Rabanadas (Brazilian French Toast)
User Reviews
5
Rabanadas (Brazilian French Toast)
Description
Rabanadas uses day-old French baguette sliced thickly and soaked thoroughly in milk scented with vanilla and sugar. This soaking softens the bread, allowing it to absorb flavor and moisture for a tender center. Each slice is then dipped in beaten eggs to provide a rich coating before frying in hot oil until crisp and golden on both sides.
The fried slices are drained on paper towels to remove excess oil, then coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, adding a sweet-spiced crust. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft, custardy interior is distinctive. Serving with honey or maple syrup adds another layer of sweetness and moisture.
This dish is often enjoyed fresh to retain the crispiness but can be stored for a couple of days refrigerated. An alternative baking method allows for a less oily preparation by baking soaked and egg-coated slices in the oven. Gluten-free bread can be substituted for dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 24 lices French baguette ¾-inch thick (about 1-½ baguettes, stale
- 2 cups milk whole
- 1 tablespoons vanilla extract pure
- ½ to ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg lightly beaten and homogeneous, large
- vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- honey optional, or maple syrup, to serve with
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with a double layer of paper towel. Set aside. Divide bread slices between 2 large, shallow baking dishes, arranging them in one single layer each. In a jar or pitcher, mix well the milk, vanilla, and sugar.
- Pour milk mixture over the bread slices, distributing the liquid evenly over all the slices. Let bread slices soak for about 20 minutes, allowing it to soak up as much of the milk mixture as possible.
- By hand, pick up each one of the milk-soaked bread slices (handling it gently) and dip it into the beaten eggs, coating both sides and allowing the excess to drip back into the egg bowl.
- In a large heavy skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high until oil is hot enough that it sizzles. Place the bread into the hot oil, and cook until well-browned on one side, about 1 to 1-½ minutes.
- Flip the bread and cook until both sides are golden brown. Carefully transfer rabanadas to the sheet lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining slices of bread, cooking several simultaneously if the skillet is large enough. NOTE: Cook in batches and do not overcrowd the pan! You may have to lower the heat a bit for the next batches or cook slices in less time since temperature will be higher.
- In a medium bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together. Dredge all sides of the bread slices into the mixture. Any excess cooked egg threads can be removed before dredging bread slices into the sugar cinnamon mixture.
- Brazilian French toast can be served either warm or at room temperature, by itself or drizzled with honey or maple syrup. I garnished mine with berries. In Brazil, it is served as a Christmas dessert or an afternoon snack, but it can be enjoyed any time of the year!
Notes
- Rabanadas are best served immediately to maintain crispy texture.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze the slices without cinnamon sugar for up to 2 months.
- To make gluten-free Rabanadas, substitute French bread with gluten-free bread and follow the same soaking and cooking steps.
- An alternative baking method involves soaking, egg-coating, then baking slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes per side to reduce frying oil.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 144 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 144kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 215mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 72mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 73IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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