Pin It Sunday mornings at my place have this lovely rhythm—coffee brewing, the kitchen warming up, and suddenly I'm craving something more interesting than regular toast. That's when custard toast happened, almost by accident. I'd made a yogurt-egg mixture for something else and had leftover brioche, so I thought, why not just pour it over and bake it? Twenty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like caramelized honey and vanilla, and I realized I'd stumbled onto something special that feels both indulgent and simple enough for any weekday.
The first time I made this for someone else, it was for my neighbor who'd helped me move. She took one bite and asked for the recipe immediately, which caught me off guard because I'd basically invented it on the spot. I loved watching her face when she realized the soft center was actual custard, not just soaked bread. That's when I knew this wasn't just a breakfast hack—it was something worth refining and sharing.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread: Use thick slices because thin bread will turn to mush, and the point is that contrast between crispy edges and custardy center.
- Large egg: One whole egg gives you richness without making the custard rubbery—I learned this after my first attempt with two eggs turned out slightly rubbery.
- Greek yogurt: Plain yogurt is non-negotiable here; it adds tang and keeps the custard creamy instead of turning into a rubbery scramble.
- Honey or maple syrup: Either works, but honey caramelizes slightly faster, which I actually prefer for that golden edge.
- Vanilla extract: A small amount lifts everything without tasting perfumy or fake.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it's the secret that makes the sweetness taste less one-dimensional.
- Fresh berries: Optional but worth it—the tartness cuts through the richness beautifully, and they warm up slightly as they soften.
- Nuts and powdered sugar: These are the finishing touches that make it feel intentional rather than thrown together.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prep:
- Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps things from sticking and makes cleanup instant.
- Mix the custard:
- Whisk the egg, yogurt, honey, vanilla, and salt in a small bowl until it's smooth and pale. You'll feel the slight resistance as the egg and yogurt combine, and you want it totally homogeneous so it cooks evenly.
- Prepare the bread:
- Place your thick bread slices on the sheet and press a gentle well into the center of each one with the back of a spoon, leaving a border around the edges so the custard has walls to hold it.
- Add the custard:
- Spoon or pour the mixture into those wells, filling them generously but not overflowing into the cracks.
- Top if desired:
- Scatter berries and nuts over the custard now, before baking, so they soften slightly and infuse into the whole thing.
- Bake until set:
- Watch it for 12–15 minutes until the custard firms up and the bread edges turn golden and crisp. You'll know it's ready when the custard jiggles just slightly in the center but doesn't pour.
- Finish and serve:
- Let it cool for just a minute, dust with powdered sugar if you like, drizzle with extra honey, and eat it while it's still warm.
Pin It There's a moment right after you pull this out of the oven when the whole thing is steaming and the honey smells almost caramelized, and you realize this is actually fancy enough to serve to guests but casual enough to eat alone in your pajamas. That's when breakfast became something I actually wanted to make time for, not just something to fuel the day.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
Once you get comfortable with the basic version, little additions make it feel completely different. A pinch of cinnamon and a tiny squeeze of orange zest transform it into something almost spiced-cake-like, while lemon zest makes it bright and morning-feeling. I've also experimented with a drop of almond extract instead of vanilla, which gives it a different kind of elegance. The yogurt-egg base is forgiving enough that it takes these changes beautifully without falling apart.
Making It Work for Different Diets
The recipe naturally handles a lot of dietary preferences without much fussing around. If you need it dairy-free, dairy-free yogurt works perfectly—just don't use something too thin or runny, or your custard will leak everywhere. For egg-free, a flax egg (one tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons water, let sit five minutes) creates a similar creamy texture and binds everything together. Gluten-free bread is obviously a swap, though I'd stick with something with a decent crust so it doesn't turn into sad mush.
The Best Time to Make This
Custard toast tastes best when you're not rushing, which makes it perfect for weekend mornings when you actually have time to eat sitting down. I've found that berry season hits different—summer strawberries and raspberries change the whole experience—but honestly, frozen berries work just as well. The real magic is in that moment between pulling it from the oven and eating it, when the kitchen smells incredible and you're about to have something that feels way more special than what you threw together in five minutes.
- Make it the night before by preparing the custard mixture in the fridge, then assemble and bake in the morning for a real time-saver.
- Double the recipe if you're feeding someone else—it bakes in the same time and tastes even better as a shared moment.
- Pair it with strong coffee or good tea, because the richness of the custard needs something to cut through it.
Pin It This recipe taught me that sometimes the best discoveries come from just winging it with what you have on hand. It's become my go-to when I want to impress someone or just treat myself on a quiet morning.
Your Questions Answered
- → What bread works best for custard toast?
Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal due to their soft texture and ability to soak up custard without falling apart.
- → Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Yes, substituting dairy-free yogurt and an egg replacement like a flax egg works well for a dairy-free or vegan option.
- → How can I make the custard toast crispier?
Baking until the edges turn golden and using thick bread helps achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the center soft.
- → What toppings complement this dish?
Fresh berries, sliced almonds or pistachios, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup add flavor and texture.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but the custard mixture can be prepared earlier and assembled just before baking.