Martha Stewart’s Perfect French Toast Copycat Recipe

Martha Stewart’s Perfect French Toast is a classic breakfast treat that’s rich, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. With a custard made from eggs, milk, citrus, and a hint of spice, this French toast recipe transforms day-old bread into a fluffy, indulgent morning feast. Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or simply to elevate your weekday breakfast, it’s a dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and sophistication to your table.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This French toast strikes the perfect balance between soft, custardy interiors and golden, slightly crisp exteriors. The addition of orange and lemon zest brightens the flavors, while cinnamon and nutmeg provide subtle warmth. Using high-quality bread like challah or brioche ensures a rich texture, and optional garnishes like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries add a finishing touch that’s both beautiful and delicious. Martha Stewart’s method guarantees French toast that’s impressively fluffy, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy.

What Is Martha Stewart’s French Toast?

Martha Stewart’s French Toast is a custard-soaked bread recipe that elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious breakfast. Day-old bread is soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, citrus juice, vanilla, and liquor before being pan-fried to a golden perfection. The result is a rich, flavorful toast that’s soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside. Optional toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries make it a versatile dish suitable for any breakfast or brunch table.

Cooking Tips

• Use slightly stale bread: Bread that’s 1–2 days old absorbs the custard better, ensuring soft and flavorful French toast.
• Soak carefully: Allow the bread to soak long enough for custard to penetrate but not so long that it becomes mushy.
• Medium heat for frying: Fry on medium heat to ensure golden-brown exteriors without burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
• Keep warm in the oven: Use a 200°F oven to keep cooked French toast warm while you finish frying the rest.
• Optional butter in frying: Adding a small amount of unsalted butter to the frying oil gives extra flavor and richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes! Brioche or challah are ideal for their rich texture, but other white or rustic breads will work. Slightly stale bread is best for soaking.

Can I make this French toast ahead of time?

You can prepare the custard and soak the bread ahead of time, up to 30 minutes in advance. Cook right before serving for best results.

Can I adjust sweetness?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease sugar to taste in the custard and use syrup or powdered sugar sparingly or generously according to preference.

What toppings work best?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of yogurt all complement the flavors beautifully. Citrus zest or a drizzle of honey also works well.

How to Store

Store cooked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain crisp edges.

How to Freeze

Cool the French toast completely, then layer slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven directly from frozen for best results.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1½ cups milk
• 1 orange, juiced
• 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp liquor (almond, orange, or cognac)
• 1 tbsp sugar (or Splenda)
• 1 lemon, zest
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 6 slices day-old bread (challah or brioche recommended, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Canola oil or neutral frying oil (optional: add a little unsalted butter for flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Fresh mixed berries

How to Make Martha Stewart's Perfect French Toast