French Toast with Orange Butter: A Ray of Sunshine on Your Breakfast Plate

There are mornings, often crisp and just breaking, when the aroma of something deeply comforting wafts from the kitchen, pulling you gently from sleep. For me, that scent is inextricably linked to French toast, specifically the version elevated by a vibrant, citrusy orange butter. I remember one particular Saturday, a drizzly, gray day that threatened to dampen our spirits. My grandmother, with her inimitable knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, whipped up this very French toast. The golden, custardy bread, kissed with sweet spice, paired with that bright, almost ethereal orange butter, felt like a private sunrise just for us. It was more than breakfast; it was an edible embrace, a reminder that even on the dreariest days, warmth and joy can be found in simple, delicious things.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 6-12 (depending on portion size and bread thickness)
• Yield: Enough orange butter for the French toast
• Dietary Type: Can be adapted (see variations)

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a few staples and one special element that transforms the humble French toast into something truly spectacular. The quality of your French bread is paramount here – a day-old, slightly stale loaf is ideal as it absorbs the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.

For the French Toast:

• 12 slices French bread, 1-inch thick
• 6 large eggs
• 4 cups milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking

For the Orange Butter:

• 1 cup softened butter
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

To bring this delightful breakfast to life, you’ll want a few key tools:

• A large mixing bowl for the custard.
• A whisk for thoroughly combining the custard ingredients.
• A 13×9 inch baking pan for soaking the bread.
• An electric skillet or a large, non-stick frying pan for cooking the French toast.
• A spatula for flipping the bread.
• A small bowl and a whisk or electric mixer for preparing the orange butter.

Instructions

Crafting this French toast is a two-part process, with the overnight soak being the secret to its sublime texture.

Part 1: Preparing the French Toast

1. Arrange the Bread: Begin by placing the 12 slices of French bread, each about 1-inch thick, in a greased 13×9 inch baking pan. Ensure they fit snugly but aren’t overly crowded.
2. Whisk the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the 6 large eggs, 4 cups milk, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is well combined and no streaks of egg yolk or white remain. This creates a rich, flavorful custard that will infuse the bread.
3. Soak the Bread: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking pan. Gently press down on the bread to ensure each slice is submerged in the custard.
4. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the bread and custard mixture overnight. This crucial step allows the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly, resulting in a tender, custardy interior and a slightly firm exterior when cooked.

Part 2: Cooking the French Toast and Preparing the Orange Butter

1. Prepare the Cooking Surface: When you’re ready to cook, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in an electric skillet set to 300°F (150°C). If using a stovetop, heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and melt the butter.
2. Cook in Batches: Remove 6 slices of the soaked bread from the baking pan, allowing any excess custard to drip back into the pan. Carefully place these slices into the hot skillet.
3. Cook Thoroughly: Cook the French toast for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and golden brown. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your skillet and the thickness of the bread, so keep a close eye on it. You’re looking for a beautiful, even color and a cooked interior.
4. Repeat with Remaining Bread: Remove the first batch of cooked French toast from the skillet and set them aside on a plate or a warm serving platter. Repeat the process with the remaining 6 slices of bread, adding another tablespoon of butter to the skillet as needed for each batch.
5. Prepare the Orange Butter: While the last slices of French toast are cooking, or immediately after, prepare the glorious orange butter. In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
6. Incorporate Orange Juice: Gradually add the ½ cup of orange juice to the butter and sugar mixture, beating continuously until the butter is well blended and smooth. This should result in a luscious, spreadable butter with a delightful citrusy tang.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• The Bread is Key: Using day-old, slightly stale bread is non-negotiable for perfect French toast. Freshly baked bread will become too soggy. If your bread is very fresh, you can leave it out on the counter for a few hours to dry out slightly.
• Custard Consistency: If you find your custard is too thick (which can happen if the bread is very porous), you can add another splash of milk. Conversely, if it seems too thin, don’t worry; the overnight soak will manage.
• Gentle Flipping: When flipping the French toast, use a wide spatula and be gentle to avoid breaking the slices.
• Low and Slow for Even Cooking: Cooking French toast at a moderate temperature, like 300°F in an electric skillet or medium-low on the stovetop, ensures that the custard inside cooks through without the exterior burning.
• Orange Zest for Extra Zing: For an even more intense orange flavor, you can add about 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the orange butter mixture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the warm French toast immediately, generously slathered with the homemade orange butter. A dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup makes for a beautiful presentation.

The orange butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. It’s wonderfully versatile and can be used on other pastries, biscuits, or even as a base for a citrus glaze.

Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisped. You can also reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this French toast with orange butter. Please note that this is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	883.8 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	444 g
Total Fat	49.4 g	76%
Saturated Fat	28 g	140%
Cholesterol	325.8 mg	108%
Sodium	1368.6 mg	57%
Total Carbohydrate	86.7 g	28%
Dietary Fiber	3.9 g	15%
Sugars	12.3 g	49%
Protein	23.4 g	46%

Variations & Substitutions

• For a Lighter Custard: You can substitute half of the whole milk with skim milk or half-and-half for a slightly lighter custard.
• Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free version, use a rich, unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for the custard. For the orange butter, opt for a good quality vegan butter spread and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly.
• Citrus Twist: While orange is divine, you could experiment with grapefruit juice or tangerine juice for a slightly different citrus profile in the butter.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cardamom or cinnamon added to the custard can offer another layer of warming spice.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh French bread instead of day-old bread?
A: It’s highly recommended to use day-old bread. Fresh bread will absorb too much custard and become mushy. If you only have fresh bread, leave it out on the counter for several hours to dry out before using.

Q: How can I ensure the French toast cooks evenly without burning?
A: Cook on a moderate heat (around 300°F in an electric skillet or medium-low on the stovetop). This allows the custard inside to cook through before the exterior becomes too dark.

Q: How do I make the orange butter if I don’t have softened butter?
A: You can quickly soften butter by microwaving it in very short bursts (5-10 seconds), just until it’s pliable but not melted. Alternatively, you can grate cold butter and let it come to room temperature more quickly.

Q: Can I make the custard and soak the bread ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is designed for overnight soaking, which is key to its texture. You can prepare the custard and soak the bread the night before and then cook it in the morning.

Q: How much orange butter does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of orange butter, which is plenty for the French toast and perhaps even a little extra to enjoy on other breakfast items throughout the week.

A Sunny Start to Any Day

There’s a certain magic in French toast, a comforting familiarity that always feels like a treat. But when it’s kissed with the bright, invigorating flavor of orange butter, it transforms into something truly special. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and find joy in the simple pleasures. I encourage you to try it, perhaps on a leisurely weekend morning, and let that sunny citrus butter brighten your plate and your day. Serve it with a steaming cup of coffee or a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice, and consider it a small, delicious act of self-care. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!