Name: Tres Leches French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 12 oz evaporated milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 oz Grand Marnier liqueur; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 6 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 loaf of challah bread; 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking); Whipped cream (for garnish); Strawberries (for garnish)

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Get ready to indulge in a delicious twist on a classic breakfast treat with this amazing Tres Leches French Toast Recipe. Combining the rich, creamy flavors of the traditional tres leches cake with the familiar comfort of French toast, this dish will quickly become a favorite go-to for weekend brunches or special occasions. Soft, custardy challah bread soaked in a luscious blend of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and a hint of Grand Marnier creates an irresistibly moist and flavorful experience that feels both indulgent and comforting. Trust me, once you try this Tres Leches French Toast Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed French toast any other way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of ingredients on a white marbled surface includes a golden brown braided bread loaf on a wooden board with several bright red strawberries around it placed on a dark blue cloth; next to it is a clear measuring cup with white milk, a small white bowl with light golden liquid, a small light blue bowl with white powder, two silver cans, and a shiny silver bowl holding eight white eggs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tres Leches French Toast Recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an incredible balance of sweetness, creaminess, and warmth. Each component plays a key role, from the rich milks to the aromatic vanilla and cinnamon, making every bite a delight.

14 oz sweetened condensed milk: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and creamy texture reminiscent of classic tres leches dessert.
12 oz evaporated milk: Provides a smooth, velvety richness without extra sweetness, balancing the custard perfectly.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Enhances the custard’s luscious consistency and mouthfeel.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings warm, fragrant notes that elevate the flavor beautifully.
2 oz Grand Marnier liqueur: A splash of orange-flavored liqueur adding subtle complexity and a hint of zest.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
6 large eggs: Help bind the custard and create that signature French toast structure.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the vanilla and orange notes.
1 loaf of challah bread: This slightly sweet, soft bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, making it ideal for this recipe.
Whipped cream (garnish): Light and airy topping to contrast the rich custard-soaked bread.
Strawberries (garnish): Fresh fruit that adds a refreshing pop of color and a tart counterpoint to the sweetness.

How to Make Tres Leches French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F and placing a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Slice the challah loaf into 1-inch thick pieces, then place these slices in a single layer on the rack. Bake them, flipping once halfway through, until they’re dry to the touch on both sides—this usually takes about 15 minutes total. This step ensures the bread can hold up to soaking without turning mushy. Once done, let the slices cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Tres Leches Custard

While your bread is drying, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier, and salt in a large bowl. Take 1 ½ cups of this mixture and pour it into a separate cup to reserve for later; this syrup will be poured over the cooked French toast for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 3: Combine Eggs and Seasoning

Add the eggs and cinnamon to the remaining tres leches milk mixture, whisking briskly until fully combined and smooth, with no streaks of egg remaining. This custard is the vital soak that gives the dish its tender and moist character.

Step 4: Soak the Challah Slices

Carefully submerge each challah slice into the egg and milk custard, letting it soak for 1 to 2 minutes per side. The key here is to let the bread absorb plenty of custard without falling apart. When lifting slices out, gently tap them against the bowl’s edge to get rid of any excess custard drip, preventing sogginess during cooking.

Step 5: Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet over medium-low and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add 2 or 3 soaked slices at a time and cook until the bottoms turn a gorgeous golden-brown, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes, or until equally golden. Add more butter between batches to keep the bread from sticking and ensure even browning.

Step 6: Assemble and Add the Syrup

Place the cooked French toast slices in a beautiful casserole dish and drizzle generously with the reserved tres leches syrup. This extra touch soaks into the toast, amplifying the creamy, sweet flavor and making each bite a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve Tres Leches French Toast Recipe

The image shows a clear rectangular glass dish filled with several slices of golden brown French toast, arranged standing upright in two neat rows. Each slice has a slightly crispy, browned surface with soft, moist interior parts visible. The toast slices have rounded edges and a light yellow color inside, with darker golden patches on the outside. The dish sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface, adding contrast to the warm tones of the French toast. In the background, part of a white marbled wall is visible, along with some pink flowers blurred out on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing says indulgence like a fluffy cloud of whipped cream atop this custard-soaked toast. The whipped cream adds lightness to balance the richness while fresh strawberries offer a bright, juicy contrast and add a lovely splash of color that makes the dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

To keep the focus on this star dish, consider serving it alongside simple bacon strips or sausage links for a savory contrast. Alternatively, a fresh fruit salad or citrusy yogurt can brighten the meal and add nutritional variety to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box by layering the French toast slices in a trifle dish with spoonfuls of whipped cream and sliced berries in between for a stunning visual treat. Or stack individual slices and drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra flair. This Tres Leches French Toast Recipe is versatile and looks as good as it tastes in many presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Tres Leches French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard-soaked bread stays moist and flavorful, so reheating is a breeze without losing any of that luscious texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze individual slices by layering them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a low oven at 300°F or on the stovetop in a skillet with a little butter to crisp up the outside while warming through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread rubbery or overly soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of challah?

Yes! While challah is ideal due to its texture and flavor, brioche or Texas toast also work wonderfully. Just make sure the bread is thickly sliced and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.

Is the Grand Marnier essential in this recipe?

Grand Marnier adds a lovely citrus depth that complements the milky sweetness, but you can substitute with orange juice or omit it if preferred. The French toast will still be delicious without it!

Can this tres leches mixture be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the milks, spices, and flavorings up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Just add the eggs right before soaking the bread to keep the custard fresh and safe.

What is the best way to get a golden crust on the French toast?

Cooking on medium-low heat with sufficient butter allows the custard-soaked bread to develop a rich, golden crust without burning or drying out. Patience here results in the best texture.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?

The initial drying step in the oven ensures the bread isn’t too moist from the start, and gently tapping off excess custard before cooking helps avoid sogginess. Also, cooking promptly after soaking is key to maintain the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Tres Leches French Toast Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings a smile with every bite. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, elevating your breakfast or brunch to something truly special. If you love custardy French toast or tres leches cake, this recipe combines the best of both worlds in a fun and delicious way. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!