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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.