There’s a joy that comes with taking something classic and giving it a delightful twist. Imagine waking up to the sweet scent of French toast wafting through your kitchen, only to discover it’s not your standard breakfast dish but French Toast Donuts instead! This unexpected creation marries the fluffiness of French toast and the decadence of donuts in just 10 minutes.
As I was rummaging through my pantry one lazy weekend, I stumbled upon a box of glazed donuts. Instead of devouring them as they were, a spark of inspiration hit. What if I could transform these sweet treats into something even more irresistible? The result? A breakfast that’s surprisingly simple to whip up yet feels indulgent enough to be served at a brunch with friends.
Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend treat or a unique way to impress guests, these French Toast Donuts are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a hint of nostalgia with every bite. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure!
Why French Toast Donuts Will Delight You
Simplicity at its Finest: This recipe is a breeze, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish.
Decadent Flavor: The combination of warm donuts and creamy egg custard creates an explosion of taste with every bite.
Unexpected Twist: Elevate your breakfast game with this fun twist on a beloved classic.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, your friends and family will be impressed!
Versatile Options: Customize with your favorite toppings – syrup, fruit, or whipped cream. This is your chance to get creative!
French Toast Donuts Ingredients
Get ready to whip up a delightful treat!
For the Donuts
• Glazed donuts – Use fresh or day-old for the best flavors.
• Extra-large egg – A larger egg helps create a rich custard.
For the Custard Mixture
• Heavy cream – Adds creaminess that complements the donuts perfectly.
• Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the richness of the cream.
For Serving
• Syrup – Drizzle over your French Toast Donuts for extra indulgence!
How to Make French Toast Donuts
-
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl wide enough to fit your donuts, mix together the heavy cream, egg, and honey. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy, inviting sweetness into the mix.
-
Preheat the Pan: Lightly grease your pan or griddle and turn the heat to medium. This ensures a lovely golden-brown color as you cook the donuts.
-
Dip the Donuts: Working in batches, quickly dip each donut slice into the egg mixture, ensuring they’re completely covered but not overly soaked. You don’t want them to get soggy!
-
Cook until Golden: Place the dipped donut slices onto the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side, keeping an eye out for that lovely light brown color. The custard mixture should be fully cooked before removing them.
-
Serve Warm: Once cooked, serve your French Toast Donuts warm, drizzling them with syrup to add a touch of sweetness and flavor!
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for French Toast Donuts
Room Temperature: Enjoy your French Toast Donuts fresh for the best texture and flavor on the same day they’re made.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet to regain warmth.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for optimal taste.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat in a toaster oven or skillet until warmed through.
What to Serve with French Toast Donuts?
Imagine a cozy brunch where the sweet scent of French Toast Donuts sets the stage for a delightful meal experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and juicy, a mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of crispy bacon juxtaposes perfectly with the sweet, soft texture of the donuts for a harmonious bite.
- Maple Syrup: Classic and indulgent, a drizzle of pure maple syrup amplifies the sweetness and complements the creamy custard.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream not only looks beautiful but enhances the creamy richness of each bite.
- Coffee or Latte: A warm cup of coffee or a frothy latte pairs wonderfully with the savory-sweet flavor profile of the donuts.
- Chocolate Sauce: For those with a sweet tooth, a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a touch of decadence that’s hard to resist!
Transform your brunch gathering into a memorable event with these delightful pairings, each offering a blend of flavors and textures that make every bite a celebration!
French Toast Donuts Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful treats and make them truly yours!
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free donuts to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions. The deliciousness remains unchanged!
-
Chocolate Chip Boost: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the donut halves before dipping them into the custard for an added layer of decadent sweetness. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream!
-
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After cooking, toss the warm French Toast Donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of flavor and a delightful crunch. You’ll love the aromatic twist!
-
Vegan Friendly: Swap the egg for a mixture of mashed banana and almond milk and use dairy-free cream to create a tasty treat for everyone to enjoy. Deliciousness knows no bounds!
-
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Instead of regular syrup, try a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a rich and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the donuts. It’s comfort food at its finest!
-
Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts—like pecans or almonds—into the custard for a delightful crunch in every bite. It’s a brilliant way to add textures and flavors!
-
Fruit Topping: Top your cooked French Toast Donuts with fresh berries or banana slices for a burst of freshness. This can brighten up the dish and makes it look gorgeous on the plate!
-
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the custard mixture. It’s a surprising twist that might just become your new favorite flavor combo!
Tips for the Best French Toast Donuts
-
Donut Selection: Choose fresh, soft glazed donuts. Day-old donuts work well but avoid stale ones that may be too hard.
-
Quick Dipping: Dip donuts into the egg mixture quickly to prevent sogginess. Too long in the mixture can lead to overly moist donuts that fall apart.
-
Watch the Heat: Maintain medium heat while cooking. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks through.
-
Serving Ideas: Consider adding fresh fruits or whipped cream as toppings for a colorful, delicious twist to your French Toast Donuts.
-
Storage Tips: Enjoy your French Toast Donuts fresh for the best texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently!
Make Ahead Options
These French Toast Donuts are ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests, allowing you to savor every moment rather than rush through breakfast! You can prepare the egg custard mixture (heavy cream, egg, and honey) up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the donuts, slice them in half and keep them at room temperature, covered, until you’re ready to dip. When it’s time to enjoy, just grab your custard mixture, dip the donut slices quickly, and cook them on a greased pan until golden brown. This way, you’ll have delicious French Toast Donuts that taste just as delightful as if you made them fresh!
French Toast Donuts Recipe FAQs
What kind of donuts work best for French Toast Donuts?
Absolutely! Fresh glazed donuts are ideal for this recipe, but if you have day-old donuts, they work just fine too. Avoid using stale donuts, as they may not soak up the egg mixture well and could end up too hard.
How should I store leftover French Toast Donuts?
After indulging, store any leftover French Toast Donuts in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for a treat, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or on a skillet until warmed through.
Can I freeze French Toast Donuts?
Yes, freezing is a great option! To freeze, lay cooked donut slices flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. For the best taste, enjoy them within 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in a toaster oven.
What should I do if the donut slices become too soggy?
Very! If you notice your donut slices are getting soggy, it might be due to over-soaking them in the egg mixture. Instead, dip quickly, ensuring each slice is coated but not saturated. The goal is to have a light, tasty custard coating that doesn’t overpower the donuts.
Are there any dietary considerations for French Toast Donuts?
For those with dietary allergies, be mindful that this recipe contains eggs and heavy cream. For a vegan alternative, you could use plant-based cream and flax eggs as substitutes. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using.
Can I top my French Toast Donuts with something other than syrup?
The more the merrier! While syrup is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness and flair. You could even drizzle some chocolate sauce for an indulgent twist!
French Toast Donuts: A Sweet Twist on Breakfast Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl wide enough to fit your donuts, mix together the heavy cream, egg, and honey. Whisk until it's smooth and creamy.
- Lightly grease your pan or griddle and turn the heat to medium.
- Working in batches, quickly dip each donut slice into the egg mixture, ensuring they're completely covered but not overly soaked.
- Place the dipped donut slices onto the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until light brown.
- Once cooked, serve your French Toast Donuts warm, drizzling them with syrup.