Name: Orange French Toast de Luxe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 eggs (size L); ½ orange juice; 1 teaspoon cointreau; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 slices raisin bread; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 orange (zest)

JUMP TO RECIPE

Some breakfasts deserve a little extra, without turning into a big project. This orange French toast is ready in about 15 minutes and still feels right for brunch, Easter, or a slow weekend morning.

This is a typical skillet French toast recipe, like we make them in the Netherlands, not a baked casserole or a stuffed version. The orange flavor comes from the custard and the topping, so the toast tastes bright and fresh without needing extra steps.

A plate with three French toast slices with raisin bread and orange.

Why You'll Want to Make This

This recipe starts with something simple: raisin bread that is just a little past its best. French toast has always been a smart way to use older bread, and raisin bread makes the result more flavorful right away. It brings sweetness, texture, and a soft spiced note that works well with orange and cinnamon.

What really makes the difference is the soaking and draining. Let the bread sit in the egg mixture long enough to absorb flavor, then let the extra drip off before it goes into the skillet. I've found that this is what keeps the center soft while helping the outside cook golden instead of soggy.

What You Need

Ingredients Orange French Toast on a white background with text description

Raisin bread: This gives the French toast built-in sweetness and texture. Slightly older raisin bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart too quickly.
Eggs: Eggs form the base of the custard and help the bread set as it cooks. Use large eggs for the right balance.
Orange juice: Fresh orange juice adds citrus flavor to the egg mixture and keeps the toast from tasting too heavy.
Cointreau: This adds a light orange liqueur flavor and makes the recipe feel a little more special. For kids and pregnant women, leave it out. Grand Marnier or Licor 43 also works.
Light brown sugar: This sweetens the custard and adds a gentle caramel note as the bread cooks in butter.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives the French toast warm spice. You can replace it with gingerbread spice for a deeper, warmer flavor.
Butter: Butter gives the toast a golden outside and a richer flavor than oil.
Honey: Honey is used at the end for a glossy, sweet finish. Add it right before serving.
Fresh orange zest: Orange zest gives the top a fresh citrus note.

How to Make It

In a deep bowl, the egg and seasonings are whisked together.

Step 1: Whisk the eggs with orange juice, Cointreau, light brown sugar, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl until smooth.

Raisin bread slices are soaked in the egg mixture.

Step 2: Soak each slice of raisin bread in the egg mixture for at least 1 minute per side. Let the extra mixture drip off briefly.

Slices of bread are fried in the skillet.

Step 3: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the bread in the butter for about 1 minute per side, until golden brown on both sides.

Step 4: Drizzle with honey and serve right away.

Top Tips

Soak the bread for at least 1 minute on each side. This gives the center time to absorb the custard instead of only coating the outside.
Let the bread drain briefly before it goes into the skillet. Too much loose egg mixture can make the toast pale and soft instead of golden.
If you are cooking several slices for brunch, keep the finished slices warm in a 210 °F oven.
Add the honey just before serving, so the topping stays fresh.