If you’ve ever visited Tower Cafe in Portland, Oregon, you know their French toast is nothing short of legendary. Bursting with flavor and boasting a perfectly crisp exterior with a soft, custardy inside, this recipe will bring that iconic breakfast right into your kitchen.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, this Tower Cafe French Toast recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. It’s easy to make, wonderfully indulgent, and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit and maple syrup.
Get ready to elevate your mornings with this delightful dish that balances richness and simplicity in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tower Cafe French Toast recipe stands out for its unique blend of spices and the use of thick, fluffy bread that soaks up the custard perfectly. The secret lies in the custard mixture, which includes a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, creating a warm, comforting flavor profile.
The exterior crisps up beautifully when cooked, offering a satisfying contrast to the tender center. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or make it a vegan version with simple swaps.
It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks, ensuring that you can achieve a restaurant-quality breakfast at home without any hassle. If you love recipes that bring a cozy, indulgent touch to your table, this one is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries or sliced fruit, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish or pie plate (for soaking bread)
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and frothy.
- Soak the bread: Place each slice of bread in the shallow dish and let it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. You want the bread to absorb the custard but not become soggy and fall apart.
- Heat your skillet: Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the surface evenly.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
- Keep warm: Transfer cooked slices to a plate and keep warm in a low oven (about 200°F/93°C) while you cook the remaining bread.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve immediately with maple syrup and fresh fruit on the side.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Using day-old bread works best as it soaks up the custard better without falling apart.
Variation: For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or coconut milk.
Tip: To make this recipe vegan, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, rested for 5 minutes) and almond or oat milk instead of eggs and dairy.
Variation: Add a splash of orange liqueur or a teaspoon of orange zest to the custard for a citrusy twist.
Tip: Serve with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or yogurt for an extra indulgent breakfast.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 slices) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
French toast is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic presentation, serve it with pure maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast and a pop of color.
For a more indulgent twist, consider topping your French toast with whipped cream, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts. If you prefer savory, a light spread of cream cheese and smoked salmon can be a surprising and delicious pairing.
To keep things light and fresh, a side of mixed greens or a simple fruit salad works beautifully.
Don’t forget to explore other breakfast inspirations like our Clean Eating Breakfast Vegetarian Recipes for Every Morning or the tasty 7 Vegan Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day Right.
Conclusion
Making Tower Cafe French Toast at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality breakfast any day of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
The combination of warm spices, thick bread, and crispy edges makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser for all ages and occasions.
Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a brunch with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and variations to suit your taste.
And if you’re looking for more delicious ideas to complement your breakfast repertoire, be sure to check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the comforting Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Tower Cafe French Toast Recipe
Description: A rich and flavorful French toast inspired by the iconic Tower Cafe. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter.
- Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, soaking both sides.
- Place soaked bread on the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add remaining butter as needed and repeat with remaining slices.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 40 g
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