There’s something magical about the mornings when I whip up Angel Food Cake French Toast with fresh strawberry syrup. The very first time I made it, the sun was just peeking through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on everything it touched. My family was still in pajamas, and I could hear the soft sounds of their sleepy murmurs. The smell of sweet, fluffy angel food cake sizzling on the griddle filled the air, luring them out one by one. As I plated the golden slices, drizzling the luscious strawberry syrup on top, smiles began to spread across their faces. This dish has turned into a cherished tradition in our home, bringing everyone together for leisurely weekend breakfasts.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
15 mins
10 mins
Medium
320 kcal
8 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Frying Pan, Large Pot, Cutting Board, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Blender
What Sets This Angel Food Cake French Toast Apart
Comforting Flavor
What I love most about Angel Food Cake French Toast is its comforting flavor. The fluffy texture of the angel food cake pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the strawberry syrup, creating a delightful experience that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy
Another reason this recipe stands out is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a breakfast that looks and tastes gourmet. It’s perfect for those busy mornings when you still want to impress your family or guests.
Versatile Ingredient Choices
The ingredients are versatile, too. While I love using fresh strawberries, you can easily swap in other fruits like blueberries or bananas, depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. This adaptability means you can enjoy it year-round!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a lazy Sunday, Angel Food Cake French Toast fits the bill. It’s fancy enough for special occasions yet simple enough for an everyday breakfast, making it a favorite in our household.
Customization Options
You can tailor the dish to your family’s tastes. Want a hint of citrus? Add some lemon zest to the batter. Feeling indulgent? Top it off with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. The options are endless!
Family Connection
Finally, there’s something beautifully nostalgic about preparing this dish. I cherish gathering around the table with my family, sharing stories and laughter over warm slices of Angel Food Cake French Toast. It’s a tradition that creates lasting memories, and I hope it brings the same joy to your home.
Shopping List for Angel Food Cake French Toast
The ingredients for Angel Food Cake French Toast are simple yet essential for creating a delightful breakfast experience. Each ingredient plays a specific role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s explore the key players in this delicious morning treat.
- 1 8-inch angel food cake, sliced into 12 to 14 pieces – Fluffy and airy, this cake serves as the foundation for our French toast, absorbing the rich custard mixture beautifully.
- 1 1/4 cups milk – This adds creaminess to the batter, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the French toast.
- 5 large eggs – These provide richness and help bind the ingredients, creating a custard that clings to the cake.
- 1 tsp vanilla – A classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth and sweetness to the mixture.
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon – This aromatic spice adds a comforting warmth, elevating the dish to a new level.
- Butter for the griddle – A must for achieving that golden-brown crust while cooking.
- Sweetened whipped cream, for serving – This adds a decadent touch that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries, stemmed and diced – Sweet, juicy, and vibrant, strawberries are the star of the show when it comes to our syrup.
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice – This brightens the flavor of the syrup and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Helps to sweeten the syrup and create a delicious sauce.
- 4 Tbsp water, divided – Used for cooking the syrup and adjusting its consistency.
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch – This thickens the syrup, giving it a delightful texture.
Directions for Angel Food Cake French Toast
Get ready to make your mornings magical with Angel Food Cake French Toast. Follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone rushing to the table. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
For the strawberry syrup, start by bringing strawberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to ensure nothing sticks and burns. After about 4 to 6 minutes, you should see the strawberries soften and release their juices. The color will deepened, turning into a lovely mixture that smells incredible.
Next, reduce the heat slightly and allow the mixture to continue boiling. While it simmers, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of water with cornstarch in a small bowl until it’s well blended. This step is crucial; it will help thicken the syrup. After a minute or so, pour this into the strawberry mixture.
Let the syrup boil for another minute until it’s noticeably thickened. Once it has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. You might even consider adding a drop of red food coloring for visual appeal.
Now onto the French toast! Heat a non-stick griddle to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a blender, combine milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pulse the blender just until the ingredients are combined. Alternatively, feel free to whisk everything together in a mixing bowl for that homemade touch.
Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish, like an 8 by 8-inch baking dish. Begin by placing about six slices of the angel food cake into the egg mixture. Make sure they’re coated well but don’t overcrowd the dish. Allow the cake to soak for about 2 and a half minutes on each side.
While the cake is soaking, butter the griddle generously. This step is essential for a flawless golden crust. Once the pieces are ready, place them onto the hot griddle. Let them cook for several minutes until the bottom is a beautiful golden brown.
Carefully lift each piece, butter the griddle again, and flip the cake to cook the opposite side until it matches the perfect golden color of the first side. Don’t forget to give the top and edges a quick cook for about 30 seconds each. You want them to be warm and inviting!
Repeat this process for the remaining slices of angel food cake. It’s worth it to keep the griddle temperature in check, so everything cooks evenly.
Finally, serve the warm slices of French toast topped with the luscious strawberry syrup and a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. Watch as eyes light up with joy—this is what breakfast dreams are made of!
Things Worth Knowing
- Proper Soaking: Ensure the angel food cake slices soak long enough in the custard mixture for a perfect flavor infusion.
- Heat Control: Maintain the griddle at the right temperature to achieve a golden crust without burning.
- Timing: Keep an eye on the syrup as it cooks; too long can make it overly thick or burnt.
- Serving Tips: Serve immediately for the best texture, as angel food cake can become soggy if left sitting.
Customization Ideas
There’s so much fun to be had when you customize Angel Food Cake French Toast. Here are some exciting ideas to make it truly your own!
- Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for your favorite seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches to mix things up!
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the batter for extra texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a sweet indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.
- Yogurt Swap: Swap out some of the whipped cream for a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Maple Syrup: Serve with maple syrup in addition to the strawberry syrup for a delightful combo.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free angel food cake recipe.
Side Dish Ideas for Angel Food Cake French Toast
When it comes to serving Angel Food Cake French Toast, the right side dishes can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some wonderful ideas that pair beautifully!
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mixture of seasonal fruits adds color and health to the table.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and fruit for a deliciously creamy contrast.
- Breakfast Sausages: The savory notes of lightly spiced breakfast sausages offer a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the French toast.
- Crispy Hash Browns: Golden, crispy hash browns make for a hearty addition to your breakfast spread.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can complement the flavors wonderfully.
- Seasonal Muffins: Add an assortment of muffins like blueberry or lemon poppy seed for a sweet treat.
- Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can serve as a healthy snack option on the side.
FAQ
Conclusion
Angel Food Cake French Toast is truly a delightful breakfast that combines the best of flavors and textures. The light, fluffy cake soaked in rich custard, topped with fresh strawberry syrup, creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it might just become a cherished favorite in your home, just like it has in mine!
Angel Food Cake French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- For the strawberry syrup, bring strawberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat slightly and allow the mixture to boil for about 4 to 6 minutes until the strawberries are softened and juices are well extracted.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons of water with cornstarch until well blended, then pour into the berry mixture and allow to boil until thickened, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Heat a non-stick griddle to 375 degrees. To a blender, add milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon and pulse just until blended.
- Pour into a shallow dish and place about 6 pieces of angel food cake into the egg mixture, allowing to soak for 2 and a half minutes per side.
- Butter the griddle and place soaked angel food cake pieces onto the griddle, cooking until bottom is golden brown, then flip and butter again.
- Cook the opposite side until golden brown, also cook top and edges about 30 seconds each side.
- Repeat with remaining slices of angel food cake.
- Serve warm with strawberry syrup and whipped cream.
