italian french toast (pain perdu)

2 Pinches 1 Photo
beulah, MI
Updated on Jan 6, 2026

This is so delicious, like a dessert. You need to use a hearty bread that won't fall apart while soaking in the custard. I used my Filone bread recipe included on Just a Pinch. If you don't have vanilla sugar, add 1 tsp vanilla extract to 1 cup of granulated sugar.

prep time 23 Hr
cook time 25 Min
method Bake
yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 4 thick slices of bread
  • 6 eggs
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup vanilla sugar
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • flour, for dusting
  • vanilla sugar, for dusting
  • powdered sugar, for serving
  • maple syrup, for serving

How To Make italian french toast (pain perdu)

  • Step 1
    Whip the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla sugar, brandy, and salt. Place in a bowl big enough to hold all four pieces of bread, not overlapping.
  • Step 2
    Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Cover and place in the fridge. Let it sit in the fridge for 24 hours. Turning the bread every now and then.
  • Step 3
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place an oven-safe pan on the stove and melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour and sugar over the bottom of the bread.
  • Step 4
    Place them flour side down in the pan with the butter.
  • Step 5
    Sprinkle the flour and sugar over the other side and turn the slices when one side is browned.
  • Step 6
    Transfer to the oven and let bake for about 25 minutes.
  • Step 7
    Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with syrup.

Discover More

Culture: French
Method: Bake
Ingredient: Bread

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