Ice Cream French Toast

French toast lovers, buckle up. You’re about to meet the most delightfully decadent breakfast twist you never knew you needed Ice Cream French Toast. Yes, you read that right. Ice cream isn’t just for sundaes anymore, it’s the secret ingredient to crafting the fluffiest, richest, most melt-in-your-mouth French toast you’ve ever had.

This isn’t just a novelty. It’s a game-changing upgrade to your morning ritual. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch, looking to wow your guests, or just want an excuse to eat ice cream before noon (because why not?), this recipe brings pure breakfast joy in every bite.

I still remember the first time I tasted ice cream in French toast. I was down in Seaside, Florida, sitting outside a beach café called Pickle’s. Their French toast? It was like eating custard on a fork. I had to ask the owner, Heavenly (yes, that’s her real name), what made it so good. She leaned in and whispered, “Ice cream.”

Back in Arizona, I told Josh, “We’re doing this.” We melted vanilla ice cream, cracked in some eggs, and added a little cinnamon and vanilla. We dunked thick Texas toast into the mix and grilled it golden.

Let me tell you, this vanilla ice cream French toast recipe blew every other French toast out of the water. Rich, custardy inside. Crisp, golden outside. We topped it with berries, a scoop of ice cream (obviously), and a maple syrup drizzle. Our kids devoured it like it was cake. And honestly? It kinda tasted like one.

If you’re wondering if this could work with other flavors, we’ve even tried a chocolate ice cream French toast version for dessert brunch and yep, it totally slapped. I also tested a gluten-free ice cream French toast with almond flour bread for my neighbor, and it held up beautifully.

Another fun fact? I recently shared this twist in my Brioche Cinnamon Toast Bake post and folks loved the shortcut.

Why You’ll Love This Ice Cream French Toast

There are dozens of French toast recipes out there but this one hits different. Here’s why:

• It’s made with melted ice cream: Instead of using milk or cream, this recipe uses melted vanilla ice cream for a custard base that’s unbelievably smooth and flavorful.
• Minimal ingredients: Just a handful of staples like bread, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and you’re on your way to a 5-star breakfast.
• It’s versatile: Want it stuffed, vegan, or gluten-free? You’ve got options! You can even turn it into an overnight ice cream french toast bake for easy meal prep.
• Perfect for brunch or dessert: Add a scoop of ice cream, drizzle of syrup, or fresh fruit and this becomes a showstopper worthy of your holiday table.
• Tried, tested, and loved: This isn’t just fluff. It’s the best bread for ice cream french toast, griddled until golden and served with joy.

And don’t miss my variation that uses challah bread you’ll see why it’s a game-changer in How To Make Part below.

If you love French toast twists, you’ll definitely want to check out the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites and the oh-so-soft Homemade Sourdough Bagels for more breakfast inspiration.

Ingredients To Make This Ice Cream French Toast

If you’ve ever made traditional French toast, this is even easier. Using melted vanilla ice cream means fewer steps, deeper flavor, and a creamier finish without having to fuss with measuring milk or cream. This 2 ingredient ice cream French toast base is magic when paired with thick bread like Texas toast or challah. The rest? Pure comfort food.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Vanilla ice cream (melted)	1 cup	Replaces milk for a sweet custard
Large eggs	3	Helps bind and give structure
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Adds depth and warmth
Ground cinnamon	½ tsp	Adds that cozy French toast spice
Texas Toast (or brioche, challah)	8 slices	Thick bread to hold the custard
Cooking spray or butter	As needed	For greasing the skillet or griddle
Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, butter, ice cream	To taste	Finishing touches that take it over the top

Pro tip: If you’re going for something extra special, try using brioche ice cream french toast or even cinnamon swirl bread. For something a little wild (but totally fun), pair it with a scoop of Cookie Monster Ice Cream for dessert-style brunch.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need anything fancy to make this quick ice cream French toast breakfast, but having the right basics will make it a breeze.

• Griddle or large skillet: A nonstick surface helps achieve that crispy golden crust.
• Mixing bowl or shallow dish: Great for dipping the bread evenly in the ice cream custard.
• Spatula: A wide one is ideal for flipping without tearing.
• Whisk: To blend the eggs, cinnamon, and ice cream smoothly.
• Oven (optional): If you’re cooking in batches, pop the finished toast in at 250°F to keep warm.

You could also try this in an air fryer, especially if you’re after crisp edges with less oil. It works well if you’re curious about air fryer ice cream french toast just preheat, spray lightly, and don’t overcrowd the basket.

And if you’re already dreaming up brunch plans, this would sit perfectly next to Orange Ricotta Pancakes or even a slice of Pistachio Ice Cream for an all-out celebration of breakfast and dessert.

How To Make Ice Cream French Toast

Making ice cream battered French toast is simple, fast, and surprisingly forgiving, even if you’re new to breakfast cooking. It’s just soak, sizzle, flip, and serve.

Melt the Ice Cream Custard Base

Start by melting 1 cup of good-quality vanilla ice cream. You can do this by letting it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes or microwaving it in 10-second bursts. Once melted, whisk it together with eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl. This creates the creamy, dreamy custard that’s better than anything made with milk.

If you’re into DIY basics, make your own Homemade Vanilla Extract for an even richer, more aromatic base.

Soak and Sizzle the Bread

Grab your thick-cut slices of Texas toast, brioche, or challah, this is where it really shines. Dip both sides of the bread into the custard mixture. Let each piece soak for a few seconds until it drinks up all that sweet flavor.

Heat your griddle or skillet over medium. Spray it with nonstick spray or add a small amount of butter. Cook the soaked slices 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown, puffed, and caramelized at the edges. That crispy exterior? Pure magic.

For added flair, check out our Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites, they share the same warm, custardy flavor and make a fun brunch pairing.

Ways to Serve with Ice Cream French Toast

You could serve this straight-up with syrup, but why stop there? Dress it up for any occasion, from a kid-friendly breakfast to a holiday brunch centerpiece.

The Classic Route (With a Twist)

• Drizzle warm maple syrup over your toast and dust it with powdered sugar.
• Top with a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and tart contrast.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top because you already used it in the batter, why not go all in?

This combo is a hit at family breakfasts and a total winner during National Ice Cream Month. It also plays well with homemade Fluffy Pancakes if you’re setting out a full brunch spread.

Holiday or Special Occasion Brunch

For those “go big or stay in bed” mornings, turn this recipe into a showstopper:

• Make a stuffed ice cream French toast: Spread a little sweetened cream cheese or Nutella between two slices before dipping them.
• Add caramelized bananas or sautéed cinnamon apples on top.
• Want it to serve a crowd? Turn it into an overnight ice cream French toast bake by layering slices in a casserole dish, pouring custard over, and chilling overnight before baking.

Even better? Pair it with something savory like a Breakfast Burrito for a balanced meal that satisfies every kind of craving.

Variations And Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you want to change up the flavor, accommodate dietary needs, or make it fit a special occasion, there’s a version of Ice Cream French Toast for everyone.

Vegan Ice Cream French Toast Recipe

Want a dairy-free version? Use vegan vanilla ice cream and a plant-based egg substitute like Just Egg or flax eggs. Pair with a sturdy vegan brioche or thick-cut gluten-free bread. You’ll still get that creamy, custard-style texture without using traditional dairy or eggs.

Pair it with a side from our Healthy Breakfast Ideas collection for a balanced and satisfying start to your day.

Gluten-Free Ice Cream French Toast

Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread or a gluten-free brioche-style loaf. Since these tend to absorb liquid faster, reduce soaking time slightly. You’ll still enjoy the full flavor of this gluten free ice cream french toast without any compromise on texture.

Looking for a fun ice cream variation? Try it with Pistachio Ice Cream for a nutty, rich twist.

Pro Tips for Ice Cream French Toast

These small adjustments can elevate your results and make prep faster and more enjoyable.

Use High-Quality Ice Cream

The base flavor matters! The better the vanilla, the better the custard. Opt for a rich vanilla bean ice cream over a budget brand. Want to experiment? Chocolate or caramel swirl ice cream makes a bold and delicious chocolate ice cream French toast.

Don’t Over-Soak

Letting the bread sit in the custard too long can make it fall apart. Soak just until each side is coated and slightly softened especially if you’re using extra-soft bread like challah.

Storage Ice Cream French Toast

You can absolutely make this ahead or save leftovers just follow these simple tricks.

How to Store

Once cooled, store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking.

For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave, it can make the texture rubbery.

How to Freeze

Planning ahead? Make a double batch and freeze. Lay cooled slices on a baking sheet, freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, reheat directly from frozen.

Perfect for busy mornings or an easy holiday brunch prep, especially when served alongside something warm like our Orange Ricotta Pancakes.

Common Mistakes When Making Ice Cream French Toast

Even a recipe as easy as this can go sideways if you’re not paying attention. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls when making custard style ice cream French toast.

Mistake #1: Using low-quality ice cream

Not all ice creams are created equal. If your ice cream is overly icy or lacks richness, it’ll thin out your custard base and give you soggy, bland toast. Use full-fat, creamy vanilla ice cream for best results. Bonus: This is a great excuse to use leftovers from your batch of Cookie Monster Ice Cream.

Mistake #2: Choosing the wrong bread

Using thin sandwich bread won’t cut it. It soaks up too much liquid and falls apart in the pan. Always use thick slices of challah, brioche, or Texas toast, they hold up well and create that perfect golden crust. This truly is the best bread for ice cream french toast.

Mistake #3: Over-soaking the bread

Let the bread soak too long and it’ll turn to mush. Under-soak and you’ll miss out on that custardy center. Dip quickly—5 to 10 seconds per side is usually plenty for soft breads.

Mistake #4: Skipping the rest time

After cooking, give the toast 1–2 minutes to set before slicing or stacking. This locks in flavor and texture, especially helpful if you’re doing a stuffed ice cream French toast variation.

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A Final Word on Ice Cream French Toast

This ice cream French toast without eggs? It’s nostalgic, playful, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re serving it up for holiday brunch, a birthday breakfast, or just an ordinary Saturday morning, it turns the everyday into something deliciously memorable.

Cooking isn’t just about feeding people, it’s about making them feel loved. That’s why I keep coming back to recipes like this one. They remind me that joy doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs a warm skillet, good ice cream, and a little imagination.

If this recipe hit home, you’ll definitely want to check out these cozy companion recipes like Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites or a scoop of Pistachio Ice Cream on top to finish it off.

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