French Toast with Dulce de Leche
Golden, buttery French toast with a crisp exterior and custardy center, sandwiched with ribbons of rich, creamy dulce de leche. This indulgent breakfast treat comes together in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, delivering a café-worthy experience right from your home kitchen.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Warm the dulce de leche.
Place dulce de leche in a small bowl and microwave for 15 seconds, or set over warm water, until it reaches an easily spreadable consistency. Stir until smooth.
- mix · ~1 min
Make the custard.
1.Crack eggs into a wide, shallow mixing bowl.2.Add milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.3.Whisk vigorously until fully combined and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds.TIPA wide bowl lets you soak bread slices flat without bending them. - prep · ~1 min
Spread dulce de leche on bread.
Lay out all 4 brioche slices. Spread 2 tablespoons of dulce de leche onto each of 2 slices, then top with the remaining 2 slices to form two sandwiches. Press gently to adhere.
- prep · ~1 min
Soak the stuffed bread in custard.
Place one sandwich in the custard mixture. Let it soak for 20 seconds per side, just until saturated but not falling apart. Repeat with the second sandwich.
TIPDay-old brioche absorbs custard better without disintegrating. If using fresh bread, soak briefly. - fry · ~8 min
Cook the French toast.
1.Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until foamy.2.Place both soaked sandwiches in the skillet.3.Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the bottom.4.Flip carefully and cook another 3 minutes until the second side is golden and the center is warmed through.TIPMedium heat is key — too high and the butter burns before the custard sets; too low and the toast turns soggy. - serve · ~1 min
Serve immediately.
Transfer to plates, dust with a pinch of cinnamon if desired, and serve hot while the dulce de leche is still oozy inside.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old brioche: it's slightly drier, so it absorbs the custard without turning mushy.
- 2Don't oversoak the bread: 20 seconds per side is enough to saturate without falling apart.
- 3Cook over medium heat to ensure the custard sets fully and the butter doesn't burn.
- 4Warm the dulce de leche before spreading: it becomes silky and easy to spread without tearing the bread.
- 5Press the sandwiches gently before soaking to seal the edges and prevent the filling from leaking out.
- 6Serve immediately—the contrast between the crisp exterior and oozy dulce de leche is best when hot.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Cook with a non-stick spray instead of butter, or use a light coat of coconut oil. Reduces saturated fat while still achieving a golden crust.
high proteinHigh-protein
Replace brioche with whole-grain or high-protein bread, and use 2% milk and 1 extra egg white. Boosts protein content for a more filling breakfast.
veganVegan
Use a thick vegan brioche-style bread, plant-based milk (e.g., oat milk), and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). Swap butter for vegan butter and use a store-bought vegan dulce de leche or date-caramel.
jainJain
Omit eggs entirely: use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water) per egg replaced, and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Ensure dulce de leche is made without onion or garlic—most commercial versions are Jain-friendly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy from Whole Milk
Whole milk provides calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health and energy metabolism.
Brioche's Quick Carbohydrates
Brioche offers rapidly digestible carbohydrates, making this dish a good choice for fueling an active morning.
Cinnamon's Antioxidants
Cinnamon contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and may support healthy blood sugar response.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but choose a sturdy, slightly sweet bread like challah, Texas toast, or a thick-cut sourdough. Avoid very soft sandwich bread—it will disintegrate.
