Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep & Preheat
- Preheat your griddle to 350°F (175°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Melt 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet or griddle. Add one cinnamon stick, a few star anise pods, and a couple of cardamom pods. Gently heat the butter with the spices for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the whole spices before cooking your bread. This infused butter will be used to grease your cooking surface.
Whisk the Batter
- In a blender, combine the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, if whisking by hand, first mix the flour and eggs in a shallow dish to prevent lumps, then gradually whisk in the remaining ingredients until well combined and smooth.
Dip the Bread
- Dip each slice of bread into the batter, ensuring both sides are dredged well with an even coating without over-soaking. A quick dip is sufficient.
Cook to Golden Perfection
- Place the dipped bread slices onto your hot, greased griddle or skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be slightly firm.
Serve Warm
- Remove the cooked French toast to a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Notes
Use thick, slightly stale bread and avoid over-soaking to prevent sogginess. The addition of flour creates a thicker, fluffier batter and a golden crust. High-fat milk (whole milk or cream) yields the creamiest French toast. Infusing butter with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and cardamom pods adds unique depth and aroma. Maintain consistent medium heat on your griddle and add more spiced butter between batches for even browning. Batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cooked French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 1-2 months. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave. For serving a crowd, keep cooked slices warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.