How to Make Brioche French Toast with Orange Marmalade

Learn how to make decadent brioche French toast with a twist of orange marmalade. This easy recipe creates a perfect brunch dish that's both indulgent and delicious.

Try the ultimate breakfast or brunch with Brioche French Toast and Orange Marmalade. It’s a mix of brioche’s buttery taste, creamy custard, and orange’s zest. This combo brings together sweet and citrusy flavors, making your morning meal special.

Make a big impression with this easy yet impressive recipe. It’s perfect for a fancy weekend brunch or a special morning treat. This Brioche French Toast with Orange Marmalade will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling great.

Introduction to Brioche French Toast

Brioche French toast is a rich breakfast or brunch dish. It uses buttery brioche bread for a soft, creamy inside. The addition of orange marmalade brings sweet and citrus flavors together, making it a treat for your taste buds.

Indulgent Breakfast Delight

Brioche French toast is a decadent way to start your day. It has a custard-like center from eggs, milk, and spices. This makes each bite a mix of crispy outside and soft inside.

Fusion of Sweet and Citrus Flavors

This recipe adds a twist with orange marmalade. Its sweet and tangy taste pairs well with the brioche. Orange zest adds more citrus, making it a feast for your senses.

IngredientQuantity
Eggs4
Half and half¾ cup (180 ml)
Sugar1 Tablespoon
Orange zest1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract½ teaspoon
Salt⅛ heaping teaspoon
Unsalted butter3 Tablespoons (42 g)
Brioche bread7 slices, 1″ thick

Ingredient Breakdown

The brioche French toast recipe shines thanks to its main ingredients: vanilla brioche loaf, cream cheese, and orange marmalade. The vanilla brioche provides a soft, sweet foundation with a touch of vanilla flavor. This makes it ideal for the custard-like texture of the dish.

The cream cheese brings a rich, creamy touch. At the same time, the orange marmalade brings a bright, citrusy zest. Together, they create a deliciously indulgent brioche French toast.

Vanilla Brioche Loaf

Brioche bread is known for its richness, tenderness, and light sweetness. It’s made with lots of eggs and butter, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture and a golden color. This makes it the ideal choice for brioche French toast, offering a delicate and indulgent base.

Cream Cheese

The cream cheese in the brioche French toast recipe adds a luxurious, creamy element. It complements the dish’s sweetness perfectly. The smooth, rich texture of the cream cheese contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy brioche.

Orange Marmalade

The orange marmalade brings a zesty, citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the brioche French toast. Its bright, tangy taste cuts through the richness of the dish. This creates a harmonious blend of flavors that pleases the palate.

These key ingredients – the vanilla brioche loaf, cream cheese, and orange marmalade – are the heart of a truly exceptional brioche French toast experience.

Preparing the Custard Base

The secret to amazing brioche French toast is the custard base. This creamy mix is the heart of the dish. It makes every bite full of flavor and soft.

Eggs and Milk Mixture

Begin by cracking 3 large eggs into a big bowl. Whisk them until they’re mixed well. Add 3 large egg yolks and 3 tablespoons of sugar, then whisk until smooth and the sugar dissolves.

Then, pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well mixed. This makes a perfect custard base.

Cinnamon and Orange Zest

To make it even better, add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and lots of ground cinnamon. Use a zester to add orange zest. This adds a bright, citrusy smell.

Whisk the cinnamon and orange zest into the custard. This makes a smooth, creamy mix. It’s now ready to soak into the brioche, making the French toast unforgettable.

Assembling the brioche french toast

Getting the brioche French toast just right is all about how you put it together. Start by greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Then, spread the cubed brioche loaf evenly in the dish.

After that, dollop the orange marmalade between the brioche pieces. This adds a burst of citrusy sweetness that spreads throughout the dish.

Now, pour the custard base over the brioche. Slowly and evenly pour in the egg and milk mixture. This makes sure every piece of bread is coated.

Finally, cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight. This step lets the bread soak up the custard. When you bake it, you’ll get a rich, custardy texture.

IngredientQuantity
Brioche Loaf1 (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Orange Marmalade1/2 cup
Eggs2 large
Whole Milk1 cup
Cinnamon1 teaspoon
Orange Zest1 tablespoon

With the brioche French toast ready and chilled, you’re almost there. You’re just one step away from a delicious breakfast or brunch.

Overnight Refrigeration

Preparing brioche french toast the night before is a game-changer. After assembling the dish, just cover it and refrigerate overnight. This lets the custard soak into the soft, pillowy brioche, making it luscious and creamy.

The overnight rest also blends the flavors together. This makes the dish taste even better. In the morning, you just need to bake the french toast to get a delicious breakfast or brunch.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the overnight refrigeration process:

  1. Assemble the brioche french toast as directed in the previous section.
  2. Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap or foil.
  3. Refrigerate the assembled french toast overnight, for at least 8 hours.
  4. In the morning, simply remove the dish from the fridge and bake according to the instructions.

This simple step of overnight refrigeration is the secret to achieving the perfect brioche french toast texture and flavor. It’s a make-ahead technique that allows you to enjoy a decadent breakfast with minimal effort in the morning.

IngredientAmount
Brioche Loaf16 slices (16 oz loaf)
Eggs6 large
Evaporated Milk12 oz can
2% or Whole Milk1 cup
Maple Syrup1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract1 tbsp
Lemon or Orange ZestZest of 1 small
Kosher Salt1/4 tsp

By taking the time to refrigerate the brioche french toast overnight, you’ll be rewarded with a truly exceptional breakfast or brunch. The hands-off prep work the night before will make your morning routine a breeze.

Baking Instructions

Now that you’ve put together your brioche French toast, it’s time to bake it. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will give your French toast a golden-brown outside and a soft inside.

Baking Time and Temperature

After your oven is ready, put the brioche French toast in the center rack. Bake for 35-45 minutes. This will make the custard set and the bread just right.

Don’t open the oven door too often. It can mess with the temperature. After baking, let it rest for 15 minutes before you slice and serve. This helps the custard and flavors come together.

Oven TemperatureBaking TimeResting Time
350°F (175°C)35-45 minutes15 minutes

By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious brioche French toast. It will impress everyone with its amazing taste and smell.

brioche french toast Variations

This recipe uses vanilla brioche loaf as the base. But, you can try other bread types like sourdough or Italian loaves. These can soak up the custard well. You can also add fruit compotes or syrups, like berry compote or maple syrup glaze, to enhance the orange marmalade’s citrus flavors.

Using Different Bread Types

Brioche bread is the main ingredient here, known for its soft and buttery texture. Alternatively, you can use other types of bread, such as:

  • Sourdough: Its tangy flavor and denser texture offer a nice contrast to the sweet custard.
  • Italian Loaf: This bread’s sturdy structure holds up well to the custard without getting too soggy.
  • Challah: Its rich, eggy texture goes well with the creamy custard.

Fruit Compotes and Syrups

Adding different fruit compotes and syrups can make your brioche French toast even better. Here are some tasty options:

  1. Berry Compote: A mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries adds a fresh burst of flavor.
  2. Maple Syrup Glaze: A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds a rich and indulgent touch.
  3. Cinnamon-Apple Compote: This compote, with apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, complements the orange marmalade nicely.

Creating great brioche French toast is all about finding the right balance. Try different breads, custards, and toppings to find your favorite.

Serving Suggestions

Make your homemade brioche French toast even better with a dollop of whipped cream. This creamy topping adds a luxurious touch to the rich brioche. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

For a burst of color and flavor, top it with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. These berries add a sweet and tart contrast to the orange marmalade.

Whipped Cream Topping

Make a simple whipped cream by mixing heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip it until it’s light and fluffy. This creamy topping makes your brioche French toast even more special.

Garnishing with Fresh Berries

Fresh berries add a beautiful contrast to the golden brioche. They also balance the sweetness of the dish.

IngredientQuantity
Heavy cream1 cup
Powdered sugar2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
Raspberries1 cup
Blueberries1 cup
Strawberries, sliced1 cup

Storage and Reheating Tips

The brioche french toast is best when fresh, but leftovers are okay. They can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, put it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warm.

Or, you can microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds. The flavors of the brioche french toast will still be great, even when reheated.

For longer storage, freeze the brioche french toast for up to 3 months. Seal it tightly or use an airtight container. Then, warm it up in the oven or microwave.

These storage and reheating tips let you enjoy your brioche french toast again and again. Enjoy!

Conclusion

This brioche French toast with orange marmalade is a delightful treat. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch and will wow your family and guests. The soft brioche, creamy custard, and zesty citrus make it a true indulgence.

Following the easy steps and making it ahead of time means less effort for you. It’s great for special occasions or a weekend treat. This dish is sure to become a household favorite.

The dish looks impressive and everyone loves it. You can also customize it to your liking. Enjoy the amazing flavors of this indulgent breakfast treat.

FAQ

What makes this brioche French toast recipe unique?

This brioche French toast recipe is special because it combines sweet and citrus flavors. The orange marmalade adds a tangy twist. The rich brioche bread and creamy custard make it decadent.

What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The main ingredients are vanilla brioche loaf, cream cheese, and orange marmalade. The brioche is soft and sweet. The cream cheese makes it creamy. The orange marmalade adds a zesty flavor.

How do you achieve the perfect custard base?

To get the perfect custard, mix eggs, milk, cinnamon, and orange zest. The cinnamon and orange zest give it warmth and a citrus aroma. This enhances the flavor.

What is the importance of the overnight refrigeration?

Refrigerating the dish overnight makes the custard soak into the brioche. This makes it soft and creamy. It also lets the flavors blend together, improving the taste.

How do you bake the brioche French toast?

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 35-45 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. This makes it golden outside and creamy inside.

Can you use different types of bread for this recipe?

You can use other breads like sourdough or Italian loaves. They work well as a base for brioche French toast.

What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve it with whipped cream and fresh berries. Raspberries or blueberries are great. They match the orange marmalade’s citrus flavor.

How can you store and reheat any leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days. Warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Or, microwave for 30-60 seconds.