Pin This There's something about Saturday mornings when you're still in your pajamas and someone mentions they're hungry that makes you want to create something more interesting than plain toast. I stumbled onto custard toast during one of those mornings when I had brioche left over from a dinner party and a carton of Greek yogurt that needed using. The whole thing came together in less time than it takes to brew proper coffee, and suddenly my kitchen smelled like a bakery instead of just butter and bread.
I made this for my neighbor one morning after she mentioned her kids were bored with their usual breakfast routine, and she actually texted me the recipe request an hour later. She added raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, which made it look like something from a pastry shop, and I learned that day that sometimes the simplest dishes earn the biggest compliments.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread: The richness of these breads matters here because they soak up the custard without falling apart, which cheaper white bread just won't do.
- Large egg: One egg is enough because the Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the density of traditional French toast.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Use the unsweetened kind because the honey sweetens everything, and this way you taste the bread and custard instead of competing flavors.
- Honey or maple syrup: Either works, though I find honey creates a slightly thinner custard that soaks in better.
- Vanilla extract: A half teaspoon is humble but makes people ask what that subtle warm note is.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it wakes up all the other flavors and stops the custard from tasting one-dimensional.
- Mixed fresh berries: Whatever's in season tastes better, and you can always swap between strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries depending on what's good that week.
- Sliced almonds or pistachios: These add a contrast that makes each bite more interesting, though you can skip them entirely if nuts aren't your thing.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting at the end looks beautiful and adds a subtle sweetness on top.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prep:
- Set the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup stays simple.
- Build the custard:
- Whisk together the egg, yogurt, honey, vanilla, and salt until the whole mixture is smooth and creamy with no streaks of egg white hiding at the bottom. It should look like pourable pudding.
- Create the well:
- Place your bread slices on the sheet and gently press the back of a spoon into the center of each one, making a shallow bowl shape but leaving the edges sturdy enough to hold everything together. Think of it like creating a edible cup.
- Fill with custard:
- Spoon or pour the custard mixture into the wells you've made, dividing it evenly between the two slices so both get equal richness.
- Add your toppings:
- Scatter berries and nuts over the custard now, before baking, so they soften slightly and get cozy with the custard.
- Bake until set:
- Slide the sheet into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, watching until the custard looks just set on top and the bread edges turn golden and crispy. You want the center still slightly wobbly when you shake the sheet, not completely firm.
- Finish and serve:
- Let it cool for just a minute or two so you don't burn your mouth, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with extra honey or syrup if you want that final touch of sweetness.
Pin This The moment I really understood why people ask for this recipe over and over was when someone told me it reminded them of a fancy breakfast they'd had on vacation, except better because it was homemade. That feeling of making something restaurant-quality without the restaurant stress is what keeps me coming back to this one.
Why the Egg and Yogurt Mixture Works
The combination of egg and Greek yogurt is what separates this from regular French toast and into custard territory. The egg provides structure and sets up in the oven, while the yogurt keeps everything creamy and tangy so it doesn't feel heavy. Together they create this perfect middle ground between custardy and set, which is honestly harder to nail than it sounds.
Flavor Combinations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic version, you can start playing with the flavor profile. A pinch of cinnamon in the custard mixture transforms it into something autumnal and cozy, while lemon zest makes it feel bright and spring-like. I've even added a tiny bit of almond extract once, and while it was good, I realized the vanilla and honey together are pretty hard to beat.
Making It Work for Different Diets
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts without losing what makes it special. Swapping in gluten-free bread keeps the whole thing accessible, and dairy-free yogurt works just as well as the regular stuff if that's what you need. For an egg-free version, a flax egg beaten with a little water creates a similar binding effect, though the texture shifts slightly toward less custardy and more cake-like.
- Dairy-free yogurt works equally well and creates the same creamy result.
- A flax egg mixed with three tablespoons of water is a solid egg replacement if you're not eating eggs.
- Keep any substitutions you make the same ratio as the original so the whole thing bakes properly.
Pin This This dish proves that breakfast doesn't have to be complicated to feel like a celebration, and sometimes the best meals are the ones that sneak up on you on an ordinary morning. Make it for someone you like, or just make it for yourself and see why it sticks around.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of bread is best for making custard toast?
Thick slices of brioche or challah work best as they soak custard evenly and bake to a crisp golden texture.
- → Can I substitute Greek yogurt with another ingredient?
Yes, dairy-free yogurt can be used as a substitute to accommodate dietary preferences.
- → How long should the custard toast be baked?
Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the custard is set and the bread edges turn golden and crisp.
- → What toppings complement custard toast well?
Fresh mixed berries, sliced almonds or pistachios, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup enhance flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Yes, using gluten-free bread allows for a gluten-free preparation without sacrificing taste.