Pound Cake French Toast Recipe

Name: Pound Cake French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 vanilla pound cake, cut into 1-2 inch slices; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons milk; Maple syrup; Whipped cream; Fresh fruit

June 14, 2025 by Jessica

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 151 reviews

Think of Pound Cake French Toast as pure breakfast bliss: classic French toast gets a seriously decadent twist by swapping the usual bread for plush vanilla pound cake. It’s outrageously buttery, golden on the outside, custardy within, and ready to transport you straight to brunch heaven—no special occasion required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievably Indulgent: Using rich, buttery pound cake makes every bite moist, custardy, and downright luxurious compared to everyday French toast.
Easy & Quick: Just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes stand between you and the best brunch treat ever—no fancy equipment or baking skills needed.
Customizable Heaven: Whether you’re all about berries, maple syrup, Nutella, or extra whipped cream, every serving is a blank canvas for your morning cravings.
Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: This is the kind of “secret weapon” dish that turns sleepovers, birthdays, or Saturday mornings into unforgettable events!

Pound Cake French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to create this showstopping Pound Cake French Toast—each one plays a crucial role in achieving that golden, custardy perfection. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe so magical (and yes, you probably already have most of it at home!).

Vanilla Pound Cake: The star of the show—its dense, buttery crumb soaks up the custard and holds its shape beautifully when cooked. Store-bought or homemade both work!
Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs are the backbone of that luscious French toast custard, helping the exterior get gorgeously golden and fluffy.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, nostalgic flavor that pairs so well with the sweet notes of vanilla cake.
Milk: Just a touch loosens the custard mixture and keeps things extra velvety.
Butter (for cooking): Gives each slice a glistening, flavorful crust and that perfect pan-seared finish.
Maple Syrup: The classic French toast topper! Go for pure maple syrup for the richest flavor.
Whipped Cream: Adds an irresistible cloud-like contrast to the crispy cake and warm syrup.
Fresh Fruit: Berries, sliced bananas, peaches, or whatever seasonal fruit you love—all bring freshness and color to your plate.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of Pound Cake French Toast is how easily it adapts to your pantry and your mood. Here are some delicious spins to try—so you can make it again and again, with new flavors each time!

Chocolate Pound Cake French Toast: Swap in chocolate pound cake for double decadence, and finish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Lemon or Almond Twist: Use lemon or almond-flavored pound cake for a bright and nutty flavor variation, then sprinkle with toasted nuts.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free pound cake and swap the milk and whipped cream with almond or oat milk and coconut whipped topping.
Berry-Stuffed: Layer fresh berries between two thin slices before cooking for a fruity “stuffed” version.

How to Make Pound Cake French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by whisking together your eggs, cinnamon, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and evenly combined. This simple mixture adds rich flavor and that essential custardy texture to every slice, while the cinnamon brings irresistible warmth.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet & Add Butter

Put a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and melt a tablespoon of butter, swirling the pan to evenly coat the surface. The butter will help you achieve those beautiful crisp edges and prevent any sticking.

Step 3: Dip & Cook the Pound Cake

Right after the butter has melted, quickly dredge thick slices of pound cake in your egg mixture—just enough to soak but not so long that the cake falls apart. Gently place in the hot pan and cook 2-3 minutes on each side, until the exterior is lightly golden and the custard has set. You may need to work in batches.

Step 4: Keep Warm & Finish Cooking

Transfer finished slices to a warm oven or plate, loosely covered, while you repeat the process with the rest. This way, every slice of Pound Cake French Toast stays piping hot and perfectly crispy until it’s time to serve.

Step 5: Plate & Top as You Wish

To serve, arrange slices on a plate and let everyone add their favorite toppings: a generous pour of maple syrup, fresh berries, swoops of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Every bite is pure happiness!

Pro Tips for Making Pound Cake French Toast

Best Slices: Cut pound cake slices thick—about 1 to 1.5 inches—so they stand up to the egg dip and don’t fall apart while cooking.
Gentle Dipping: Don’t soak the cake too long! A quick dip in the custard is all you need to avoid sogginess and get that creamy interior.
Medium-Low Heat is Key: Cook your Pound Cake French Toast low and slow for a crisp, golden exterior without burning the sugar in the cake.
Perfect Holding: If serving a crowd, keep cooked slices in a low oven (about 200°F) to hold their texture and temperature until everyone’s ready to eat.

How to Serve Pound Cake French Toast

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference: Shower your Pound Cake French Toast with powdered sugar, tumble on loads of fresh berries, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and add a voluminous dollop of whipped cream. Edible flowers or mint leaves give it that brunch-café look—don’t be shy with your flair!

Side Dishes

Pound Cake French Toast is rich and satisfying on its own, but it’s also wonderful alongside savory brunch classics. Try it with crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, a fresh fruit salad, or even a tangy yogurt parfait for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, cut the French toast into sticks and stack them high, layer with fruit and cream in parfait glasses, or serve “family-style” on a big platter with toppings on the side—let everyone assemble their own dream breakfast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Pound Cake French Toast cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate so everything stays fresh and delicious.

Freezing

Pound Cake French Toast actually freezes beautifully! Once cooled, arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then pop them into a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 1 month—perfect for impromptu brunches or busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, just warm the slices in a toaster oven or 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the slices a bit soggy—try the skillet for the crispiest results!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pound cake for Pound Cake French Toast?

Absolutely! Store-bought pound cake works perfectly—just pick one with a tight crumb and no heavy icing. It saves time and still delivers that rich, buttery flavor you want. Homemade is fantastic too, but either version shines in this recipe.
Can I make Pound Cake French Toast ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and cook the French toast a day ahead, then reheat in the oven when ready to serve. For best texture and crispness, reheat at 350°F on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Add toppings just before serving.
What’s the best way to keep Pound Cake French Toast from getting soggy?

Dip the cake slices in the custard quickly—don’t let them soak! Pound cake absorbs fast, so a brief dip ensures the center gets creamy without falling apart. Cooking over medium-low heat also helps set the custard without burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free pound cake. The custard and toppings work the same way, and you’ll still get all the dreamy flavor and soft texture Pound Cake French Toast is known for.

Final Thoughts

It’s official: Pound Cake French Toast is a brunch revelation that’ll have everyone swooning at the table. Whether you’re spoiling yourself on a slow morning or making memories with friends and family, this recipe guarantees smiles, full hearts, and empty plates. Go ahead—treat yourself to the most unforgettable French toast you’ve ever tasted!