Description
These Torrejas with citrus infused simple syrup are the ultimate dessert/brunch treat. This Spanish-style french toast features thick slices of brioche bread steeped in sweet milk and eggs, fried to perfection then drizzled with syrup. Perfect for sharing with guests!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 slices day old* bolillo bread OR torta, brioche or baguette
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 small piece of orange peel
- 4 cups milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup oil
- 3 eggs
Instructions
- Slice the bread. Slice the bread into 1-2 inch thick slices (depending on your preferred thickness).
- Make the simple syrup. In a small pot, combine the water with half of the sugar (1 cup), half of the vanilla extract, the cinnamon stick, and the piece of orange peel. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely. Strain out the solids and transfer to a heat safe container to cool.
- Make the milk mixture. In the same (now empty) small pot, combine the milk, remaining (1 cup) sugar, remaining vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk together over medium low heat until the sugar dissolves then transfer to a bowl or baking dish to cool.
- Prep the oil and eggs. Heat the oil in a pan on the stovetop over medium low heat. In a small bowl, beat the eggs until evenly combined.
- Soak bread. Add the slices of bread to the bowl or baking dish with the milk mixture. Soak each slice on each side, making sure they absorb as much milk as possible. Dip the soaked bread slices into the egg mixture on each side before gently adding to the hot oil.
- Fry the bread & serve. Fry 2-3 slices of bread at a time (depending on the size of your pan), on both sides until golden brown and crisp all over. Arrange on a platter or individual plates before drizzling generously with the simple syrup.
Notes
*Day old bread: Day old bread tends to soak up the milk and eggs better, resulting in a fun textural contrast. If all you have is a fresh loaf, let it sit on the counter uncovered overnight and it will be perfect in the morning. In a pinch, bake sliced fresh bread in a low temperature (275°F) oven for 20-30 minutes. If you don’t have the time, fresh bread will work fine.