Pan Frances (French Toast)

User Reviews

5

24 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    3 people

  • Calories

    174 kcal

  • Course

    Brunch

  • Cuisine

    International

Pan Frances (French Toast)

Pan Frances, or French Toast, is made by soaking thick bread slices in a seasoned egg-milk batter, then frying them in butter until golden brown and crisp outside with a tender interior. Using stale or lightly toasted bread helps prevent sogginess. Cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar enrich the flavor. It’s typically served hot with syrup, fruit, or jam.

Description

This Pan Frances recipe calls for thick slices of bread, ideally stale or lightly toasted to avoid sogginess. The bread is dipped briefly in a mixture of eggs, egg yolks, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. The brief soak ensures the bread absorbs enough custard without becoming heavy or soggy. The slices are then fried in a preheated butter-coated skillet until both sides turn golden brown and crisp.

The crisp exterior contrasts with the soft, custardy interior. Flavor from the cinnamon and brown sugar complements the egg mixture, offering a sweet and spiced profile. Serving suggestions include maple syrup, fresh fruits, or jams to add moisture and additional flavors.

To prevent sticking and uneven cooking, the pan must be hot before adding bread and butter. Over-soaking causes sogginess and prevents proper cooking through. Leftover toast can be kept warm in an oven briefly to serve with remaining slices.

Calories calculated do not include syrups or toppings, so add accordingly. This recipe is designed for a controlled soaking and well-heated cooking surface to yield a crisp yet tender French toast.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 6 to 8 lices bread thick; challah or brioche bread
  • 2 egg large
  • 2 egg yolk
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • salt pinch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • butter unsalted, for cooking
  • syrup your favorite, for serving
  • Fruit your favorite, for serving

Instructions

  1. If the bread is not stale, let it sit on a baking sheet for an hour or so to harden it up a little bit.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs & yolks, milk, sugar, cinnamon, salt and vanilla, until foamy and smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  4. Place a small amount of butter (enough to coat the bottom of the skillet when melted) in the skillet and melt.
  5. Place 1 or 2 slices of bread at the time in the bowl with the egg mixture, turning, until saturated. Do not soak!
  6. When butter is just melted and bubbling, add bread slices in batches, cooking until they’re golden brown and crisp, a couple of minutes per side.  
  7. Serve immediately, or transfer to the oven to keep warm while cooking remaining bread.
  8. Top with maple syrup, berries, jam, sliced bananas, or whatever you'd like.

Notes

  • Dip bread quickly to soak both sides without oversoaking, which causes sogginess and uneven cooking.
  • If bread is fresh, lightly toast before soaking to improve texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Ensure pan and butter are fully hot before frying to avoid sticking and achieve crispy edges.
  • Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven while cooking additional slices.
  • Calorie count excludes syrup or toppings and varies with additions.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 2toasts Calories 174kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 116mg (39%) Sodium 176mg (7%) Potassium 19mg (0%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 174 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 2toasts
Calories 174kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 116mg 39%
Sodium 176mg 7%
Potassium 19mg 0%
Sugar 6g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

24 reviews
Excellent

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