The Ultimate Chunky Cinnamon French Toast with Homemade Caramel Syrup

Prepare yourself for the best French toast you will ever make: a magnificent Chunky Cinnamon French Toast, inspired by the legendary Kneaders recipe. This isn’t just any breakfast; it’s an experience of thick, fluffy cinnamon-infused bread, perfectly dipped and golden-brown, then crowned with luscious whipped cream and a generous drizzle of homemade sticky caramel syrup. It’s the caramel that truly elevates this dish, making every bite an unforgettable journey of sweet, spiced perfection. Get ready to transform your morning into a gourmet delight!

The Beloved Kneaders French Toast Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting a Kneaders Bakery & Cafe, particularly in Utah, you’ll know exactly what makes their French Toast so legendary. They’re renowned for their “bottomless” French toast served at breakfast – a truly decadent experience featuring thick, chunky slices of cinnamon bread, transformed into golden-brown French toast, and generously topped with their signature caramel syrup, fluffy whipping cream, and fresh berries. It’s a breakfast staple that has garnered a loyal following, and for good reason!

The good news is, you don’t have to travel to Utah to enjoy this incredible treat. This recipe is designed to bring that authentic Kneaders experience right into your kitchen. While I often use Kneaders Cinnamon Swirl bread when I can find it, the true secret lies in using any high-quality, thick-cut cinnamon swirl bread. The chunkier the slices, the better, as they provide the perfect canvas for soaking up the rich custard and achieving that ideal crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture. This copycat recipe captures the heart of Kneaders’ famous breakfast, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without leaving home.

Why Thick Bread is Essential for Perfect French Toast

The term “chunky” in Chunky Cinnamon French Toast isn’t just for show – it’s fundamental to the success of this recipe. Thin slices of bread simply can’t stand up to the robust custard and cooking process without becoming soggy. Thick, sturdy slices, ideally 1.5 to 2 inches, provide a substantial base that can absorb plenty of the flavorful egg mixture without falling apart. This ensures a beautifully custardy interior, while the exterior crisps up to a golden perfection on the griddle. Whether you opt for a store-bought cinnamon swirl loaf or a homemade one, make sure your slices are generously thick for the ultimate texture and taste.

What You’ll Need to Make Chunky Cinnamon French Toast

The beauty of this Chunky Cinnamon French Toast lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• **1 loaf Kneader’s Chunky Cinnamon Bread, cut into thick 2-inch slices:** While Kneaders bread is ideal, any rich, thick-cut cinnamon swirl bread will do. The thickness is crucial for absorbing the custard without becoming soggy. If your bread isn’t already chunky, slice it yourself to about 2 inches thick. Day-old bread can even be better, as it absorbs the custard more effectively.
• **4 large eggs:** These are the foundation of your custard, providing richness and structure to the French toast. Ensure they are well-beaten for a smooth consistency.
• **1 cup milk:** Whole milk will give you the richest custard, but feel free to use 2%, skim, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk for dietary preferences.
• **1 Tablespoon cinnamon:** This isn’t just “a touch” of cinnamon; it’s a generous amount that ensures every bite is infused with a warm, comforting spice that complements the bread’s own cinnamon swirls.
• **1 Tablespoon vanilla extract:** High-quality vanilla is key to enhancing the overall flavor profile, adding a sweet and aromatic depth to the custard.
• **2 Tablespoons butter:** Used for cooking on the griddle, butter provides a golden crust and a delicious, rich flavor to the finished French toast.

Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating a breakfast that will impress everyone at your table. The combination of these simple items truly makes this Chunky Cinnamon French Toast an extraordinary treat.

The Magic of Homemade Sticky Caramel Syrup

While the Chunky Cinnamon French Toast is a star on its own, it’s the homemade sticky caramel syrup that truly makes this recipe “pop” and brings it to Kneaders-level perfection. Forget store-bought syrups; this caramel is rich, buttery, and has an incredible depth of flavor that complements the spiced French toast beautifully. It’s surprisingly easy to make and makes all the difference.

Here’s what you’ll need for the homemade sticky caramel syrup:

• **1/2 cup butter:** Adds a creamy, rich base to the caramel.
• **1/2 cup buttermilk:** This is the secret ingredient! It gives the caramel a slight tang and a wonderfully smooth texture, preventing it from becoming overly sweet.
• **3/4 cup sugar:** Provides the essential sweetness and caramelizes to create that golden hue.
• **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Reacts with the buttermilk to create a light, frothy texture, giving the caramel its signature “sticky” consistency.
• **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• **\*Optional: 2 Tablespoons corn syrup for thickness:** If you prefer a thicker, glossier caramel, corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and adds body.

The full recipe and detailed instructions for this incredible sticky caramel syrup can be found
here. Making it from scratch is a game-changer and well worth the extra few minutes!

Tips for Success with Your Chunky Cinnamon French Toast

Achieving perfect French toast every time is easier than you think with a few simple tips:

• **Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle:** Cook French toast in batches to ensure even cooking and browning. Overcrowding lowers the griddle temperature and can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
• **Maintain Medium Heat:** An electric griddle set to 375°F (190°C) is ideal, but if using a stovetop pan, aim for medium heat. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too low, and it will become greasy.
• **Use Stale Bread:** Slightly stale bread (day-old or left out for a few hours) is actually preferred. It’s firmer and absorbs the custard more efficiently without getting soggy, ensuring a perfect texture.
• **Even Butter Distribution:** Melt butter evenly across your griddle before each batch. This prevents sticking and contributes to that beautiful golden-brown crust and rich flavor.
• **Keep Warm While Serving:** If cooking for a crowd, preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C). Place cooked French toast on a wire rack over a baking sheet in the oven to keep it warm and slightly crispy while you finish the rest of the batch.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

While the classic combination of homemade sticky caramel syrup, whipped cream, and fresh berries is undeniably perfect, don’t hesitate to experiment with your Chunky Cinnamon French Toast!

• **Whipped Cream:** For an extra luxurious touch, make your own homemade whipped cream with a splash of vanilla. The lightness contrasts beautifully with the rich French toast and caramel.
• **Fresh Berries:** Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of seasonal berries add a pop of color, freshness, and a slight tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
• **Other Toppings:** A dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can elevate the dish.
• **Fruit Additions:** Sliced bananas, sautéed apples, or peaches can make wonderful complements.
• **Savory Pairings:** Turn it into a full brunch spread by serving alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage, or a perfectly fried egg.

LIKE THIS RECIPE AND WANT TO SAVE IT FOR LATER? PIN IT TO PINTEREST HERE!