Wake up to a plateful of comfort with this Denny’s French Toast copycat recipe. You don’t need to trek to the nearest diner or spend a fortune on breakfast when you can serve up crisp-edged, pillowy slices in your own kitchen. French toast has stood the test of time because it’s simple, versatile, and never gets old. Whether you’re planning a slow weekend brunch or craving something sweet on a weekday morning, this easy, homemade version brings that familiar Denny’s magic to your table.
Why Denny’s French Toast Is So Loved
Denny’s is an iconic spot known for generous plates and old-school meals. Their French toast takes a humble recipe and transforms it into something truly craveable. What makes it so special? A thick, soft interior with just enough custard to hold everything together, kissed by butter on the skillet, then finished with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Each bite balances crispiness and airy tenderness. It’s hearty but never heavy, indulgent but not overwhelming—perfect for savoring any time of day.
The Full Ingredient Lineup
Achieving that signature Denny’s flavor starts with the right basics. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Eggs: Room temperature preferred, for smoother mixing.
- Whole milk: The base of the custard, providing a rich, creamy body.
- Flour: Adds extra substance and helps the custard cling to the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens each slice.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the custard’s flavor.
- Salt: Brightens everything and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Gives warmth and a subtle hint of spice.
- Bread: Texas toast, brioche, challah, or sturdy French bread all work. Thick slices hold the custard and stay fluffy.
- Butter: For greasing the skillet and finishing the toast.
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup: Classic toppings for that finished diner look.
Choosing the Perfect Bread for French Toast
Bread is the backbone of French toast. At Denny’s, Texas toast is the top pick—extra-thick, strong enough to be soaked but tender when cooked. If you can’t find it, try these options:
- Brioche: Buttery, slightly sweet, and absorbs custard beautifully.
- Challah: Soft and eggy, brings richness and stands up to soaking.
- French bread: A chewier, crispier crust and soft inside.
- Sourdough: For a tangy twist, pairs well with syrup.
- White sandwich bread: An easy alternative, though thinner slices should be handled gently.
Aim for thick slices, around ¾ to 1 inch. Stale or day-old bread works best—the drier texture soaks up more custard without falling apart. Fresh bread sometimes disintegrates when dipped, so letting it rest unwrapped overnight on the counter helps.
Step-By-Step Denny’s French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1½ teaspoons |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Texas toast (or substitute) | 8 slices |
| Butter | For cooking |
| Powdered sugar | For serving |
| Maple syrup | For serving |
Directions
1. Prepare the custard:
Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended, with no visible streaks of egg white. Add the milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk again until combined and smooth. Let the mixture rest a few minutes; this ensures the flour hydrates, making the custard silky.
2. Slice and prep the bread:
If your bread isn’t already cut, slice it thick—aim for ¾ to 1 inch per slice. Arrange the bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Let it sit out for 10 minutes, flipping once. This step dries the surface just enough.
3. Soak the bread:
Give each slice a slow dip into the custard, about 5 to 10 seconds per side. Let the bread absorb the liquid but don’t let it get saturated to the point of falling apart. Move soaked slices to a baking rack set over a tray for easy transfer.
4. Preheat your skillet:
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and swirl to coat the surface evenly. You want a gentle sizzle when the bread hits the pan—if it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
5. Cook to golden perfection:
Add the soaked bread to the pan. Cook 1½ to 2 minutes per side, pressing very gently with a spatula until each side turns golden brown. Don’t crowd the skillet—work in batches as needed, adding more butter between rounds.
6. Keep warm (if needed):
Pop cooked slices into a low oven (200°F) on a baking sheet lined with a rack. This keeps them crisp and warm while you finish the batch.
7. Serve and top:
Stack your French toast on plates. Dust with powdered sugar, dot with butter, and pour over real maple syrup. If you’d like, add fresh berries or a scoop of whipped cream for a classic diner flourish.
Tips and Tricks for the Best French Toast
- Don’t skimp on the soaking step: Giving the bread a few extra seconds ensures the custard penetrates the crumb. Avoid rushing this part; the thicker your bread, the longer it can hold up to the custard.
- Adjust sweetness: If you love extra sweetness, add a bit more sugar to the custard or dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
- Customize your flavors: Swap in nutmeg for a cozy spin, or use almond extract instead of vanilla for nuance.
- Use a sieve: If you see bits of undissolved egg or flour, strain your custard before dipping bread for a smoother finish.
- Pan care: Butter should foam and sizzle gently but not brown too fast. Turn the heat down at any sign of smoking.
Storing and Freezing
Have leftovers? Denny’s French toast freezes well. Let any extra slices cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Pop a slice in the toaster or microwave straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Use thick, sturdy bread that’s slightly dried out, and avoid soaking for too long. Cook over medium (not high) heat to let the inside cook through.
Can I make the custard ahead?
Absolutely. Mix the custard and keep it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick whisk before using.
Are there dairy-free options?
Oat milk or almond milk work as substitutes. Use plant-based butter or coconut oil for frying.
Why add flour to the custard?
Flour helps the mixture cling to the bread, giving each slice a fluffier center and a crisp exterior.
Serving Suggestions
While classic syrup and powdered sugar are perfect, feel free to get creative:
- Sliced strawberries and whipped cream
- Toasted pecans and caramel sauce
- Banana slices and a dollop of Greek yogurt
- A sprinkle of chocolate chips with a drizzle of warm Nutella
Bringing Denny’s Home
Denny’s French toast isn’t fussy—its charm lies in its simplicity. The golden edges, creamy center, familiar aroma of cinnamon, and just-sweet-enough finish hit every comforting note. With a few staple ingredients, a trusty skillet, and the right bread, you can serve a breakfast that makes every morning feel a little more special—no restaurant bill required. Put your own spin on this classic and enjoy diner flavor at your own table, any day of the week.
Denny’s French Toast (Easy Recipe)
Have a hearty and comforting breakfast at home with this Denny’s French toast copycat recipe. This is hands-down the best way to start a lazy weekend.
Ingredients
- Powdered sugar, butter, and syrup, to serve
- 4 eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 slices Texas toast thick bread
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Add the flour and sugar. Mix until well-combined. Stir in the vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan. If it starts to smoke, reduce the heat further.
- Dip the bread slices into the custard for 30 seconds on each side. Let the excess custard drip off the bowl.
- Place the bread in the skillet. Cook each side for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Cook until golden brown. Grease the pan with more butter if needed.
- Dust French toast with powdered sugar. Top with butter and syrup. Serve. Enjoy.
