Custardy Buttermilk French Toast with Quick Fruit Compote

On By Madison SimpsonIn Breakfast
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When Georgia threatened an ice storm, I did what any anxious food person would do: I went into full storm-prep mode. Stores were already running low on bread, shelves were half empty, and everyone was panic-buying like Snowmageddon was coming back for round two.

So instead of joining the chaos, I baked my own loaf of bread.

The night before the storm rolled in, I churned butter from heavy cream due to expire soon, baked a small sandwich loaf, filled water bottles, charged every device in my house, and tried very hard not to spiral about the forecast flipping back and forth. By morning, the storm had arrived. I woke up to a rare white blanket of snow outside my window — and miraculously, the power was still on.

With homemade bread on the counter and nowhere to be, French toast felt like the only correct choice.

This custardy buttermilk French toast is rich, soft in the center, and perfectly golden on the outside. It’s soaked in a simple buttermilk-egg custard with an extra yolk for richness, then pan-fried low and slow for that café-style texture I love.

I topped it with a quick fruit “compote” made from jam — because when you’re snowed in and fruit isn’t exactly an option, preserves plus a splash of water is a very good workaround.

It turned a stressful storm weekend into something cozy, grounding, and honestly kind of healing.

Why You’ll Love This French Toast

  • Extra custardy thanks to one whole egg + one extra yolk
  • Buttermilk adds richness and a subtle tang
  • Thick slices soak up the custard beautifully
  • The fruit compote works with almost any jam you have on hand
  • Perfect for slow mornings, snow days, or cozy weekends

Custardy Buttermilk French Toast with Quick Fruit Compote

This custardy buttermilk French toast is rich, soft in the center, and perfectly golden on the outside. Made with thick slices of bread soaked in a buttermilk-egg custard and topped with a quick fruit compote from preserves, it’s a cozy, café-style breakfast that comes together easily at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 to 4 slices bread
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon optional
  • 1-2 tbsp butter for cooking
Fruit Compote
  • 1/4 – 1/3 cup fruit preserves any will do
  • 1-2 tsbp water
  • splash lemon/lime juice optional, for brightness

Method
 

  1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (if using) until smooth and well combined.
  2. Whisk in the 1/4 cup buttermilk until fully incorporated
  3. Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium-low to medium heat and add 1-2 tbsp butter.
  4. Dip each slice of the 3 to 4 slices bread into the custard mixture, soaking for about 25-25 seconds per side, until saturated but not falling apart.
  5. Placed the soaked bread into the hot buttered pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and set on the outside but still soft and custardy in the center.
  6. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Easy Fruit Compote
  1. While the French toast cooks, add t1/4 – 1/3 cup fruit preserves and 1-2 tsbp water to a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until loosened, glossy, and warmed through.
  3. Add a small splash lemon/lime juice if desired, then remove from heat.
To Serve
  1. Plate the French toast and spoon the warm fruit compote generously over the top.
  2. Finish with powdered sugar, butter, and syrup if desired.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Tips for Perfect Custardy French Toast:
  • For extra custardy texture, use thick slices of bread and soak them well without letting them fall apart. 
  • The extra egg yolk adds richness and help create a soft, custard like center.
  • Buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang that pairs beautifully with sweet fruit toppings.
  • This compote method works with almost any jam or preserve – strawberry, blueberry, peach, apricot, or mixed berry all work well.
  • Adjust the water in the compote slightly depending on how thick your preserves are.

Tips for Perfect Custardy French Toast

  • Thick slices of bread work best for a soft, custardy center.
  • The extra egg yolk adds richness and a more custard-like texture.
  • Buttermilk gives the French toast a subtle tang and tender crumb.
  • Soak bread thoroughly but don’t let it fall apart.
  • Cook low and slow to avoid burning the outside before the inside sets.
  • This compote method works with almost any jam or preserve you have.

Snow-Day Notes

This recipe started as storm prep and turned into one of my favorite breakfasts ever.

If you’re ever stuck at home during bad weather — or just trying to use up odds and ends in your fridge — this French toast is proof that cozy, comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Sometimes the best recipes come from what you already have.

If you make this custardy buttermilk French toast, I’d love to hear what fruit preserves you used. Tag me on TikTok so I can see your cozy snow-day breakfasts too.

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