Breakfast, the most important meal of the day, is often a delightful array of flavors and textures. From savory eggs and bacon to sweet pancakes and waffles, the options are endless. But have you ever considered elevating your breakfast game with a touch of angel food cake? Imagine transforming this light-as-air dessert into a breakfast masterpiece. Angel food french toast is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish that brings a touch of dessert to your morning, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
For those who adore the sweeter side of breakfast, french toast is a perennial favorite. Its rich, custardy interior and golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior are simply irresistible. Now, take that beloved french toast concept and introduce the ethereal lightness of angel food cake. The result? Angel food french toast – a breakfast that’s both indulgent and surprisingly delicate. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings first thing in the morning, making it wonderfully acceptable to enjoy cake for breakfast!
Why is angel food cake such a fantastic choice for french toast? Well, think about it. Angel food cake is known for its airy, spongy texture and subtle sweetness. Unlike denser cakes, it soaks up the french toast custard beautifully without becoming heavy or soggy. This creates a unique textural contrast: a slightly crisp exterior from the griddle and an incredibly light and fluffy interior that practically melts in your mouth. It’s like biting into a cloud with a delightful hint of crispness.
One of the best aspects of angel food french toast is its versatility. While traditional french toast can sometimes feel quite heavy, especially when made with thick-cut breads, this version remains remarkably light. This lightness opens up a world of topping possibilities. You can go classic with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, or get creative with fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of fruit compote. The subtle sweetness of the angel food cake allows the toppings to truly shine, creating a balanced and flavorful breakfast experience.
Making angel food french toast is also incredibly simple, especially if you opt for a store-bought angel food cake. While homemade angel food cake is a labor of love, purchasing one from a bakery or grocery store significantly cuts down on preparation time. This makes this recipe perfect for a special weekend brunch or even a quick and easy weekday treat when you want to elevate your breakfast routine without spending hours in the kitchen. For those who enjoy baking, making your own angel food cake from scratch can add an extra layer of satisfaction to this recipe.
Angel Food French Toast Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings, perfect for a family breakfast or a delightful brunch with friends.
Ingredients:
For the French Toast:
- 1 store-bought or homemade angel food cake, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1 cup milk (any kind will work, dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for cooking
For Toppings (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Custard: In a measuring cup, create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of flour into a few tablespoons of milk until smooth. This helps to create a slightly richer custard. Add the slurry to the remaining milk. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This is your french toast custard.
- Soak the Cake: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium to medium-low heat. Gently dip each slice of angel food cake into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are fully submerged. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off before placing it on the hot skillet.
- Cook the French Toast: Add a pat of butter to the skillet for each batch of french toast. Place the soaked angel food cake slices onto the buttered skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Be sure to also cook the thicker edge of the cake for a well-rounded finish. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your angel food french toast immediately while warm. Top with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, and a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Sweet: Drizzle generously with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar.
- Berrylicious: Top with a mix of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Add chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
- Fruity Delight: Serve with a warm fruit compote made from your favorite fruits like apples, peaches, or cherries.
Angel food french toast is more than just a breakfast; it’s a delightful and memorable culinary experience. Its unique texture and light sweetness make it a standout dish that’s perfect for special occasions or simply for treating yourself to something extraordinary. So, the next time you’re looking to elevate your breakfast or brunch, give this angel food french toast recipe a try. You might just find your new favorite way to start the day!
