Pineapple Upside-Down French Toast Recipe
If you’re craving a breakfast thatโs sweet, tangy, and indulgent, this Pineapple Upside-Down French Toast is the perfect choice. This recipe is a twist on the classic French toast, layered with a rich pineapple caramel sauce at the bottom and topped with golden, custard-soaked bread. Itโs perfect for a quick, delicious morning treat or a special brunch.
Make and share this Pineapple Upside-Down French Toast recipe from Love With Recipes. Itโs a delightful breakfast recipe that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. The caramelized pineapple paired with the cinnamon-spiced French toast creates a flavor profile thatโs irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | Butter |
| 1/4 cup | Dark brown sugar |
| 10 oz | Crushed pineapple with juice |
| 1/4 cup | Reserved pineapple juice (from the can) |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1 cup | Milk |
| 1/4 cup | Half-and-half |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt |
| 1/4 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
| 1/4 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 8 slices | Bread (such as brioche or challah) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 651.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 21.9 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 11.4 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 150.4 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1084.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 96.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 4.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 25.6 g |
| Protein Content | 17.3 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). This will ensure the oven is at the right temperature when your French toast is ready to bake. -
Prepare the Pineapple Caramel Layer:
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely, forming a smooth caramel-like mixture. -
Incorporate the Pineapple:
Add the crushed pineapple (10 oz) along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice from the can to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the French toast custard. -
Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of half-and-half, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture will soak into the bread to create the rich, custardy base of your French toast. -
Assemble the French Toast:
Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan (or an equivalent size pan) with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the pineapple mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Next, take your 8 slices of bread (brioche or challah work particularly well for their softness and ability to absorb the custard) and dip each slice into the milk mixture. Ensure both sides of each slice are well-coated. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer over the pineapple mixture. -
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and slightly crispy around the edges. The French toast should puff up slightly as it bakes and take on a delicious golden color. -
Let it Cool:
Remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. You can serve it immediately, but letting it sit briefly allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. -
Serve:
Carefully invert the pan onto a serving plate or platter, so the caramelized pineapple is on top. Slice into portions and serve warm. This dish pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you like extra sweetness. -
Make-Ahead Option:
You can make this Pineapple Upside-Down French Toast a day ahead of time. Simply cover the assembled dish (before baking) with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the cold temperature.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Upside-Down French Toast
-
Use Thick-Cut Bread:
A slightly stale bread like brioche or challah absorbs the custard better and creates a rich, pudding-like texture. -
Adjust the Sweetness:
If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit the pineapple juice in the custard. -
Toppings:
Add a few maraschino cherries on top of the pineapple for a classic pineapple upside-down presentation. Alternatively, sprinkle with chopped nuts for some added crunch.
This Pineapple Upside-Down French Toast is a delightful way to start your day. It combines the best of both worlds: the nostalgia of a pineapple upside-down cake with the comfort of French toast. Whether youโre serving it for a family breakfast or an indulgent brunch, this recipe is sure to impress.
Serve it with your favorite breakfast sides, and enjoy the balance of fruity sweetness and spiced custardy bread.
