Orange French Toast Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes

Thick slices of challah, golden and crispy at the edges, soaking in a custard that smells like sunshine. The first time I made this orange French toast, I was standing at the stove in my pajamas, and the whole kitchen smelled so good that William wandered in half-asleep asking what was for breakfast.

This Orange French Toast with orange zest is one of those easy French toast breakfast recipes that feels bakery-fancy but comes together in your own kitchen, and if you’re in the mood for more cozy morning ideas, my Crispy Feta Fried Egg Recipe and Easy Biscuits And Chorizo Gravy Recipe are just as good.

Why You’ll Love This Orange French Toast

This Orange French Toast checks all the boxes for a perfect breakfast. The custard is rich and creamy, but the fresh orange juice keeps it from feeling too heavy. You get that beautiful golden-brown crust on the outside and a soft, custardy center that practically melts in your mouth. The orange zest and segments on top add a fresh pop of flavor and a little elegance that makes this feel like a treat.

It’s also surprisingly easy to make ahead. You can prepare the custard the night before and keep it in the fridge, so all you have to do in the morning is heat up your skillet and start cooking. And if you’re feeding a crowd, you can keep the finished slices warm in a low oven while you finish the rest. It’s flexible, forgiving, and always delicious.

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Orange French Toast Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this bright, citrusy French toast with a custard that tastes like a dream.

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities

Custard French Toast:

Eggs: Two large whole eggs help bind the custard and give it structure.
Egg yolks: The extra yolks make the custard incredibly rich and silky.
Florida’s Natural® No-Pulp Orange Juice: Adds bright, sweet citrus flavor without any pulp getting in the way of that smooth custard.
Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy base that makes this French toast so decadent.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps it caramelize beautifully when it hits the hot pan.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the custard.
Dense white bread (preferably challah): Challah is perfect because it’s sturdy enough to soak up all that custard without falling apart. Cut it into thick slices, about 1 ½ to 2 inches each.
Unsalted butter: Used for cooking the French toast and adding a rich, golden flavor.

Toppings:

Powdered sugar: Adds a sweet, snowy finish.
Orange zest: Brings a fresh, aromatic citrus note.
Orange segments (supremes): Fresh orange pieces add juicy bursts of flavor.
Maple syrup: Because French toast and syrup are best friends.

How To Make Orange French Toast

Follow these steps to make the most delicious orange French toast you’ve ever tasted.

Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole eggs and egg yolks until they’re smooth and well combined.

Heat the custard base: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally for about 3 minutes, just until the sugar dissolves completely. Take it off the heat.

Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about a quarter of the warm cream mixture into the bowl with the eggs, whisking constantly as you go. This keeps the eggs from scrambling and helps them blend smoothly.

"Sliced challah bread next to a bowl of orange custard mixture, ready for dipping and turning into delicious French toast."

Finish the custard: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and return it to medium heat. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to catch any lumps, then stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature, or cover and chill it for up to 2 days.

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°F and slide a baking sheet inside. This will keep your finished French toast warm while you cook the rest.

Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 ½ tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and get hot, but don’t let it smoke.

Dip and cook: Dip each slice of challah into the custard, making sure both sides are well coated. Place 2 to 3 slices in the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Transfer them to the baking sheet in the oven and repeat with the remaining bread and butter.

Golden-brown French toast sizzling in the skillet, crisping to perfection with a delicious, fragrant aroma filling the air.

Assemble and serve: Top the warm French toast with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of orange zest, and a handful of fresh orange segments. Serve with extra butter and maple syrup on the side.

Substitutions and Swaps

Here are a few ways to adjust this recipe based on what you have on hand:

Bread: If you can’t find challah, brioche or thick-cut Texas toast works beautifully. Just make sure the slices are sturdy and at least an inch thick.
Orange juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice is amazing, but any good-quality no-pulp juice will work.
Heavy cream: You can use half-and-half for a lighter custard, but it won’t be quite as rich.
Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for light brown sugar if you want a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Equipment For Orange French Toast

Here’s what you’ll use to make this recipe:

Non-stick skillet: For cooking the French toast evenly without sticking.
Large bowl: To whisk the eggs and temper the custard.
Whisk: Essential for smooth, lump-free custard.
Medium saucepan: For heating the cream mixture and finishing the custard.
Baking sheet: To keep finished slices warm in the oven while you cook the rest.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This French toast is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator: Store cooked French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the toaster.
Freezer: You can freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between each slice, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Custard: The custard itself keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days, so you can make it ahead and cook fresh French toast whenever you want.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few cozy ways to serve this orange French toast:

With crispy bacon: The salty, savory crunch of bacon is the perfect contrast to the sweet, citrusy custard.
Fresh fruit salad: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries, melon, and kiwi for a bright, refreshing breakfast.
Warm compote: A spoonful of warm berry compote or apple cinnamon compote makes this feel extra special.
Mimosas for adults: If you’re serving brunch, a glass of bubbly orange mimosa pairs beautifully with the citrus flavors in the French toast.

If you’re hosting a bigger breakfast spread, try pairing this with my Best Banana Nut Bread Recipe for a sweet, homey table everyone will love. up well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.

"A perfectly plated French toast topped with vibrant orange segments and a dusting of powdered sugar, ready to be enjoyed with a touch of maple syrup."

Expert Tips

Make the custard ahead: Letting the custard chill overnight lets the flavors meld and makes the whole process faster in the morning.

Use day-old bread: If your challah is super soft, slice it the night before and let it sit out uncovered. This firms it up and helps it soak up the custard without getting soggy.

Don’t skip the straining step: Straining the custard removes any bits of cooked egg and gives you a perfectly smooth texture.

Keep the heat medium: If your skillet is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. Medium heat gives you a golden crust and a custardy center.

FAQ

What is the difference between eggy bread and Orange French Toast?

Eggy bread is usually just bread dipped in beaten eggs and fried, while Orange French Toast uses a richer mixture with milk or cream, sugar, and flavorings like vanilla. French toast has a custardy texture and sweeter flavor, while eggy bread is simpler and more savory. My kids love both, but French toast feels more like a special treat.

What is the most common mistake when making Orange French Toast?

The biggest mistake is using heat that’s too high, which burns the outside before the inside cooks. Another one is using bread that’s too thin or fresh, so it gets soggy instead of custardy. Thick slices and medium heat are your best friends here.

How do you make Orange French Toast?

To make orange French toast, you whisk together eggs, orange juice, cream, sugar, and vanilla to create a custard. Then you soak thick slices of bread in the custard and cook them in butter until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. Top with orange zest and fresh orange segments for a bright, citrusy finish.

What is the trick to not soggy Orange French Toast?

The trick is using thick, sturdy bread like challah or brioche and not soaking it for too long. You want the bread to absorb the custard without getting waterlogged. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough so the outside crisps up quickly and seals in the custard.

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Orange French Toast