the Waffles

1. Preheat the Waffle Iron: Turn on your waffle iron and allow it to heat up fully. Lightly grease the surface with non-stick spray or melted butter.
2. Place the Bread: Place a soaked bread slice onto the waffle iron and close the lid.
3. Cook Until Crispy: Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining slices, greasing the waffle iron as needed.
4. Keep Warm: Place finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven to keep them warm while you cook the rest.

How to Serve

Serving French Toast Waffles is half the fun! Here are some creative ways to present them:

1. Classic Style: Drizzle with warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
2. Fruit Fiesta: Top with fresh berries, banana slices, and a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the waffles for a crunchy texture.
4. Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
5. Savory Twist: Serve with fried eggs, crispy bacon, or even fried chicken for a sweet-and-savory combination.
6. Ice Cream Sundae: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a dessert-style waffle.

Additional Tips

To make the most of your French Toast Waffles, consider these tips:

1. Bread Choice Matters: Use thick, sturdy bread that won’t fall apart when soaked in the custard.
2. Season the Custard: Adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla to your taste preferences.
3. Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure the waffle iron is hot to achieve that crisp, golden exterior.
4. Don’t Overcrowd: Cook one or two slices at a time to avoid uneven cooking.
5. Keep It Warm: Use the oven trick to keep your waffles warm while finishing the batch.
6. Prep Ahead: Mix the custard the night before and store it in the fridge for a quick morning start.
7. Go Big on Toppings: Get creative and let everyone customize their waffles with a variety of toppings.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun variations for your French Toast Waffles:

• Pumpkin Spice: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice blend to the custard for a seasonal twist.
• Chocolate Chip: Stir mini chocolate chips into the custard mixture for a sweet surprise.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version.
• Savory Waffles: Omit the sugar and add a pinch of salt and herbs to the custard for a savory breakfast.
• Stuffed Waffles: Sandwich cream cheese or Nutella between two slices before dipping in the custard.
• Coconut Lover’s: Add shredded coconut to the custard mixture and top with coconut syrup.
• Protein Boost: Use protein-enriched bread or add a scoop of protein powder to the custard.

Freezing and Storage

Make extra French Toast Waffles to enjoy later with these tips:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Reheating: Reheat frozen waffles in the toaster or oven for a crispy texture.

Special Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Waffle Iron: Essential for creating that iconic waffle texture.
• Mixing Bowl: For whisking the custard.
• Whisk: To combine ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: Helpful for dipping and handling the bread slices.
• Baking Sheet: To keep the waffles warm in the oven.
• Muffin Tin – For perfectly shaped cupcakes.
• Cupcake Liners – Keeps the cupcakes neat and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing Bowls – For preparing the cake batter and frosting.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – To whip up smooth and fluffy frosting with ease.

Print

FAQ Section

Got questions about making Easy Witch Hat Cupcakes? Don’t worry—this FAQ section has got you covered! From troubleshooting tips to customization ideas, here’s everything you need to know:

• Can I make these without a waffle iron?
  While a waffle iron is ideal, you can cook the custard-soaked bread on a griddle or skillet for a more traditional French toast.
• What bread works best?
  Brioche, challah, or thick slices of Texas toast are all excellent options.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
  Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the dairy in the custard.
• How do I prevent sticking?
  Be sure to grease the waffle iron well between batches.
• Can I make this in advance?
  Yes! Cook the waffles ahead of time, freeze, and reheat as needed.
• Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
• Absolutely! If you prefer the taste of homemade cake, simply substitute the boxed cake mix with your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe. Make sure the batter yields 12 cupcakes to match the quantities for frosting and decoration.
• How long can I store the cupcakes?
• Unfrosted cupcakes: These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Frosted cupcakes: These are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Can I freeze these cupcakes?
• Yes! If you want to prepare them in advance, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate as desired.

Conclusion

French Toast Waffles are a delightful mash-up of two breakfast favorites, offering the crispy edges of waffles and the custardy richness of French toast in every bite. They’re perfect for slow weekend mornings, family brunches, or anytime you want to make breakfast extra special. Top them with fresh berries, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar to make them uniquely yours.

Gather your loved ones, get creative with toppings, and enjoy this irresistible breakfast treat. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!