I'll say it- This is the best French toast I ever made. Buttery brioche works wonders for this orange and cardamom French toast since it soaks up just enough of the batter without making the bread soggy (sorry sad slices of white bread- you have been replaced). The subtle hint of orange and cardamom takes this to another level.
The key to this orange and cardamom French toast is the bread. You want to choose a thick bread, worthy of all that eggy goodness. Brioche is my favorite since it's already slightly buttery, but challah would work as well. You could also just use your favorite bread, and cut it into thicker slices.
If you have never tried cardamom, it's a spice commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. It has a strong, sweet, pungent flavor, with hints of lemon and mint. You can find ground cardamom at your local grocery store and online. If you find cardamom too strong a spice, you can substitute cinnamon.
Top Tips
- Choose a thick bread like brioche or challah
- Do not dip the bread in the egg mixture for too long, or the bread will get soggy
- If you are making these in batches for a larger crowd, place the cooked slices in an oven-safe dish or pan in a warm oven set to 200°F, until ready to serve
📖Recipe
Orange and Cardamom French Toast
Equipment
- griddle or large pan
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup half and half (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ teaspoon grated orange zest
- 8 slices brioche bread (or challah)
- 3-4 tablespoon butter for pan
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients except the bread in a shallow bowl, and whisk until combined.4 large eggs, ½ cup half and half (or milk), 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1¼ teaspoon grated orange zest
- Dip each slice of bread in the batter and set aside on a dish. Soak it just enough to absorb the custard, but no too long that it gets soggy.8 slices brioche bread (or challah)
- Prepare a skillet or griddle with half the butter over medium heat. When the pan is hot and butter is foamy, add the bread.3-4 tablespoon butter for pan
- Saute each slice in the butter until golden brown on each side; about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread.
- Serve with powdered sugar, butter or maple syrup.
Notes
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
June M. Como says
Jenn,
Just made this delicious French toast recipe. It was wonderful. Such a nuanced taste of cardamom, a touch of cinnamon and orange zest. I was drawn to this one because the cardamom reminded me of my grandmothers cardamom infused breads and cookies from recipes she had from the 1900’s. I had clementines available so I zested one in lieu of an orange but it was lovely just the same. Certainly will be keeper recipe in my house henceforth. I’m looking forward to trying other recipes from your cooking repertoire.
Cheers,
June
Jennifer says
This makes my heart sing! So glad it took you back to a special time!!
Shaila says
Made this today & it was so good!!! Thanks.
Karen Johnson says
This is the best French Toast I've ever had! I should qualify that statement by explaining that I grew up enjoying Nissua bread made by a group of local Finnish women in northeast Ohio. Cardamom is the predominant flavor in Nissua, so when I saw this recipe with cardamom as an ingredient I knew I had to try it - and the orange zest takes it to a whole different level. This is a keeper!
Jennifer says
Nissua sounds amazing, I will have to try that. So glad you enjoyed this recipe!