French Toast Waffles

French Toast Waffles are the best of both worlds! They are crispy like waffles, custardy like French toast and ready in minutes. These waffles are a golden, irresistible treat without having to stand over the stove.

Warm and delicious french toast waffles combine the flavor of regular French toast and the crisp edges of a waffle. The texture of these French toast waffles is unreal, fluffy on the inside, lightly caramelized on the outside, and perfectly ridged to catch every drizzle of the fruit compote topping.

They are perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches with a glass of Coquito, or breakfast for dinner nights when you want something fun. They are a brunch staple for the weekends or make a quick breakfast for Christmas morning.

Try my Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls for another breakfast option that is sure to impress your guests!

Why You Need to Make French Toast Waffles

This French Toast Waffle recipe is an absolute favorite in my house, and they need to be in yours too. Here are all the reasons why you’ll love this recipe.

• Perfect texture combo: Crisp, buttery waffle ridges with soft, custardy centers plus the fruit on top takes these waffles to the next level.
• Endlessly customizable: Swap the bread, fruit or add extra cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate to the toppings.
• Super fast breakfast: No flipping, no fuss, just dunk, press and cook in under 5 minutes you have these delicious waffles. 
• Busy mornings and brunch worthy: These French toast waffles feel fancy and are perfect for both busy mornings and special occasions like anniversaries, brunches, baby showers, bridal showers, and even birthdays!

Ingredients You Need

You will just need a few simple ingredients for this recipe!

Note: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.

• Brioche or challah bread loaf: Brioche bread and challah bread are perfect for French toast waffles just make sure to cut into 1 ½ inch slices. This type of bread soaks up the custard so well. You can use other types of bread, just make sure to slice it thick for the best results. I even love it with thickly cut cinnamon raisin bread!
• Fresh fruit: Fresh strawberries and blueberries add that sweet taste that pairs well with these savory waffles but feel free to use whatever fruit you like. These waffles are so customizable.
• Milk: Helps create that rich, custard coating to the bread. You can use almond or oat milk here too.
• Eggs: Binds the custard and gives the waffles their classic French toast flavor.
• Sugar: Both brown sugar and white sugar are used for sweetness and help turn the fruit until the compote.
• Vanilla: Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: You just a small amount to add warmth and spice.

How to Make French Toast Waffles

Let me show you in just 4 easy steps why this breakfast is one of my favorite go-to recipes!

1. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, melt the butter. Then add the fresh berries and mix. Add in the sugar and mix it all together for 2-3 minutes.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and stir slowly for another minute. Remove and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Dip a slice of bread into your egg mixture and place on an oiled hot waffle iron. Cook until the edges are crisp and the french toast is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining bread slices.
4. Serve your waffles hot. Pour the fruit compote over your waffles. Garnish with mint and powdered sugar, if desired.

Expert Tips

• Grease the waffle iron well. A little butter or spray keeps the waffles crispy and easy to remove.
• Simmer fruit gently. The berries and sugar mixture needs to come to a boil first then simmer before removing. The fruit should still have a bite and will thicken as it cools.
• Use a thick bread like Challah or Brioche that will hold the custard well and create a fluffy waffle.
• Don’t oversoak the bread. A quick dip is all that is needed because too much will create a soggy waffle, and no one likes that.
• Serve hot. These French toast waffles are best served right off the waffle iron.

Recipe FAQs

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

French toast waffles are super easy to make ahead and freeze very well. Here are my tips on going about this simple process:

Make ahead: Make the waffles and the fruit compote the night before and store refrigerated in separate airtight containers. To reheat, place the waffles in a toaster or oven until warmed. Place the fruit compote on the stovetop and gently warm. 

Storage: Allow the waffles to cool fully, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster or oven until warm.

Freezing: Lay the cooked waffles on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This is called flash freeze and needs to be done so they don’t stick together. Transfer the frozen waffles to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven.

More Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast

Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls

Dinner

Croissant Bake

Brunch

Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches