Cinnamon Streusel French Toast

Why This Griddle Cafe-Inspired French Toast Stands Out

I first had something like this at the Griddle Cafe in Los Angeles, where they pile on streusel like it’s going out of style. Their cinnamon streusel pancakes were so good I had to try the same trick on French toast. Brioche soaks up the custard without getting soggy, and the streusel melts into a buttery, crunchy crust as it cooks. Each slice ends up with that sweet crumble on one side, then you flip it so the other side gets golden. It’s indulgent, sure, but that’s the whole point.

Three Reasons to Make This Streusel French Toast

• The streusel topping, that buttery cinnamon crumble gets crisp on the griddle, then melts slightly on the hot toast, so every bite has texture and sweetness.
• Brioche bread, it’s rich and tender, holds up to the custard without falling apart, and gives the whole dish a bakery taste.
• One-pan ease, you cook the streusel right on the bread as it fries, so there’s no extra step or separate baking.

Key Ingredients for This Brioche French Toast

• Brioche: Look for day-old brioche if possible, it’s slightly drier and soaks up custard without turning mushy. Challah or panettone are good substitutes.
• Cinnamon: Use a good-quality ground cinnamon; it’s front and center in both the streusel and the custard. Fresh cinnamon has more aroma.
• Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. For the streusel, keep it cold until you rub it in for the best crumb.

Kitchen Tools for Streusel French Toast

• Griddle or large skillet (nonstick or cast iron)
• Shallow dish for the egg mixture
• Medium bowl for making streusel
• Spatula for flipping

Key Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Streusel French Toast

Don’t soak the brioche too long, a quick dip on each side is enough. If it sits in the custard, the bread gets mushy and won’t hold the streusel. Use medium-high heat and let the griddle come to temperature before you add the butter; the butter should sizzle but not brown immediately. When you sprinkle the streusel on the wet bread, press it gently so it sticks. Cook until the underside is deep golden, then flip carefully so the streusel doesn’t fall off. The second side needs less time, about 2 minutes.

Expert Advice for Streusel French Toast Success

Make the streusel first and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, cold butter holds its shape better and gives you bigger, crunchier crumbs. If your griddle is too hot, the streusel will burn before the bread cooks through. Aim for a steady 350°F on an electric griddle, or medium-high on the stovetop. Work in batches if needed; don’t crowd the pan or the toast will steam instead of crisp.

Easy Variations for This French Toast Recipe

Swap the brioche for challah or thick-cut Texas toast, both have enough structure to hold the custard. For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the egg mixture. If you’re avoiding dairy, use almond milk in the custard and coconut oil in the streusel (the texture will be slightly different but still good). You can also double the streusel and use half for the pancakes recipe on this site.

How to Serve This Decadent French Toast

Serve the French toast streusel-side up with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. The butter melts into the streusel and makes it even richer. For extra color, add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you want a brunch spread, pair it with scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to cut the sweetness.

How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Streusel French Toast

Let the French toast cool completely on a wire rack so the streusel stays crisp. Place the slices in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The streusel will soften a bit, but reheating in the oven brings back some crunch.

Freezing Streusel French Toast for Later

Freeze the cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container with parchment between layers. It keeps for up to 2 months. To serve, reheat straight from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Best Way to Reheat Streusel French Toast

The oven works best: preheat to 350°F, arrange slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 5 to 7 minutes. This crisps the bread and remelts the streusel without making it soggy. A toaster oven also works, toast on a medium setting. Skip the microwave; it turns the toast rubbery and the streusel soft.

Frequently Asked Questions About Streusel French Toast