If you’re craving a breakfast that tastes like pure sunshine, Orange Creamsicle French Toast is about to become your new morning obsession. This dreamy dish captures the magic of those classic orange-vanilla treats, turning regular French toast into something truly special. Imagine pillowy slices of brioche, soaked in a creamy orange custard, sizzled golden, then finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and clouds of whipped cream. Each bite is like a little burst of citrusy nostalgia, and it’s every bit as fun and playful as it sounds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Orange Creamsicle French Toast comes together with a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand, each one playing an important role. From the fresh, zesty flavor of oranges to the rich creaminess that makes every bite decadent, these simple additions are what set this recipe apart!
- 4 large eggs: The backbone of your custard, eggs help bind everything together and create that classic French toast texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and helps mellow out the vibrant citrus notes.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: The star of the show, giving authentic orange flavor reminiscent of a creamsicle.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: For a silky, luxurious custard, don’t skip the cream—half-and-half works in a pinch, too.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tang and bring those dessert-for-breakfast vibes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings in the creamy vanilla note signature to a real creamsicle.
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and makes everything taste fresh and bright.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: A tiny pinch sharpens all the sweet, tangy notes beautifully.
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread: Thick, buttery slices soak up the custard without falling apart—absolutely worth seeking out.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying): Gives you those irresistible golden, crisp edges.
- Powdered sugar and whipped cream (for serving): The finishing touch for a soft, sweet cloud over every bite.
- Orange slices (optional for garnish): Extra color and a burst of fresh juiciness on the plate.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Up the Orange Custard
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, whole milk, orange juice, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is completely combined, and the batter looks a little creamy and smells bright and citrusy. This is where the Orange Creamsicle French Toast gets its signature flavor, so take a moment to appreciate how delicious it already smells!
Step 2: Heat Your Skillet
Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle on the stove over medium heat, and add about a tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and start to sizzle slightly. That gentle sizzle is your cue that it’s ready for the soaked bread—don’t rush this step, since the right heat gives you perfectly golden slices every time.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the orange custard, making sure to soak each side for a few seconds. You want the bread to be well-coated, but not so soggy it falls apart. This short soak lets the toast soak up all that orange-vanilla goodness—it’s what gives Orange Creamsicle French Toast its custardy middle and crispy edges.
Step 4: Cook Until Perfectly Golden
Let the excess custard drip back into the bowl, then lay the slices gently onto your hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, keeping an eye out for that perfect golden color. If you’re cooking in batches, add more butter between rounds. You’ll know they’re ready when the surface is caramelized, and you catch a whiff of sweet orange in the air.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
As soon as the last slice is cooked, serve the Orange Creamsicle French Toast warm. Pile them high, then top with a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Add a few fresh orange slices if you’re feeling fancy—it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Orange Creamsicle French Toast
Garnishes
A finishing touch goes a long way with Orange Creamsicle French Toast. I love to dust a cloud of powdered sugar over the top and add a big spoonful of lightly whipped cream. For extra wow, scatter a few orange zest strands or fresh orange segments on the plate; they make the whole experience even more vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This French toast is rich and flavorful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with some fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or even a scoop of vanilla yogurt. If you want a bit more crunch, roasted nuts like pistachios or almonds really complement the creamy, citrusy main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking your Orange Creamsicle French Toast slices and skewering mini stacks with cocktail picks for a brunch party. Or, try serving them cut into sticks alongside a creamy vanilla-orange dipping sauce. For a sweet holiday breakfast, arrange slices in a baking dish and drizzle with orange glaze just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Orange Creamsicle French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, so you can relive that sunny breakfast any morning of the week.
Freezing
To stash some away, let the French toast cool completely, then layer slices with parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag. They’ll be good for up to two months—just think, a touch of summer is always within reach!
Reheating
The best way to bring leftovers back to life is to pop them in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. They’ll crisp up beautifully and taste freshly made. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make them a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different bread for Orange Creamsicle French Toast?
Brioche and challah are classic choices for a rich texture, but you can substitute with Texas toast, French bread, or any sturdy, slightly sweet loaf you love—just avoid thin, soft styles that won’t hold up to soaking.
Is it okay to use store-bought orange juice?
Absolutely! Freshly squeezed will give you the brightest flavor, but any good-quality orange juice works well in this recipe. Just choose one without added sugar or excessive pulp for best results.
Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?
You can whisk together the egg mixture the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just stir it up, and you’ll be ready to soak and fry your bread with no extra hassle.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes! Double or triple the ingredients and cook the Orange Creamsicle French Toast slices in batches, keeping finished slices warm in a low oven on a baking sheet until you’re ready to serve everyone together.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives, such as almond or oat milk and coconut cream. Use dairy-free butter for frying and a coconut or soy whipped topping for serving.
Final Thoughts
Every breakfast deserves a little celebration, and Orange Creamsicle French Toast brings so much joy to the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how just a few simple ingredients can turn an ordinary morning into something unforgettable. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this fun twist on a classic, and watch breakfast smiles appear like magic!
Print
Orange Creamsicle French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast with this Orange Creamsicle French Toast recipe. The perfect combination of citrusy orange flavors and creamy goodness, this dish is sure to brighten up your morning.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
French Toast:
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- powdered sugar and whipped cream (for serving)
- orange slices (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, orange juice, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- French Toast: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side. Let excess drip off, then place onto the heated skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, and optional orange slices.
Notes
- Brioche or challah bread works best for its rich, fluffy texture.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the cream if preferred.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur to the batter for a more intense flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
