The Best French Toast: Tuscan Inspired Caramel Sauced French Toast

A Tuscan Morning You Can Bring Home

There are places that stay with you long after you leave and Lupaia in Tuscany is one of them. It sits in the hills between Montepulciano and Pienza surrounded by vineyards and olive trees and it truly feels like stepping into a postcard.

Mornings at Lupaia are slow and peaceful in the best way. The sun rises over the Val d’Orcia and lights up the rooftops and the rolling countryside. Breakfast is served on a stone terrace overlooking the hills. You hear the birds and the soft sounds from the kitchen and everything feels calm and unhurried.

And then they bring out the French toast.

It is thick and golden and warm with caramel that melts into the edges. They top it with mixed berries and the most delicate edible flowers from the garden. It is beautiful but it tastes even better. It is simple and still feels so special. It is the type of breakfast that makes you stop and savor the moment.

This recipe is my way of bringing that morning at Lupaia home. It is perfect for a slow weekend or anytime you want something that feels a little romantic and a little Tuscan.

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Recipe Card

Lupaia Inspired Caramel Sauced French Toast

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients

For the French Toast

2 thick slices of brioche or challah
1 large egg
1 2 cup milk
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon sugar optional
1 tablespoon butter for cooking

For the Caramel Sauce

3 4 cup brown sugar
3 4 cup heavy cream
3 1 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt optional

For the Cinnamon Butter

2 tablespoons softened butter
1 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon sugar optional

Mix together until smooth. Set aside.

For the Toppings

1 2 cup mixed berries
Edible flowers
Extra caramel sauce
Cinnamon butter

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Instructions

Prepare the French Toast

1. Whisk the egg milk cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium low heat.
3. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture until fully coated.
4. Cook each side for two to three minutes until golden. Keep warm.

Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Combine the brown sugar heavy cream butter vanilla and optional salt in a saucepan.
2. Stir over medium heat until it begins to bubble. This usually takes four to five minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let it rest. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Make the Cinnamon Butter

1. In a small bowl mix the softened butter cinnamon and sugar until smooth.
2. Keep at room temperature until serving.

Assemble

1. Place the warm French toast on plates.
2. Spoon the caramel sauce over the top.
3. Add the mixed berries.
4. Add a small scoop of cinnamon butter on the side or spread it directly on the toast.
5. Finish with the edible flowers.

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Tips for a Luxurious Breakfast

Brioche or challah gives you a soft custardy center.
A tiny pinch of sea salt in the caramel creates a soft salted caramel flavor if you like it.
Add berries and flowers right before serving for the freshest look.
Keep extra caramel in the fridge and warm gently when needed.
Serve with a cappuccino or prosecco for a full Tuscan style morning.

This French toast will always remind me of our slow mornings at Lupaia, sitting on the terrace with the Tuscan hills stretching out in front of us and nothing to rush through. It is simple to make yet it feels thoughtful and special every time. I hope it brings a little bit of that same feeling into your home whether you are making it for a quiet morning alone or sharing it with someone you love. If you ever find yourself in Tuscany, Lupaia is worth the visit. Until then, this recipe is the closest way to bring that magic to your own table.