If you’re craving a breakfast treat that wraps you in cozy warmth and bursts with sweet, spiced flavor, this Raisin Bread French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine thick slices of soft raisin bread soaking up a cinnamon-vanilla custard, then crisping to golden perfection on your skillet. It’s a delightful twist on classic French toast that feels extra special yet remains incredibly simple to make. Whether it’s for a leisurely weekend brunch or a comforting start to any day, this dish brings the perfect balance of sweet raisins, fragrant spices, and custardy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six square slices of raisin bread neatly placed inside a white rectangular baking dish with handles. The bread has a light brown color with visible dark raisins scattered throughout each slice. Nearby, there is a white bowl with brown eggs, a small white bowl holding a brown liquid, and a white tray with more slices of the same raisin bread. All items are arranged on a white marbled surface. A blue cloth is partially visible on the side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward yet flavorful ingredients is the next step to creating your delicious Raisin Bread French Toast Recipe. Each component plays a critical role in building the rich texture and inviting aroma that make this dish stand out.

8 slices raisin bread: Thick-cut if possible, for the ideal custard soak and texture contrast.
3 large eggs: The foundation for your custard, lending richness and structure.
1 cup milk (or half & half): Adds creaminess; opt for half & half if you want a more indulgent flavor.
1 tsp cinnamon: Brings that warm, comforting spice that complements the raisins perfectly.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a sweet floral note, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Pinch of salt: Balances and elevates the sweetness without overpowering it.
Butter for cooking: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior with a luscious buttery flavor.
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for serving: Choose your favorite topping to add a final touch of sweetness and freshness.

How to Make Raisin Bread French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Surface

Start by warming your skillet or griddle over medium heat. A lightly greased surface is crucial for preventing sticking while allowing the bread to develop that irresistible golden crust. Butter works beautifully here, infusing your toast with a subtle richness even before cooking begins.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a shallow dish, beat the eggs with milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is your flavorful custard bath, where each slice of raisin bread will soak up all those lovely spices and creamy goodness.

Step 3: Coat the Raisin Bread

Dip each slice of raisin bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Be careful not to leave the bread soaking too long to keep it from becoming soggy. The goal is to let the bread absorb just enough to get soft and flavorful without falling apart.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown

Place the soaked bread slices onto your preheated skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until a beautiful golden brown crust forms. This caramelized layer seals in the custardy center, delivering that perfect balance between crispy outside and tender inside.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your raisin bread French toast immediately with your choice of toppings. Whether it’s a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries, each addition adds a unique flair to this warm and inviting breakfast treat.

How to Serve Raisin Bread French Toast Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds two thick slices of golden-brown French toast, stacked slightly askew. On top, there are fresh sliced strawberries and dark blackberries, with a dollop of light beige cream placed in the center. The toast edges are crispy with small air pockets visible on the surface, showing a soft inside. In the background, a blurred glimpse of a knife and a bright orange flower can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your Raisin Bread French Toast Recipe with powdered sugar for a snowy sweet touch, swirl on some maple syrup to enhance the warm spices, or fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries to add brightness and color. Each garnish transforms the dish just a bit while keeping it classic and irresistible.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded brunch, serve alongside crisp bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. A simple green salad or yogurt parfait can also complement the sweet richness of the toast, adding texture and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your slices and skewering them with fresh fruit and mint sprigs to create an elegant French toast tower. Alternatively, arrange the slices in a fan shape on a plate and drizzle artistic patterns of syrup or honey for a cafe-style presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra raisin bread French toast, store the cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 2 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

To keep leftovers fresh longer, freeze individual slices by layering them between parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag. This method preserves their texture so they can be enjoyed at a later date without losing flavor or becoming soggy.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature to bring back that crispiness. Microwaving works too, but may make the toast softer than originally intended.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of raisin bread?

Absolutely! While raisin bread adds its own sweet complexity thanks to the raisins and spices, you can make this French toast recipe with any thick-sliced bread, like challah or brioche, for a similarly delicious result.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter for cooking. This keeps the dish dairy-free without sacrificing the creamy texture or flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent French toast from becoming soggy?

Don’t soak the bread for too long—just enough to absorb the custard but still hold its shape. Also, cooking over medium heat allows the outside to crisp up while the inside stays tender but not mushy.

Can I add other spices to the custard mix?

Feel free to experiment! Nutmeg, ground cloves, or even a hint of orange zest can beautifully enhance the flavor profile of your Raisin Bread French Toast Recipe.

How do I keep cooked French toast warm if making for a crowd?

Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This keeps them warm and crisp while you finish cooking the rest of the batch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about the warm, spiced goodness of this Raisin Bread French Toast Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Easy to whip up and irresistibly tasty, it’s a fabulous way to elevate your breakfast or brunch. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — your mornings will never be the same again!