There’s something magical about a lazy weekend morning, when the sunlight filters through the curtains just right and the house is still sleepy and quiet. It’s in those moments that a warm, comforting breakfast can turn an ordinary day into something a little more special. And if you’ve ever had French toast that’s kissed with the citrusy brightness of fresh oranges, you know it’s not just breakfast—it’s a moment.

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Orange French Toast holds a special place in my kitchen because it always feels a bit luxurious, like something you’d find at a cozy brunch spot or on a holiday morning when everyone’s gathered around the table in their softest pajamas. The aroma alone—sweet, citrusy, and buttery—fills the house with a sense of comfort and celebration.

This recipe brings together the familiar richness of traditional French toast with the light, sunny twist of fresh orange juice and zest. It’s a wonderful option for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter brunch, or even just a rainy Saturday when you need a little pick-me-up. My family has started calling it “Sunshine Toast” because of how bright and happy it tastes, and once you try it, I think you’ll see why.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bright, fresh flavor: The orange adds a refreshing twist to classic French toast.
Perfect for brunch or holidays: Fancy enough to impress, but easy enough for any day.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the batter ahead of time and dip when ready.
Golden, crispy edges with a custardy center: A textural dream!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 cup whole milk
½ cup orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
4 large eggs
8 slices brioche bread
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)

HOW TO MAKE ORANGE FRENCH TOAST:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Start your morning with a little ritual: turn on some music, get your coffee going, and let’s make some magic on the stove.

Step 1: Prepare the custard mixture.
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon. It should smell like sunshine in a bowl! The orange zest is what really punches up the flavor, so don’t skip it. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow everything to meld.

Step 2: Heat your skillet.
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter. It should sizzle gently when it hits the pan—if it browns too fast, your pan is too hot.

Step 3: Dip the bread.
Use brioche for the ultimate French toast experience. It soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Dip each slice into the mixture for a few seconds per side—long enough to absorb the liquid, but not so much that it turns soggy.

Step 4: Cook until golden.
Transfer the dipped bread to your hot skillet. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. You might need to adjust the heat slightly depending on your stove—medium is the sweet spot for me.

Step 5: Serve warm.
Pile the slices onto a warm plate, then top with your favorite things: a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, maybe some fresh orange slices or berries for that brunchy look. You could even add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale brioche works best as it holds up well when soaked in custard.
Zest before juicing: It’s much easier to zest the orange while it’s whole.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each slice room to get crispy—cook in batches if needed.
Keep it warm: Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

You can adjust the sweetness to your liking—add a touch more sugar if your oranges are very tart, or reduce it slightly if you prefer a more savory finish. Brioche is my favorite, but challah or Texas toast would work beautifully too. And if you’re making this for a crowd, you can keep everything warm in the oven and serve all at once.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving):

Approximate values
Calories: 280
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes, though brioche or challah adds extra richness and texture. Regular white bread works in a pinch, but be gentle when dipping so it doesn’t fall apart.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the whole milk with a plant-based option like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let the slices cool completely, then freeze them with parchment between each piece. Reheat in the toaster or oven until warm and crispy.

What toppings go best with orange French toast?
Fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of honey. Orange marmalade is also a fun touch to amplify the citrus flavor.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster or in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

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CONCLUSION

Orange French Toast is the kind of breakfast that turns simple ingredients into something joyful. Whether you’re celebrating a special morning or just adding a little sunshine to an everyday breakfast, this recipe brings comfort and brightness to your table. Once you try it, you might just find yourself looking for reasons to make it again—weekend or not.