Save There's something about Sunday mornings that demands a breakfast that feels like you're actually taking time for yourself. I discovered custard toast by accident, really—I had brioche that was getting a little too firm to enjoy plain, Greek yogurt that needed using up, and about ten minutes before my roommate was supposed to arrive. Instead of making the usual scrambled eggs, I threw together this warm, spoonable creation that baked into something unexpectedly luxurious. The moment it came out of the oven, golden and still slightly jiggly in the center, I realized I'd stumbled onto something special.
The first time I made this for someone else, my friend took one bite and asked if I'd been secretly taking pastry classes. I hadn't—but watching her close her eyes and just sit with the flavor for a moment reminded me why cooking matters. It's not about fancy techniques; it's about taking five ingredients and turning them into something that makes someone feel cared for.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah (2 thick slices, about 1-inch): You want bread that's sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart, but soft enough to absorb it. Brioche has just enough richness to complement the creamy center without needing butter.
- Large egg (1): This is what gives the custard its silky structure and holds everything together.
- Plain Greek yogurt (3 tbsp): The secret ingredient that adds creaminess and tang without making the custard too heavy.
- Honey or maple syrup (1½ tbsp): Use whichever you have on hand—the honey adds subtle floral notes, while maple brings earthiness.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Just enough to whisper in the background without overpowering anything else.
- Salt (pinch): Brings out all the other flavors and prevents the custard from tasting flat.
- Mixed fresh berries (½ cup, optional): Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add brightness and natural tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Sliced almonds or pistachios (1 tbsp, optional): A scattered handful adds a textural surprise and keeps things interesting.
- Powdered sugar (1 tsp, optional): Just a dusting at the end gives a subtle sweetness and a bakery-like finish.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and prep:
- Set the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
- Mix the custard:
- Whisk the egg, yogurt, honey, vanilla, and salt in a small bowl until it's completely smooth—no streaks of egg white hiding anywhere. This takes about a minute and sets you up for success.
- Create wells in the bread:
- Place the bread slices on your prepared sheet and gently press down the center of each with the back of a spoon to create a shallow cup, keeping a border of bread around the edges so the custard doesn't spill everywhere.
- Add the custard:
- Spoon or pour the mixture evenly into each well, watching it settle into the bread like it was made for this exact purpose.
- Top if you'd like:
- Scatter berries and nuts over the custard now if you're using them—they'll warm slightly and sink in just a bit.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide the sheet into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges of the bread are golden and crispy and the custard looks just set but still has the tiniest jiggle in the center. It keeps cooking after it comes out, so don't overbake.
- Finish and serve:
- Let it cool for just a minute, dust with powdered sugar if you want, drizzle with extra honey or maple syrup, and serve while it's still warm and the bread is at its crispest.
Save I made this one rainy morning when everything felt a little off, and somehow the warmth of it straight from the oven made the whole day better. It's not fancy, but it tastes like someone cares—and sometimes that's everything.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you master the basic version, the custard is your canvas. A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom takes it toward fall spice-cake territory, while fresh lemon zest brightens everything up and makes it feel spring-like. I've even added a tiny splash of brandy or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top, and each version feels like a completely different breakfast. The yogurt-egg base is forgiving enough to handle whatever flavor direction your mood pulls you.
Making It Work for Your Diet
This dish is naturally vegetarian, but it's easy to adapt if you need it to be. Swap dairy-free yogurt and a flax egg—one tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons water—and you've got a vegan version that tastes just as creamy. Gluten-free bread works perfectly too, and honestly, some gluten-free options are even better at holding the custard because they're a bit firmer. If nuts are a concern, simply leave them off the top; the toast is delicious without them.
Serving Ideas and Next-Day Notes
Custard toast shines brightest eaten warm, but I've learned that it's also surprisingly good at room temperature if you're meal-prepping ahead. Serve it alongside Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream if you're feeling decadent. The fresh fruit transforms depending on the season—berries in summer, sliced peaches or pears in fall, pomegranate arils in winter—so it never gets old even when you make it every week.
- A small cup of strong coffee or tea is the ideal companion because it cuts through the richness and cleanses your palate between bites.
- If you're cooking for two, the recipe doubles easily; just give it an extra minute or two in the oven and watch carefully.
- Leftovers can be gently reheated in a 300°F oven for about five minutes if you want to restore the crispness.
Save This is the kind of breakfast that reminds you to slow down, even when everything else is rushing. Make it for yourself, make it for someone you love, or make it both.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best?
Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal due to their sturdy texture and slight sweetness, which complement the custard soak.
- → Can I substitute Greek yogurt in the custard?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, but dairy-free yogurt alternatives can be used for dietary preferences.
- → How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
Creating a shallow well in the center of each bread slice helps contain the custard, allowing the edges to crisp up nicely during baking.
- → What toppings pair well with this dish?
Fresh mixed berries, sliced almonds or pistachios, and a light dusting of powdered sugar enhance both flavor and texture.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Assembly can be done in advance and refrigerated briefly, but baking just before serving ensures a crispy finish and warm center.