Irish Soda Bread French Toast is a warm and comforting breakfast that transforms traditional Irish soda bread into a rich and flavorful morning treat. Thick slices of homemade soda bread are soaked in a spiced custard made with eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, then pan-fried in butter until golden and crisp. The result is a perfectly soft interior with a slightly crunchy outside, making it a delicious brunch dish served with maple syrup and fresh berries.
Irish Soda Bread French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
For the soda bread:
- 2 1/4 cups flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (shake well before measuring for even consistency)
For the custard and frying:
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated provides a much stronger aroma)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter for this)
Step 1: Make and Bake the Irish Soda Bread
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Create a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk, then stir with a fork until a shaggy dough forms—don’t overmix or the bread will be tough.
On a lightly floured surface, gently form the dough into an oval loaf, handling it minimally (just 20-30 seconds).
Using a sharp knife, cut a shallow cross or slash into the top of the loaf, then transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes—this cooling time is essential for the bread to set properly before slicing.
Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Custard and Bread
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- cooled soda bread from Step 1
While the bread cools, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a shallow dish until well combined—this is your custard mixture.
Once the cooled soda bread is ready, slice it into half-inch thick pieces using a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to avoid crushing the crumb structure.
I like to grate the nutmeg fresh right before whisking it in; the aroma and flavor are noticeably more vibrant than pre-ground nutmeg.
Step 3: Soak the Bread and Cook the French Toast
- 3 tbsp butter
- custard mixture from Step 2
- soaked bread slices from Step 2
Heat the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat until it foams and smells nutty—this takes about 1-2 minutes.
Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, dip each bread slice into the custard mixture from Step 2 for 1-2 minutes per side, ensuring it’s well saturated but not falling apart.
Immediately place the soaked slices into the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
I prefer medium-low heat for this dish because it gives the custard time to cook through gently while the bread develops a beautiful golden crust without burning.
Step 4: Serve and Finish
Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving plate and serve immediately while still warm.
Top with warm maple syrup and fresh berries for a classic finish that complements the warm spices in the bread.
Health Benefits
- Good Source of Protein: Eggs provide high-quality protein that helps keep you full and energized.
- Calcium Rich: Milk and buttermilk add calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
- Energy Boosting: The combination of carbohydrates and protein makes it a satisfying breakfast.
- Natural Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg contain antioxidants and may support digestion.
