If you love all things sweet, comforting, and a little nostalgic, you are going to fall head over heels for this Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe. Imagine the fluffy, custardy perfection of classic French toast combined with the fruity surprise of luscious strawberry jam nestled right in the center, all coated in a crispy sugar crust. It’s like your favorite childhood treat transformed into a dreamy breakfast that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly. This recipe is pure joy on a plate and perfect for when you want something special without an avalanche of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe just right is all about simple, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each element plays a crucial role, from the bread’s texture to the shining golden crunch provided by sugar-coating, creating a perfectly balanced symphony of flavors and textures.
- White sandwich bread (6 slices): Slightly stale and about 1.5 cm thick to soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Strawberry jam (3 tbsp): The sweet, fruity star of the show that gives this dish its jelly doughnut vibe.
- Caster sugar (3 tbsp): Fine sugar that caramelizes nicely for a crunchy coating.
- Egg (1): Creates the custardy, rich binding that transforms the bread into French toast perfection.
- Milk (2 tbsp): Lightens the egg mixture for a tender, fluffy texture.
- Butter (2 tbsp): For that irresistibly crispy, golden exterior when frying.
How to Make Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the bread rounds
For an authentic doughnut feel, you can opt to cut your bread into large rounds; this not only looks adorable but also makes the final result resemble a classic jelly doughnut. If you skip this, the regular slices will work just as well, so no stress.
Step 2: Assemble the jam sandwiches
Spread about 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam in the center of three bread rounds, leaving about a 1 cm edge bare to prevent the jam from spilling out when you sandwich them. Carefully place the remaining rounds on top to form three sandwiches.
Step 3: Prepare the egg mixture
In a small bowl, lightly beat your egg and milk together until well combined. This mixture is what turns your bread into that soft, custardy dream we expect from great French toast.
Step 4: Ready the sugar coating
Pour your caster sugar on a small plate, making it easy to coat the sandwiches once they’re cooked. This layer will add a lovely sugary crunch reminiscent of classic doughnuts.
Step 5: Heat up the pan
Warm your butter in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. The butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a delicious richness and promotes that golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Dip and cook the sandwiches
Quickly dip each side of your jam sandwiches into the egg mixture, including the edges, ensuring they’re fully coated but not soggy. Then, place them gently into the hot pan. Cook for about two minutes on each side, aiming for a deep, golden brown color that seals the jam inside.
Step 7: Sugar coat and serve
Right after cooking, immediately transfer each sandwich to your plate of caster sugar, coating all sides quickly so the sugar sticks beautifully while the toast is still hot. That’s key to achieving the perfect doughnut-like finish!
Step 8: Serve warm or at room temperature
This Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe is incredibly versatile — enjoy it piping hot straight from the pan or let it cool slightly and savor all the layers of flavor at room temperature. Both ways are utter bliss!
How to Serve Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries scattered around your plate. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate this treat into full decadent mode, perfect for a weekend brunch that feels extra special.
Side Dishes
A fresh fruit salad or a small serving of crispy bacon adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the dish. If you’re after a heartier breakfast, some creamy yogurt or a handful of nuts can add texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking several jam jelly doughnut French toast sandwiches and securing them with a cute skewer topped with a cherry. Or cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with a few dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel for a fun, interactive breakfast experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crunch will soften slightly, but reheating brings back much of the original texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe freezes well. Lay the sandwiches flat in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to a month.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, pop the sandwiches in a toaster oven or conventional oven at a medium temperature to revive the crunchy sugar coating without making them soggy. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the sugar crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic for this recipe, any thick, flavorful jam like raspberry, apricot, or blackberry works beautifully and offers a lovely twist.
Do I need to use stale bread?
Using slightly stale bread helps because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart. But if your bread is fresh, just be gentle when dipping and handle the sandwiches carefully to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter or oil for frying. The recipe will be just as delicious with these tweaks.
Is it necessary to cut the bread into rounds?
Nope! The rounds add a fun doughnut look, but regular rectangular slices work just as well and taste amazing. It’s all about what presentation you prefer.
How do I prevent the jam from leaking out while cooking?
Leave a border of about 1 cm around the edge when spreading the jam and press the sandwiches firmly but gently together. Also, quick dipping and cooking at medium-high heat help seal the edges promptly.
Final Thoughts
This Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a treat no matter the occasion. It’s easy, adorable, and utterly delicious — the perfect way to brighten a morning or impress friends and family with minimal effort. Give it a try and discover your new favorite fun twist on classic French toast that’s bursting with jammy goodness and crunchy sugar delight.
Print
Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast recipe transforms simple sandwich bread and strawberry jam into a decadent, nostalgic breakfast treat reminiscent of jelly-filled doughnuts. Coated in sugar and cooked to a golden brown perfection in butter, this dish is quick to make and perfect for a cozy morning or a special brunch.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Sandwiches
- 6 slices white sandwich bread, stale, about 1.5cm (0.6″) thick
- 3 tbsp strawberry jam
- 3 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Optionally, cut the bread slices into rounds as large as you can to create a doughnut shape. This helps mimic the traditional doughnut appearance.
- Assemble the Jam Sandwiches: Spread 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam in the center of 3 bread rounds, leaving about a 1cm (1/4″) edge to prevent the jam from oozing out. Place the remaining 3 rounds on top to form sandwiches.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, beat the egg and milk lightly until combined.
- Prepare the Sugar Coating: Spread the caster sugar evenly on a small plate for coating after cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot and bubbling.
- Coat the Sandwiches: Quickly dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides and edges are coated thoroughly, then place them in the hot pan. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry each side for about 2 minutes or until a deep golden brown color develops.
- Sugar Coating: Remove the cooked sandwiches from the pan and immediately roll them in the caster sugar, coating all surfaces including the edges. The sugar adheres best if coated right after cooking.
- Serve: Serve the Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Cutting the bread into rounds is optional but adds a fun doughnut look.
- Make sure to leave a 1cm edge when adding jam to prevent leakage during cooking.
- If caster sugar is unavailable, granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispness; leftovers can be reheated gently in a pan.
