Delicious Classic French Toast Without Vanilla
Add delight to your breakfast table with my Delicious Classic French Toast without Vanilla. This easy French toast recipe uses sweet brioche bread along with other simple ingredients to create the perfect breakfast.
Original Post: July 2023 | Post Updated: May 2025
A classic French toast is one of the most loved breakfast foods! My family and I love to treat ourselves to French toast every now and then. There is nothing better than homemade French toast because you can use whatever bread you like and play around with flavors. If you’re wanting a more decadent but still wholesome option, try my Whole Wheat Stuffed French Toast Recipe or my Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole. Definitely save both of these to your list of easy breakfast recipes!
Why this recipe works
- No vanilla extract is needed and it’s still delicious with the combination of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg.
- The french toast recipe is adaptable. You can use your favorite breads like sourdough, whole wheat, white, brioche or croissants if you’re feeling extra fancy.
- This is a family friendly meal that comes together fast with just a few ingredients from your pantry.
- This no vanilla french toast recipe perfectly pairs with other breakfast favorites like Crustless Zucchini Quiche, Za’atar Potatoes, Shrimp Shakshuka, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, Perfectly Chewy Ube Mochi Waffles, Buttermilk Pancakes with Raspberries and my Spring Asparagus Tart.
Ingredients for this French Toast Recipe Without Vanilla
- Brioche bread. Brioche bread is great for french toast because of its flavor plus its thickness. Any type of bread will taste delicious but pick a sturdy bread.
- Eggs.
- Heavy cream.
- Cane sugar.
- Salt.
- Spices such as ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cloves and cardamom.
- Butter.
- Optional toppings to include fresh fruit, powdered sugar, pure maple syrup or other type of pancake syrup.
How to make French toast Without Vanilla
Step One: In a large mixing bowl or shallow dish, add the eggs along with the heavy cream. Whisk to combine. Then add in the spices along with the sugar and a touch of salt.
Step Two: Heat a large non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium-low heat. When ready, add the butter and let it melt.
Step Three: Cooking 2 pieces of bread at a time, dip the bread slices into the egg batter and evenly coat on one side then turn over and dip a second time and place it into the pan. Let it cook for about 2-3 min until golden brown on the bottom and with a spatula, flip the slices over and cook until golden.
Step Four: To avoid soggy french toast, do not stack the cooked slices of french toast. Place the cooked french toast on a large baking sheet to let cool.
Storing leftovers
Once the French toast slices are completely cool, you can place them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. Or to freeze them, store them in freezer bags. The best way to reheat them is to microwave for about a minute or place them in the toaster oven.
Helpful tips
- Heavy cream gives it a thicker batter but whole milk, 2 % percent or skim milk can be used.
- Plant based milk can be used such as coconut milk, oat milk and soy milk.
- For spices, cinnamon alone is great if you don’t have the nutmeg, cardamom and cloves.
Selecting bread for a basic French toast recipe
Any type of good quality sandwich bread will work but for a good French toast, thick crusty bread is the best bread or use stale bread. A thicker bread will absorb the French toast batter better and give a nice texture.
Challah bread, French bread , other white bread and whole wheat bread are delicious as well.
To keep this gluten free, choose your favorite gluten free loaf.
Serving suggestions for this French Toast Recipe Without Vanilla Extract
The good news about a simple French toast recipe with no vanilla is that there are so many seasonal variations. In the summer, top with fresh berries and whip cream. Or you can choose any of your favorite fruits. In the fall season, saute sweet apples and place on top.
Other ways to up your French toast game is to spread pumpkin butter on top during Thanksgiving. Serve it on Christmas morning with blueberries and cinnamon.
Greek yogurt and honey make a tasty topping as well as a simple slab of butter and syrup.
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Delicious Classic French Toast Without Vanilla
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Ingredients
- 6 slices brioche bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 cup sugar
- salt
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted, plus more if needed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs along with the heavy cream. Whisk to combine.
- Then add in the cinnamon, sugar and touch of salt.
- Heat a large non stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. When ready, add the butter and let it melt.
- Cooking 2 pieces of bread at a time, dip a slice of bread and evenly coat in the egg mixture and place in the pan. Let it cook for about 2-3 min until golen on the bottom and with a spatula, flip the slices over and cook until golden.
- Repeat with remaining bread.
- To avoid sogginess, do not stack the french toast. Place the prepared french toast on a large sheet pan to let cool.
- Serve with your favorites fruits, maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Heavy cream gives it a thicker batter but whole milk, 2 % percent or skim milk can be used.
- Plant based milk can be used such as coconut milk, oat milk and soy milk.
- For spices, cinnamon alone is great if you don’t have the nutmeg, cardamom and clove
Nutrition
Making this? I would love to see! Tag me on Instagram @whensaltyandsweetunite and #whensaltyandsweetunite
I made this recently for a brunch. My family loved it!
Yay! So happy to hear!
This was great! I used to make French toast with crappy bread and it always fell apart. Making it with a good quality bread was a game changer!
Thank you! Glad it turned out!