The Zesty Sourdough French Toast with Cherries Recipe

Wake up to a delightful sourdough French toast that promises a symphony of flavors dancing on your plate.

Mornings become magical when tangy sourdough meets sweet cherry compote.

Crisp edges and soft, custardy centers create a breakfast experience that feels like pure comfort.

Ripe cherries add a burst of natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the bread’s subtle fermented notes.

Local bakery sourdough works best for this recipe, ensuring a rich, complex base.

Weekend brunch just got an upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible morning treat.

Sourdough French Toast with Cherries: Brunch Bliss

• Transform ordinary sourdough bread into a gourmet morning delight with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.
• Swap cherries for any seasonal fruit or add nuts for extra crunch, making it adaptable to personal preferences and available ingredients.
• Combine tangy sourdough, sweet honey-glazed cherries, creamy ricotta, and warm cinnamon for a harmonious taste experience.

What You Need for Sourdough Cherry French Toast

• Sourdough Bread: A tangy, rustic bread that provides a perfect base for French toast with its chewy texture and distinctive flavor.

• Eggs, Milk: Core ingredients that create a rich, creamy coating for the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aromatic essence to the custard.
• Cinnamon, Sugar: Provide warmth and sweetness to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Cherries: Fresh, juicy fruits that add a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that helps soften and glaze the cherries.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and light cheese that adds a smooth, luxurious texture to the dish.
• Powdered Sugar: A delicate finishing touch that provides a light, sweet dusting.

• Butter: Provides a rich, golden color and adds a delicious flavor when cooking the French toast.

How to Achieve Perfectly Golden Sourdough French Toast

Step 1: Whip Up the Magical Custard

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and vigorously whisk together eggs, whole milk, pure vanilla extract, fragrant ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth blend that promises deliciousness.

Step 2: Embrace the Sourdough Soak

Gently immerse each thick slice of tangy sourdough bread into the luscious custard mixture, ensuring every inch gets thoroughly coated.

Allow the bread to luxuriate in the creamy bath for 2-3 minutes on each side, letting it absorb all the incredible flavors.

Step 3: Create Golden Crispy Perfection

Warm a skillet over medium heat and melt a generous pat of butter.

Carefully place the soaked bread slices into the sizzling pan, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.

Step 4: Craft Cherry Honey Elegance

While the toast sizzles, pit fresh cherries and slice them into delicate pieces.

Transfer the cherries to a small saucepan and drizzle with golden honey.

Warm the mixture for 2-3 minutes, coaxing the cherries into a soft, glossy state that bursts with natural sweetness.

Step 5: Artfully Assemble the Masterpiece

Transfer the crispy French toast to waiting plates.

Dollop creamy ricotta cheese on top, then cascade the warm honey-kissed cherries over the toast.

Finish with a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar, creating a breakfast that’s as beautiful as it is delectable.

Pro Tips for Sweet Cherry Toppings

• Allow sourdough slices to absorb custard mixture thoroughly for maximum flavor and soft, custardy texture without becoming soggy.
• Select day-old sourdough for best results, as slightly stale bread absorbs custard more effectively and maintains structural integrity during cooking.
• Use medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside remains tender and fully cooked without burning.
• Gently warm cherries with honey to release natural sweetness and create a glossy, luscious sauce that complements the tangy sourdough.
• Use room temperature ricotta for smoother spreading and consider adding a hint of lemon zest to brighten the overall dish's flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating French Toast

• Store leftover French toast in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring they're completely cooled before storing.
• Arrange toast on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Briefly toast frozen or refrigerated slices on a low setting to restore crispness, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Best Syrup and Fruit Pairings

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair this sourdough French toast with a crisp, lightly chilled rosé wine, enhancing the sweet and tangy cherry notes while complementing the richness of the dish.
• Breakfast Beverage Boost: Brew a light, smooth cold brew coffee with subtle chocolate undertones, which will beautifully contrast the sweet cherries and creamy ricotta.
• Complementary Cheese Companion: Serve a small side of aged goat cheese with a drizzle of honey, creating a sophisticated flavor balance that highlights the sourdough's tanginess and the cherries' natural sweetness.
• Morning Mocktail Match: Mix a fresh cherry and lavender spritzer with sparkling water, giving a bright, aromatic counterpoint to the warm, rich French toast.

Creative Takes on Cherry French Toast

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace sourdough bread with gluten-free bread made from rice, almond, or coconut flour. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safety.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use coconut cream instead of ricotta and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fresh cherries without added honey and sprinkle with cinnamon for natural sweetness.
• Vegan Transformation: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, plant-based milk, and swap ricotta with cashew cream or silken tofu. Top with maple syrup and fresh cherries.

FAQs

• Why use sourdough bread for French toast?

Sourdough’s tangy flavor and sturdy texture make it perfect for absorbing the custard without falling apart, creating a richer and more complex taste compared to regular bread.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the custard mixture and pit the cherries in advance, but soak and cook the bread just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

Replace milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap ricotta for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream to make the recipe lactose-free.

• How do I know when the French toast is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown color on both sides and a crispy exterior. The bread should be cooked through but not burnt, with a soft, custardy interior when you cut into it.

Sourdough French Toast with Cherries Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Heavenly sourdough French toast dances with sweet cherries, creating a breakfast masterpiece that whispers comfort and indulgence. Rich caramelized edges and juicy cherry compote invite you to savor each delectable bite of this morning delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or 240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces almond milk)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved

Spices and Sweeteners:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Cooking Ingredients:

• Butter or non-dairy spread for frying

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Instructions

1. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
2. Immerse each sourdough slice into the custard mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage and allowing 2-3 minutes of absorption on each surface.
3. Warm a skillet to medium heat, melting butter to create a golden cooking surface.
4. Carefully transfer soaked bread to the skillet, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich, caramelized bronze color.
5. Simultaneously, prepare cherry topping by extracting pits and slicing fruit into delicate segments.
6. Gently simmer cherries with honey in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes, developing a glossy, softened texture.
7. Plate the golden french toast, spreading a generous layer of creamy ricotta across the surface.
8. Cascade warm cherry mixture over the ricotta, creating an enticing visual and flavor profile.
9. Conclude by delicately dusting powdered sugar across the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a subtle sweetness.
10. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Sourdough’s tangy flavor adds a delightful depth to traditional French toast, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Letting bread soak longer in custard helps develop richer, more saturated flavors and ensures a custardy interior.
• Using room temperature ingredients prevents curdling and helps create a smoother, more consistent custard mixture.
• For gluten-free options, swap sourdough with gluten-free bread or alternative grain slices to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg