Double Dip French Toast Recipe

Share:

This dish is a delicious spin off from IHop’s corn flake and oatmeal covered Double Dip French Toast Recipe.  It has a wonderful custard inside and a nice golden crispy outside. It’s kind of like the melt in your mouth aspect that you think of when you daydream about breakfast foods that make your mouth water. And speaking of breakfast, who says that Double Dip French Toast Recipe is only for breakfast? Not us. And we think you’ll agree.  

Double dip french toast. photo by cookthink
Double Dip French Toast. Photo by CookThink

What Makes Double-Dipped French Toast Better?

Double dipped French toast is better than regular French toast. This is like French toast on steroids. It is the ultimate French toast. We imagine it’s what the result would be if French Toast and delicious custard got married and had a baby. Double dipped French toast has a wonderful rich custardy flavor, soft inside and crispy outside.

The Best Bread for Double-Dipped French Toast Recipe

The best bread for Double Dip French Toast Recipe is one that is thick, but not too thick. And one that at the same time is not too thin. If it’s too thick it won’t allow the custard in the middle to thoroughly cook. And if it’s too thin, it has a tendency to not hold up well in the dipping process.

Some of the best breads for French toast are ones that are not pre-sliced. A fresh bakery style loaf of bread or a homemade loaf of bread are ideal. Brioche or Challah breads are perfect. Texas Toast works well. And Sourdough bread is a favorite to use for French toast at our house, because it is a drier and tougher bread that cooks well and holds up well.

3 Tips for the Best Double-Dipped French Toast

Making our Double Dip French Toast Recipe can be quite straightforward, but we’ve also included some tips for you that we’ve learned along the way.

1. Slice your own bread. We recommend slicing your own bread because then you can make the slices to the desired thickness, and not too fat and not too thin.

2. Coat your parchment paper. If you want to achieve a nice golden outside that doesn’t stick to the parchment paper or the pan, consider spraying the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray.

3. Use additional spices. Our calls for a sweet sugar and cinnamon coating. But if you prefer to make a savory French toast or any other flavor, just change up the spices or add more for a flavor alteration.

Why Is French Toast Called French Toast?

It is often thought that French toast originated with the French. But research shows that is likely not the case. But if the French didn’t invent it, who did?  It is said that a man of Joseph French came up with the idea in the 1700’s. He didn’t have very good grammar because when he advertised it, he didn’t include the apostrophe “s” on the end of his name to show possession. Thus, French Toast was born.

Why Is My French Toast Soggy?

Double Dip French Toast Recipe can result in soggy toast if it has too much dairy, soaks too long, the bread is too thick, or the piece is just plain not cooked all the way. Whatever the cause of the problem, you’ll want to avoid soggy toast if possible.

Double dip french toast. photo by cookthink
Double Dip French Toast Recipe. Photo by CookThink.

Not Mixing Properly

If Double Dip French Toast is not mixed properly, you can have problems. First, be sure that the custard is mixed well. We use a whisk when mixing so that all of the ingredients can be distributed evenly, and the eggs get fully beaten. Chunky custard is not good.

Also, it’s important to make sure that the crunchy crust, which is the second dip, is mixed well before the bread is dipped into it. This will help the ingredients and thus the flavors to be consistent across the piece of French toast.  

Not Choosing The Right Bread

Choosing the perfect bread is an important aspect to achieving the best French toast. If the bread is too thick, it is difficult to achieve a center that is fully cooked. And if it’s too thin it will be too flimsy and the bread will have a tendency to break apart after it’s softened from being dipped in the custard layer.

Can You Store French Toast In The Fridge?

Fully cooked French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It is best to store it in an airtight container or zipped storage bag.

Under-Soaking The Bread

If you’re in a hurry or rush dipping the bread in custard mixture, it might end up being under-soaked. The goal is to allow the bread to be fully submersed momentarily before pulling it out. This will allow the custard to seep into the entire piece of bread, not just coat it in an outer layer. Coating the outer layer only is okay, but it doesn’t result in the best French toast.  

Using Too Much Heat or Not Enough Heat

Our Double Dip French Toast Recipe recommends frying the toast pieces on the stovetop or in a griddle first, to brown the outsides and then placing them in the oven for a few minutes to cook and set the center, resulting in perfect French toast.

Obviously, too much heat is going to result in French toast that cooks too quickly and only the outer layer is done. And not enough heat would result in toast that is not thoroughly cooked in the middle. It is still gooey. To get the best results follow the instructions in our recipe.

Not Pre-Heating the Pan

For the absolute best results, preheat the pan before adding the toast pieces. Our favorite method is to use a cast iron pan on the stovetop. Melt about a tablespoon of butter in the bottom of the pan over medium high heat. This will allow the cooking to take off right away when the toast is added.

Double dip french toast. photo by cookthink
Double Dip French Toast. Photo by CookThink.

How Hot Should The Griddle Be?

We prefer to use a cast iron pan for best results. But if you opt to use a griddle, you can achieve similar ideal results. The griddle should be heated to about 375F degrees. But watch your toast closely as it cooks as all griddles heat differently. Cook the French toast in the griddle until just browned and then flip to the other side.   

When Using Butter Only

We use butter only in the pan when frying French toast. However, some might prefer to use cooking oil or cooking spray.

How Dry Should The Bread Be?

As long as the bread was not just baked today, the bread should be fine to use. It is better if the bread is slightly dried out when making this Double Dip French Toast Recipe. The best bread to use is bread that is a bit on the dry side.

How To Dry Out Bread?

If you’re concerned that your bread is not dry enough, you can dry it out in the oven. Just place it on a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in a 250F degree oven for a few minutes. Or if  you have more time, bread can simply be laid out on a platter for a few hours and left uncovered which will also dry it out.

Is Sourdough Bread Good For French Toast?

Yes, sourdough is great bread to use for Double Dip French Toast Recipe. It works well because it is a strong bread and is slightly dry. 

Can You Make French Toast Without Using Milk?

Yes, French toast can be made without using milk. Keep in mind that milk helps to give French toast its moisture and thins out the eggs a bit, giving them their good custard consistency.  If you don’t use milk, consider using a milk substitute.

Can You Use Evaporated Milk in Place of Milk?

Yes, you can use evaporated milk in place of milk in French toast. The subtle difference in taste isn’t one that your guests will really even pick up on unless you tell them.

Can I Freeze It?

You can freeze Double Dip French Toast, but as is the case with most things, it’s best when it’s fresh. If you opt to freeze it, you’ll want to use an airtight container, zipped bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to help it maintain its freshness.

Can You Freeze the Batter?

Not really. The batter doesn’t really work well frozen because it consists of mainly eggs and milk. Those two ingredients don’t usually freeze well and maintain the same consistency once they are thawed

FAQS About Making Double Dip French Toast

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions for Double Dip French Toast Recipe.

Why Is Double Dip French Toast Better Than Traditional French Toast?

The way to know is to try it and experience it. It’s just so much better. I mean French toast is good, don’t get me wrong. Double Dip French Toast just takes it to a whole new level. The crispy crunchy outside combined with the soft custardy inside make one wonderful combination.

With What Do You Serve Double Dip French Toast?

Fresh fruit is our favorite thing to serve with Double Dip French Toast. When we were making the French toast for these photos, fresh raspberries were in season, so we were able to pick and use fresh ones. Fresh blueberries, peaches, pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapes, strawberries and whatever fresh fruit is currently available to you makes an excellent combination with Double Dip French Toast.

If you want to serve whipped cream, we recommend whipping up a fresh batch using heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. It’s not that much more work to make real whipped cream and it tastes so much better.

Meat such as sausage, bacon, ham also make excellent sides.

Is French Toast Served Differently in America Than In France?

Yes, French Toast is served as a sweetened dessert item in France, rather than as a breakfast dish like it is in America and other countries. French toast did not originate in France like its name might lead you to believe. It became popular by a man with the last name of French.

Should I Toast My Bread For French Toast?

No, you don’t need to put it in the toaster to make French Toast. The toast aspect comes into play when the bread is cooked. It makes it into more like a toast.

How Do You Keep Double Dip French Toast Warm for a Crowd?

To keep it warm, after you’ve finished cooking Double Dip French Toast, place it in the oven on a cookie sheet. Cover the top with foil to keep the bread from drying out. Use a low oven temperature, like 200F degrees to keep your French toast warm.

What is Twice Cooked French Toast?

Twice cooked French toast refers to French toast that has been pan fried first in a skillet and then baked in the oven to help set the center custard.

Can You Make Them in Advance?

Double Dip French Toast Recipe is best when made and eaten fresh. For example, making it and then placing it directly on the serving platter while it’s still warm is the absolute best.

But if you decide to make this French Toast in advance, we suggest pan frying it to seal the outside and then saving the part in the oven for right before it is served. This will give French toast a fresher presentation.

Double dip french toast. photo by cookthink
Double Dip French Toast. Photo by CookThink.

The History

French Toast was initially invented as a way to use up stale or almost stale bread and make it delicious to eat again. Traditional French toast uses a mixture of egg and milk and is fried to cook it. It was the perfect way to take old dry bread and make it moist and desirable again.

Griddle Temperature for French Toast:

A good starting temperature to cook French Toast on the griddle is 375F degrees. But keep in mind that different griddles function at different temperatures. So it’s best to watch it closely and adjust the temperature up or down as needed.

Double Dipped French Toast (IHop Copycat!)

Our Double Dip French Toast Recipe is an IHop copycat recipe. The French toast itself is very similar to what you can order in the restaurant. The difference is that IHop has different variations in flavors such as Lemon Strawberry, Peanut Butter Banana or Cinnamon Sugar.

Cornflakes and Oats French Toast

Our Double Dip French Toast Recipe is one that includes crushed Cornflakes and Oats. The benefit of adding these as the double dip layer is that it creates a nice texture and added crispness, as well as flavor. It allows the softness on the inside to be maintained but gives a nice variety as you sink your mouth into it. We think you’ll really like it.  

French Toast Recipe Variations: More French Toast Recipes

Following are some recipe variations for French Toast. They include different cooking methods or different flavor options.

Quick and Easy French Toast

Quick and Easy French Toast can be made in the oven. Just spread a layer of your favorite kind of bread on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Cover it with a mixture of eggs and milk and bake at 350F degrees until the eggs are set, about 15-20 minutes.

Classic French Toast

Classic French Toast can be made by skipping the double dip. Just mix the eggs, milk and vanilla, dip your bread and pan fry it until golden brown. Finish in a 350F degree oven for 5-10 minutes to set the center.

Fluffy French Toast

Fluffy French Toast is achieved by incorporating baking soda into the custard portion. Just add a pinch to a teaspoon to create a custard that rises a bit.  

Double Chocolate Cherry French Toast Recipe

Create a cherry chocolate sauce to go on top, by using 2 cups cherries that have been pitted and halved, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/3 cup chocolate syrup.

Perfect French Toast (Twice Cooked!)

Some people prefer French Toast that has been cooked twice. If you’re using thicker bread it can be challenging to get the center done. And who wants to eat raw French toast? To resolve this problem, pan fry it first to make the outside golden and then place it in the oven for a few minutes to set the center.

Custardy French Toast Recipe

If you’re someone who really likes the custard aspect of French Toast, you can lengthen the soaking time for the bread. Just be sure that you’re working with a nice sturdy bread that’s not going to break apart when it gets wet. You’ll likely want to finish this in the oven to help the center set.

Vanilla French Toast

To give more of a boost in vanilla flavor, add a teaspoon or two of extra vanilla to strengthen the flavor. You might also consider adding a teaspoon of crushed vanilla beans for interest and flavor.

How To Make Vanilla French Toast

Vanilla French Toast can be made using our Double Dip French Toast Recipe. Just bump up the vanilla to give it a boost in flavor. And you want the focus to be on the vanilla, you don’t have to use the second dip of crunchiness that is in that recipe. It’s up to you.

Twice Cooked Challah French Toast

Twice Cooked Challah French Toast is a delicious variation. Use challah bread for the toast and then dip it in the custard mixture and double dip mixture if desired. Pan fry it to brown the exterior and then bake it in a 350F degree oven for 5-10 minutes to set the center.

Tips on Making Twice-Cooked Challah French Toast

Use slightly stale challah bread or soft sturdy bread for maximum absorption of the custard. Let the custard batter rest for 5 minutes before soaking the bread. Top off French toast with cinnamon.

How to Serve Challah French Toast

Challah French Toast should be eaten right away with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. You can also use real maple syrup. Our favorite is to serve it with fresh berries or fruit slices on top, with a dollop of whipped cream.

Double Dip French Toast Recipe (Stuffed with Peanut Butter and Jelly)

If you’re someone who craves peanut butter and jelly like my kids do, perhaps you’d like to try stuffing your French Toast with peanut butter and jelly. Just use extra thick slices of bread like Texas Toast or slice your own bread.

FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about peanut butter and jelly stuffed French Toast.

What is peanut butter and jelly mixed together called?

A fun fact, peanut butter and jelly mixed together is called Goober.

What jelly goes with peanut butter?

Literally any kind of jelly goes with peanut butter. Use your favorite jam or preserves.

What is the perfect peanut butter to jelly ratio?

In our opinion, the perfect, not too sticky or too slimy ratio is 2:1

Baking Soda

Baking soda is the key to fluffy French toast. It helps make French toast rise.

The Milk and Custard

You can estimate that you’ll need one egg and 1 tbsp of milk for every 2 slices of bread, depending on the size and thickness of your bread.

Soaking vs Double Dipping

You’ll want to soak your bread only if using tough, chewy or stale bread. Double dip refers to pouring a custard mixture into a bowl, dipping each side of the bread in it for 2 seconds. Dipping into the either a custard mixture again or into a second layer of ingredients. In essence it is dipping for a second time.

Cast Iron Makes Better French Toast

If you have a cast iron pan, use it to cook your French toast. There’s just something about cast iron that makes better French toast. And if you’re not using too many slices, you can place that pan directly in the oven to set the centers.

Recommended Tools

Mixing Bowl
Rolling Pin
Cast Iron Skillet
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper

Related Recipes for Breakfast or Brunch

Cinnamon Roll
Blueberry Oatmeal
Banana Bread

How To Make Double Dip French Toast

Double Dip French Toast is quite straightforward to make. The process consists of making the custard like mixture and then preparing the crispy crunch outer layer. The bread should be dipped into both mixtures, served hot and enjoyed.

Ingredients:

6 slices of Thick Cut Bread (for our photo shoot we used Texas Toast)

Custard:

4 eggs
3 tbsp heavy cream
1 pinch of salt
2 tsp vanilla

Crispy Layer:

2 cups Corn Flakes, crushed
1 cup oatmeal
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Garnish:

Powdered Sugar
Fresh Fruit

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt and vanilla. Set aside.

3. Prepare the crunchy outer coating by crushing cornflakes. To do this, place the cornflakes inside a zipped bag and smash them with a rolling pin.

4. Add oatmeal, sugar and cinnamon to cornflake mixture. Mix well.

5. Dip a piece of bread into the custard mixture until it is entirely covered. Flip and dip the other side. Allow any excess custard to drip off the bread. Dip bread into crunchy cornflake mixture. Flip and coat remaining side.

6. In a cast iron pan or griddle, heat 1 tbsp butter over medium high heat. Fry the pieces of French toast just enough to brown the outside. Flip and fry the reverse side until golden.

7. Using a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, transfer the browned French toast pieces to the baking sheet. Bake for 5-6 minutes until the center of the French toast is done.  

8. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh fruit. Serve warm and enjoy.

Double dip french toast Pinterest Graphic
Save to Pinterest!


Related Recipes for Breakfast or Brunch

Bob Evan’s Biscuit Recipe
Panera Bread Cinnamon Roll
Glazed French Toast Cinnamon Swirl
Anabolic French Toast
Ultimate Wildberry Pancakes

For more posts like this one, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Photo of author
Author
Sarah
Sarah is known for her extra fancy yeast breads, melt in your mouth pies, and everything salads. She has won awards as a home cook, and is passionate about helping others feel smarter in the kitchen. Sarah is the cooking genius of the sister duo.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating