If you’re ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again, let me introduce you to Pound Cake French Toast—a total game changer for brunches, lazy weekend mornings, or anytime you want to wow yourself and your loved ones with something truly special. Using thick slices of rich, buttery pound cake dipped in a spiced egg custard and crisped to golden perfection in butter, this French toast is beyond indulgent and infinitely customizable. Whether crowned with powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a bundle of fresh berries, every bite is a dreamy balance of soft, custardy center and caramelized edge. Once you try Pound Cake French Toast, your standard French toast might need to take a back seat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pound Cake French Toast lies in how just a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly decadent. Every element in this recipe has a role—whether it adds richness, moisture, flavor, or that irresistible golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pound Cake: Use either store-bought or homemade; thick, sturdy slices hold up best to the custard soak.
- Large Eggs: The foundation of your custard—eggs create that classic French toast texture and beautiful golden color.
- Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: Adds creaminess and richness; half-and-half makes it extra decadent!
- Vanilla Extract: This little splash adds warmth and brings out all the sweet flavors in the dish.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds cozy, aromatic spice that’s basically made for French toast.
- Sugar (optional): Sweetens the custard; add if you prefer a dessert-style touch.
- Pinch of Salt: Helps all the flavors pop and balances the sweetness.
- Butter (for cooking): Butter creates a golden-brown crust and loads of rich flavor.
- Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup, Fresh Berries (for serving): Garnishes like these transform Pound Cake French Toast into a true showstopper.
How to Make Pound Cake French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by grabbing your largest shallow bowl and whisk together eggs, milk (or half-and-half for ultimate richness), vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and that essential pinch of salt. Mix until it’s smooth and fragrant—this is the heart of your Pound Cake French Toast, infusing each bite with warmth and sweetness.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Melt Butter
Set your nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a dab of butter. As it melts and sizzles gently, you’ll get that wonderful aroma that signals it’s almost French toast time! Make sure the butter coats the pan evenly for a golden, crisp finish.
Step 3: Soak the Pound Cake Slices
Gently dip each slice of pound cake into the custard, letting it soak up the mixture for a couple of seconds on each side. Because pound cake is denser than regular bread, it soaks up just enough custard to become luscious without falling apart—perfect for this recipe! Let any excess drip off before it hits the pan.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crisp
Place your soaked pound cake slices onto the hot skillet. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until you see an inviting golden-brown crust forming. The edges should look slightly crisp, while the inside stays custardy-soft. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter between rounds for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Pound Cake French Toast to plates and top with a flutter of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh berries if you like. This is where it goes from delicious to unforgettable!
How to Serve Pound Cake French Toast
Garnishes
Garnishing your Pound Cake French Toast is where you can make it truly your own. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a whimsical, bakery-style finish. Maple syrup, of course, gives that classic sweet touch and absorbs beautifully into the custard-soaked pound cake. Fresh berries bring bright color and tartness that cuts through the richness, but don’t stop there—whipped cream, a dollop of mascarpone, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts make it extra special.
Side Dishes
Since Pound Cake French Toast is so decadently sweet and rich, I love serving it with savory sides to balance things out—think crispy bacon, sausage links, or softly scrambled eggs. A vibrant fruit salad or a scoop of yogurt alongside adds freshness, so your breakfast or brunch feels luxurious but not overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh take, try stacking the slices high like a layer cake and tucking berries or bananas between layers. Cut each slice in halves or quarters for a pretty French toast “platter,” especially fun for brunch spreads or special occasions. Mini Pound Cake French Toast “fingers” are perfect for kids or a festive crowd—just slice smaller, dip, and cook as usual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pound Cake French Toast (it happens, occasionally!), let slices cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay surprisingly moist and ready for a quick reheat whenever you want a treat.
Freezing
Pound Cake French Toast also freezes beautifully. Arrange the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can pull out just a slice or two whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your Pound Cake French Toast back to its crispy, custardy glory, reheat slices in a toaster oven or on a tray in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. The edges will crisp back up, and the inside stays deliciously soft. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but oven or toaster oven keeps the texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I make Pound Cake French Toast with frozen pound cake?
Absolutely! Just thaw the pound cake slices first so they can fully soak up the custard mixture. The dense texture of pound cake holds up beautifully even after freezing, so you don’t have to worry about sogginess.
Is it better to use store-bought or homemade pound cake?
Either option works well! Store-bought is convenient and consistent, while homemade lets you personalize flavors even more. Just be sure your pound cake is slightly firm so it won’t fall apart when dipping and cooking.
Can I make Pound Cake French Toast dairy-free?
You can! Swap the milk or half-and-half for a rich plant-based alternative such as full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter for cooking, and you’ll have a delicious dairy-free treat.
What toppings go best with Pound Cake French Toast?
Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries are classic, but you can get adventurous with caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, or even a citrus zest for brightness. The sky’s the limit—make it yours!
Can I prep Pound Cake French Toast the night before?
You can mix up your custard and slice your pound cake in advance to save time in the morning. For the best texture, soak and cook the pound cake fresh rather than overnight, as overnight soaking may make it too soft.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a next-level brunch experience, don’t wait to try Pound Cake French Toast. It’s impossible not to smile when you serve up a plate of these golden, pillowy slices—perfect for celebrating, treating yourself, or just making any morning a little more extraordinary. Give it a whirl, and watch your breakfast game soar!
Print
Pound Cake French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings (2 slices each) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent breakfast or dessert with this delightful Pound Cake French Toast recipe. Thick slices of pound cake are transformed into a sweet and satisfying treat perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Pound Cake French Toast:
- 6 slices of pound cake (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
For Serving:
- powdered sugar
- maple syrup
- fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar (if using), and salt until well combined.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter. Dip each slice of pound cake into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak briefly on both sides. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust the French toast with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with fresh berries if desired.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pound cake.
- For a flavor twist, add orange zest or almond extract to the custard.
- This recipe is versatile for brunch or dessert and pairs well with whipped cream or mascarpone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
