Imagine waking up to a breakfast so decadent, it feels like a five-star restaurant has transformed your kitchen. This Vanilla Bean French Toast with Nectarines isn't just a meal—it's a morning masterpiece that will elevate your breakfast game from ordinary to extraordinary. With the rich, creamy essence of vanilla bean, the luxurious softness of brioche, and the sweet, vibrant burst of fresh nectarines, this recipe promises to turn even the most mundane morning into a gourmet experience that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of brioche bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 2 ripe nectarines, sliced
- Butter for cooking
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla cream mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean until fully combined and smooth.
- Slice the brioche bread into thick slices, approximately 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Allow the bread to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to slightly dry out, which helps it absorb the custard mixture better.
- Wash and slice the nectarines into thin, even wedges. Set aside at room temperature to ensure they are ready for topping.
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter and allow it to melt and coat the cooking surface.
- Dip each slice of brioche bread into the vanilla cream mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated but not soaked through. Allow excess mixture to drip off.
- Place the coated bread onto the heated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy with a custardy center.
- While the French toast is cooking, gently warm the sliced nectarines in a separate small pan with a touch of butter to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Transfer the cooked French toast to serving plates. Top each slice with warm nectarine slices and drizzle generously with honey.
- Serve immediately while warm, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or additional fresh nectarine slices.
Tips
- Use day-old brioche for the best texture—slightly dry bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
- When scraping vanilla bean, press firmly to extract maximum flavor from the pod.
- Cook French toast over medium heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Don't oversoak the bread; a quick dip is better than a lengthy soak to prevent soggy toast.
- Warm nectarines briefly to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile.
- For extra richness, use European-style butter when cooking and finishing the dish.
- Serve immediately to maintain the perfect crisp-yet-custardy texture of the French toast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 180mg
