This custard toast recipe presses a well into thick slices of bread, fills it with a creamy egg custard, then pan-fries until golden with a soft, custardy center. This easy viral breakfast takes about 25 minutes and turns basic bread and eggs into something that feels genuinely special.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Breakfast
Why You’ll Love This Custard Toast
- This custard toast recipe transforms basic bread and eggs into a genuinely elegant breakfast.
- The custard-filled center gives every bite a soft, creamy surprise.
- Uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- A fun weekend breakfast project that still comes together in about 25 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 thick slices bread (brioche or Texas toast)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter
- Ground cinnamon, optional
- Maple syrup or powdered sugar, for serving
How to Make Custard Toast
- Cut a pocket into each thick bread slice, or press a well into the center of each slice using a small bowl.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
- Pour a small amount of the custard mixture into the well of each bread slice, letting it soak in.
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the toast slices for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and the custard center is set.
- Dust with cinnamon and serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Custard Toast
- Use thick-cut bread for this custard toast recipe so the well holds enough custard without falling apart.
- Cook over medium heat, not high, so the custard center has time to set before the outside over-browns.
- Let the custard soak into the bread for a minute before cooking for the best texture.
- Cover the skillet partway through cooking to help the custard center cook through evenly.
Variations to Try
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture for warmth.
- Top with fresh berries for extra brightness.
- Use challah or thick white bread if brioche isn’t available.
How to Store It
Best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a toaster oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make custard toast ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, since the texture is at its softest and most custardy right after cooking, but leftovers reheat reasonably well.
What bread works best for custard toast?
Thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast holds the custard well without falling apart during cooking.
Why is my custard toast center still runny?
Cook over medium heat and give it enough time on each side — if the outside browns too fast, lower the heat slightly so the custard center can fully set.
Can I make this recipe without a well pressed into the bread?
Yes, you can simply dip the bread slices in the custard like French toast, though pressing a well creates that signature creamy center pocket.